Introduction
The late 1990s to early 2000s (roughly 1995–2005) marked a pivotal era in PC music software, transitioning from MIDI-focused sequencers to full digital audio workstations (DAWs) with audio recording, VST plugin support, and loop-based production. Windows PCs became dominant platforms, enabling affordable home studios. This list compiles software across categories like DAWs/sequencers, audio editors, trackers, samplers/loop tools, virtual instruments, MIDI utilities, and early effects plugins. It's drawn from historical timelines, software lists, and production retrospectives, focusing on releases or major versions for Windows/PC. Note: Many tools evolved from earlier versions, and compatibility often required specific hardware (e.g., sound cards like Sound Blaster).
DAWs and Sequencers
These were the core for arranging, recording, and mixing MIDI/audio tracks. Early ones emphasized MIDI; later added multitrack audio.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Samplitude Studio | 1995 | First full DAW for Windows; 4–16 track audio/MIDI sequencer with editing tools, evolved from Amiga roots. |
| Cool Edit Pro (later Adobe Audition) | 1996 | Multitrack editor/DAW with effects; became industry standard for audio post-production on PC. |
| Cubase VST | 1996 | Steinberg's flagship; introduced VST plugins, 32-track audio, and MIDI sequencing for Windows. |
| Dance eJay | 1997 | Beginner-friendly loop-based sequencer for dance music; drag-and-drop interface. |
| FruityLoops (later FL Studio) | 1997 | Pattern-based sequencer for loops/beats; rose in popularity for electronic music on low-end PCs. |
| ReBirth RB-338 | 1997 | Emulation of Roland TB-303/TR-808/909; acid house sequencer with pattern editing. |
| ACID Pro | 1998 | Sony's loop-based DAW; automatic tempo-matching for samples, ideal for remixing. |
| n-Track Studio | 1998 | Affordable multitrack recorder; supports VST plugins and live input. |
| Logic Audio (Windows version) | 1998–2002 | Emagic's pattern-based DAW; audio/MIDI hybrid until Apple acquisition ended PC support. |
| Total Recorder | 1997 | Simple audio/MIDI capture tool; focused on real-time recording from sources. |
| Nuendo | 2000 | Steinberg's advanced DAW for post-production; surround sound and ADR tools. |
| Propellerhead Reason | 2000 | Virtual rack of synths/samplers/effects; MIDI sequencing with audio import. |
| Arturia Storm | 2000 | All-in-one virtual studio; includes sequencers, drum machines, and loop players. |
| Kristal Audio Engine | 2000 | Free lightweight DAW; unlimited tracks with VST support. |
| Ableton Live | 2001 | Clip-based non-linear DAW; revolutionized live performance and looping. |
| Cakewalk Sonar | 2001 | Evolution of Cakewalk; pro DAW with deep MIDI/audio integration. |
| Orion Platinum | 2001 | Modular DAW for electronic music; synth-focused with pattern editing. |
| Mixcraft | 2002 | User-friendly DAW with loops and effects; budget alternative to big names. |
| Podium | 2004 | Flexible DAW with rack-based workflow; supports ReWire. |
Audio Editors
Standalone tools for editing waveforms, often used alongside DAWs.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| GoldWave | 1993 (major updates 1990s) | Versatile wave editor; batch processing, effects, and format conversion. |
| Sound Forge | 1995 | Sony's pro audio editor; precision editing, spectral analysis. |
| WaveLab | 1996 | Steinberg's mastering editor; CD burning, batch processing. |
| Audacity | 2000 | Free open-source editor; multi-track support added later, cross-platform. |
| Adobe Audition (as Cool Edit Pro) | 2000 | Multitrack/non-destructive editing; spectral editing tools. |
