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Description

Step into a world of limitless musical possibilities with the MOTU Digital Performer. This professional-grade DAW software is a powerhouse, perfectly suited for composers, producers, and live performers alike. Whether you're scoring a feature film, crafting a hit single, or performing live, Digital Performer provides the tools you need to bring your creative vision to life.

Harness the power of Articulation Maps, offering seamless integration with advanced orchestral libraries, making it a dream for composers working with intricate arrangements. The software's support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is equally impressive, allowing you to inject a level of expressiveness into your music that was once the domain of live instruments only. Compatible with MPE-capable controllers like those from Roli, Digital Performer opens up a new realm of creative potential.

Never miss a moment of inspiration with Retrospective Recording, which ensures that even your impromptu performances are captured and preserved. The Clips window transforms your DAW into a live performance instrument, enabling real-time triggering and looping of audio and MIDI clips. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, Digital Performer offers a flexible and scalable interface tailored to your workflow, ensuring that your environment is as dynamic as your music.

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive DAW software for audio recording, scoring, and post-production
  • Articulation Maps for advanced orchestral sound library integration
  • MPE support for expressive MIDI control
  • Retrospective Recording to capture spontaneous performances
  • Clips window for live triggering and looping
  • Flexible user interface with customizable layouts
  • Integration with external controllers like Novation Launchpad and Akai APC series
  • Stretch Audio with Zynaptiq ZTX PRO technology for high-quality time-stretching and pitch-shifting
  • Advanced video engine for HD video clip playback

Product specs

Brand MOTU
Model Digital Performer 9
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Boxed Audio Plugins and Recording Software

FAQs

What operating systems is MOTU Digital Performer compatible with?

MOTU Digital Performer is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.

Does MOTU Digital Performer support MIDI and audio recording?

Yes, MOTU Digital Performer supports both MIDI and audio recording, making it suitable for comprehensive music production and sequencing tasks.

Can I use third-party VST plugins with MOTU Digital Performer?

MOTU Digital Performer supports third-party VST plugins, allowing you to expand your sound palette and integrate a wide range of virtual instruments and effects.

Is MOTU Digital Performer suitable for film scoring?

Yes, MOTU Digital Performer is well-regarded for film scoring due to its robust MIDI capabilities, notation features, and support for video playback and synchronization.

What are some standout features of MOTU Digital Performer?

Some standout features of MOTU Digital Performer include its advanced MIDI sequencing, comprehensive mixing environment, and flexible audio editing tools.

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

MOTU - Digital Performer 10

Video thumbnail for MOTU - Digital Performer 10 by Sound On Sound magazine

MOTU - Digital Performer 10

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Video thumbnail for Digital Performer 10 for beginners #1 tutorial (motu) by Thomas Foster musicproduction

Digital Performer 10 for beginners #1 tutorial (motu)

Thomas Foster musicproduction

Thomas Foster musicproduction

Video thumbnail for First Look: MOTU Digital Performer 11 by Sweetwater

First Look: MOTU Digital Performer 11

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for MOTU Digital Performer | REVIEW by A MINOR ERROR

MOTU Digital Performer | REVIEW

A MINOR ERROR

A MINOR ERROR

Video thumbnail for DP webinar: What's New in Version 11.2 by motuTV

DP webinar: What's New in Version 11.2

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2019 - MOTU Digital Performer 10 by Ask.Audio

NAMM 2019 - MOTU Digital Performer 10

Ask.Audio

Ask.Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly adaptable and versatile, suitable for various audio production needs

  • Exceptional MIDI programming platform with a longstanding reputation

  • Offers video integration, adding multimedia capabilities

  • Unique design likened to "Photoshop" for digital audio and MIDI production

CONS

  • Steeper learning curve compared to more intuitive DAWs

  • Digital recording functions can be less transparent than competitors

  • Perceived lack of updates and sales, leading to a feeling of abandonment

  • Niche product with a cult-like following, not for mainstream users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU Digital Performer.

Features and functionality

  • Digital Performer excels in video handling, allowing for smooth operation and synchronization even on older Mac hardware like a 2012 Mac tower.

    Source
  • Digital Performer 11 introduces Articulation Maps, allowing detailed control over keyswitches, expressions, and dynamics, especially useful with VSL and other orchestral libraries.

    Source
  • MPE support in Digital Performer 11 eliminates the need to switch DAWs for ROLI Seaboard users, a significant improvement for those using expressive MIDI controllers.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the 'chunks/v racks' option for organizing multiple sequences and setups within a single project, enhancing workflow flexibility.

    Source

User experience

  • Users frequently port projects from Ableton or Live into Digital Performer for post-production, citing its powerful orchestration and mixing capabilities.

    Source
  • The interface might feel overwhelming initially, but closing side panels and focusing on the track section can simplify the learning curve for new users.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users experience plugin issues with Digital Performer, leading them to incorporate Reaper and Cubase as alternatives.

    Source
  • Digital Performer 11 can be installed alongside previous versions without overwriting, though shared assets like themes and plugins will update.

    Source
  • DP 11 supports Novation and Akai Pad controllers and NI Komplete Kontrol controllers, expanding hardware integration options for users.

    Source
  • Vienna Ensemble Pro users face a learning curve with Digital Performer, particularly with integrating external MIDI instruments and managing multiple computer setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Digital Performer is particularly favored for film scoring, with users appreciating its intuitive interface and robust features for video integration.