| WavePad | 1999 | Simple editor with batch conversion; free version available. |
| mp3DirectCut | 2003 | Non-destructive MP3 editor; gapless playback, quick cuts. |
| Acoustica | 2005 | Basic editor with CD ripping; later evolved into Mixcraft integration. |
| Soundbooth | 2005 | Adobe's quick-edit tool for video; essential sound fixes. |
Trackers and Modular Tools
Popular in chiptune/electronic scenes; grid-based pattern editors.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scream Tracker | Late 1990s | PC tracker for MOD files; sample-based composition. |
| FastTracker 2 (FT2) | Late 1990s | Advanced XM tracker; effects and multi-channel support. |
| AudioMulch | Late 1990s | Modular environment for experimental audio; granulation tools. |
| MadTracker | Early 2000s | Tracker with VST support; modernized for PC. |
| OpenMPT | Early 2000s | Open-source tracker; supports legacy formats. |
| Buzz | Early 2000s | Modular tracker; machine-based like ReBirth. |
Samplers and Loop Tools
For manipulating samples and loops.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Propellerhead ReCycle! | 1994 (popular 1990s) | Loop slicer; tempo-independent editing for import to sequencers. |
| Soundscape Digital 32 | 1990s | Early Windows sampler/sequencer hybrid. |
| Steinberg Halion | 2001 | Sample player; early VST sampler for Cubase. |
Virtual Instruments and Synths
Early software synths, often VSTi.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Native Instruments Reaktor | 1999 | Modular synth/sampler; user-buildable instruments. |
| Native Instruments Absynth | 2000 | Wavetable/granular synth; ethereal pads and effects. |
| Reason Subtractor/Malström (in Reason) | 2000 | Analog/subtractive synths in rack format. |
| Cakewalk TTS-1 (Dimension series) | 2000 | GM soundfont player; affordable virtual piano/orchestra. |
| Steinberg Model E | 2001 | Minimoog emulation; early analog modeling. |
| Native Instruments FM7 | 2002 | FM synthesis; Yamaha DX7 emulation. |
| Rob Papen Albino | 2005 | Versatile synth; wavetable and FM. |
| Cakewalk RXP6 (SF2 player) | 2005 | SoundFont-based orchestral library. |
MIDI Utilities
Tools for MIDI composition and control.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cakewalk Pro Audio | 1990s | MIDI-only sequencer; notation and editing. |
| MusicTime Deluxe | 1990s | MIDI notation editor; score printing. |
| Anvil Studio | 2000s | Free MIDI/tablature composer. |
Early Effects Plugins (VST)
VST format exploded in 1996; these were staples.
| Software Name | Release Year | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| Steinberg VST Effects (e.g., EQ, Reverb) | 1996 | Built-in for Cubase; basic dynamics and modulation. |
| Waves Plugins (e.g., Q10, L1) | Late 1990s | Pro mastering tools; limiter and EQ. |
| Antares Auto-Tune | 1997 | Pitch correction; defined pop vocals. |
| iZotope Ozone (early) | 2001 | Mastering suite; EQ, exciter, maximizer. |
| Soundtoys EchoBoy (early) | Early 2000s | Delay emulation; tape/analog modes. |
Other Notable Tools
- Magix Music Maker (1998): Beginner loop composer with effects.
- Winamp (1997): MP3 player with visualization; essential for playback/testing.
- Exact Audio Copy (1999): CD ripping tool for accurate sample sourcing.
This list isn't exhaustive but covers the most influential and widely used tools. Many are still available as legacy versions or emulations today. For deeper dives, check historical archives like old software CDs or forums from the era.
Commercial Music Software (Late 1990s - Early 2000s)
These are primarily professional tools for composition, synthesis, sequencing, and audio processing, often with graphical or modular interfaces similar to Max/MSP.
| Software | Release Year | Description | Platform Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max/MSP | 1997 | Visual programming environment for interactive music, multimedia, and real-time signal processing using object-based patching. | Cross-platform (Windows/Mac); PC-compatible. |
| OpenMusic | 1997 | Visual functional programming system for computer-assisted composition, integrating symbolic and signal processing. | Primarily Mac, but PC ports via Common Lisp; used in academic PC setups. |
| Composers Desktop Project (CDP) | ~1990 (active through 2000s) | Suite of command-line and graphical tools for sound synthesis, analysis, and composition, emphasizing algorithmic processes. | Windows/Linux; designed for PC desktops. |
| Kyma | 1990 (evolved in 90s) | Visual sound design environment using a block diagram language for synthesis and processing. | Cross-platform; PC support via PDSA cards. |
| Reaktor (formerly Generator) | 1998 | Modular virtual synthesizer and effects environment for building custom instruments and sequencers. | Windows/Mac; core PC tool. |
| Cubase | 1989 (VST audio in 1996) | Digital audio workstation (DAW) with MIDI sequencing, audio recording, and plugin support. | Windows/Atari ST; dominant on PC. |
| Logic (formerly Notator Logic) | 1993 | Pattern-based MIDI sequencer and DAW for composition and production. | Initially Atari ST, ported to Windows in late 90s. |
| Ableton Live | 2001 | Loop-based DAW focused on live performance, sampling, and non-linear composition. | Windows/Mac; PC-native. |
| Pro Tools | 1991 (major updates 1990s) | Professional DAW for multitrack audio editing and mixing. | Windows/Mac; PC versions from mid-90s. |
| Studio Vision | 1990 | Integrated MIDI/audio sequencer with notation and scoring features. | Mac, but influenced PC tools like Cakewalk. |
| Sound Designer II | 1990 | Sample editor and waveform processor for sound design. | Mac, but PC analogs like SoundForge emerged. |
| Cakewalk (now Sonar) | 1987 (Pro Audio in 1992) | MIDI sequencer and early DAW with piano-roll editing. | Windows-exclusive. |
| Opcode Vision | 1990 | All-in-one MIDI studio for sequencing and notation. | Mac, but PC ports via Emagic tools. |
| Propellerhead ReCycle! | 1996 | Loop slicing and sample manipulation tool for rhythmic composition. | Windows/Mac. |
Open-Source Music Software (Late 1990s - Early 2000s)
These emphasize free, community-driven tools for experimental and algorithmic music, often with visual or textual programming paradigms akin to CDP or OpenMusic.
| Software | Release Year | Description | Platform Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Data (Pd) | 1996 | Open-source visual programming language for audio and multimedia, similar to Max/MSP but free. | Cross-platform; excellent Windows support. |
| SuperCollider | 1996 | Text-based, object-oriented environment for real-time audio synthesis and algorithmic composition. | Cross-platform; PC binaries available. |
| Csound | 1986 (major 90s expansions) | Orchestra- and score-based language for sound synthesis and processing. | Cross-platform; PC-focused implementations like Csound for Windows. |
| Common Music | ~1991 (active 90s) | Object-oriented environment for algorithmic composition, outputting to various synthesis backends. | Cross-platform via Common Lisp; PC-compatible. |
| ChucK | 2003 | Strongly-timed, concurrent programming language for real-time sound synthesis and performance. | Cross-platform; Windows builds. |
| Nyquist | 1990s | Functional programming language for sound synthesis, composition, and analysis. | Cross-platform; integrated with Audacity on PC. |
| CLM (Common Lisp Music) | 1990s | Lisp-based package for sound synthesis, supporting real-time and file-based rendering. | Cross-platform via Common Lisp; PC use common in academia. |
| CMN (Common Music Notation) | 1990s | Lisp-based system for algorithmic music notation and score generation. | Cross-platform; PC via Lisp environments. |
| Patchwork | 1990s | Graphical extension for OpenMusic, enabling visual patching for composition. | Mac-based but open-source elements portable to PC Lisp. |
| JMax | 1996 | Graphical real-time audio processing environment from IRCAM. | Unix/Linux; PC via Linux ports. |
| MusicKit | 1989 (NeXT, open-sourced 90s) | Object-oriented framework for MIDI and synthesis. | NeXT/Unix; adapted for PC. |
| HMSL (Hierarchical Music Specification Language) | 1980s (90s updates) | Object-oriented environment for experimental, hierarchical composition. | Cross-platform; Java port (JMSL) in early 2000s for PC. |
| KeyKit | 1990s | Awk-like scripting environment for MIDI file manipulation and generation. | Windows/Linux. |
| Snd | 1990s | Sound editor and programming environment with Scheme extensions for synthesis. | Cross-platform; PC-native. |
| STK (Synthesis Toolkit) | 1990s | C++ library for physical modeling and synthesis instruments. | Cross-platform; used in PC apps. |
This list focuses on tools at a similar conceptual level—creative, programmable environments for composition and synthesis—rather than basic editors or players. Many originated on Mac or Unix but had Windows ports or equivalents by the early 2000s due to PC dominance. For trackers (e.g., FastTracker II, 1994) or granular tools (e.g., Granulab, 1990s), see demoscene archives, as they were more game-oriented. If you need downloads, manuals, or deeper dives into any, let me know!
Comentários
Enviar um comentário