    Source
  • Live Performance Mode in DP 11 supports dynamic live setups, enhancing its utility for performers who require real-time DAW interaction.

    Source
  • Some users utilize Broadway scores with 15-25 instruments to learn Digital Performer, finding this method effective for understanding orchestration within the DAW.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its extensive features, Digital Performer is noted for offering a competitive price compared to other DAWs like Pro Tools and Cubase.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
geovoc

pretty good

Kind of awkward to get used to compared to other daws I've used but it's a pretty layout and still a pretty decent daw. Also has option for video.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Forden uses MOTU Digital Performer

Dan Forden

Composer

Cheer-Accident

...
Verified via Photo

Included in the list of equipment used by Dan Forden in the liner notes of one of the Mortal Kombat soundtracks.

See how Jack Wall uses MOTU Digital Performer

Jack Wall

Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The Myst III score was largely written at Jack's home studio, so I asked him about his equipment and sounds of choice. "I use a G4 Mac with Digital Performer because I've just been using that forever, and I have GigaStudio on a PC. I use the Garritan Orchestral Strings library, and I've got a couple of Akai samplers and a JV2080 stuffed full of cards. I'm looking forward to the Vienna Symphonic Library — I heard a demo of it at the AES show here in LA in October and it blew my mind. It's all about trying to make the music sound as real as you can before fleshing it out into the orchestration."

See how Tommy Tallarico uses MOTU Digital Performer

Tommy Tallarico

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via David Perry's Blog

"We use both Mac’s & PC’s to create our stuff. Lots of Roland keyboards and samplers with lots of sample libraries. We use Digital Performer with a super fast Mac to do cinematics. We don’t use Pro Tools. Digital Performer does everything we need. We use Cakewalk on the PC to sequence our midi. I use 24 tracks of ADAT’s to record my music and I have a 32X8 Mackie console to mix. It’s not a huge massive setup. Everyone seems to think you need to spend millions of dollars to do this, but it’s just not true. Lately home recording gear and computers have made it real easy for the musician just starting out to get his stuff to sound really great for less money."

See how Riow Arai uses MOTU Digital Performer

Riow Arai

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Rocketbaby

In an interview with Rocketbaby, Riow Arai mentions using MOTU Digital Performer as part of his music production setup.

See how Aleks Syntek uses MOTU Digital Performer

Aleks Syntek

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Aleks explains how he creates computer sequences using this software

See how Rod Abernethy uses MOTU Digital Performer

Rod Abernethy

Composer

...
Verified via Soundiron

"I'm currently using Digital Performer on a Mac Pro for my DAW. I've used just about every DAW out there and I keep returning to DP because it's easy for me to get around on. I have a PC server that's loaded with my orchestral and percussion libraries. Over the years, I've honed my system down to a bare minimum of hardware. I use Apogee convertors, they still sound the best to me. Like everyone else, I have tons of virtual instruments and plug-ins but I'm still using my favorite hardware synths including my Oberheim OB-8, Access Virus TI, Roland Juno 60, Nord Lead 2 and all my Roland 1080s and my MKS-80 Super Jupiter."

See how Jody Gray uses MOTU Digital Performer

Jody Gray

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Jodygray

"Apple G4 dual 533, Digital Performer, and Pro Tools. I used to be a Vision guy. I chose DP because several of the composers I worked with were already into DP, so I had a knowledge base around to help me make the transition."

J

Jeehun Hwang

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Gear

Kurzweil K2500 (two) "I use one K2500 as my controller keyboard and I have an additional rackmount K2500. I use those to control my sound library of real orchestral sounds." Akai S2000 Roland JV1080 "I use this with the orchestra expansion card for some of the orchestral sounds that are mostly in the background — in other words those that don't require so much authenticity. It allows me to layer up sounds without having to use up any of the memory I need for my better CD‑ROM orchestral samples." Studio Electronics ATC1 "This one I use when there's a need for analogue sounds. You can switch from one type of sound to another depending on what cartridge you put in." Roland Juno 106 "I used the Juno 106 for Mercenaries and a bunch of other titles that needed more industrial types of sounds." Tech 21 SansAmp PSA1 "This is great for recording guitar sounds. It has a whole bunch of different guitar distortions and effects and plugs straight into the board — you don't have to go through a separate amplifier, but it creates the sound just as well." Alesis ADAT XT "Occasionally when I have all the samplers filled up and I don't have any more memory I dump them on to different tracks on the ADAT and record them that way." Tascam DA30 DAT recorder JVC Pro Series Digital S video deck "I use this half‑inch deck to sync up films and timecode." Apple Power Mac 4400 running MOTU's Digital Performer "I've been trying various different sequencers to see which one I like the best and, although they all have their pros and cons, I find that Digital Performer works really well for what I'm doing." Digidesign Pro Tools "I don't use Pro Tools that much. Sometimes I will if I need to sync up different dialogue and sound effects to the music, but mostly I do the final mix onto DAT and if necessary I'll load that back into Pro Tools to burn CDs."

See how Naoki Satō uses MOTU Digital Performer

Naoki Satō

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Mac Fan Portal

The article titled "楽器は14台のMac。「ゴジラ-1.0」「るろうに剣心」「龍馬伝」…“日本のエンタメ”を音で彩る稀代の作曲家・佐藤直紀インタビュー" by sudo.hajime on Mac Fan Portal confirms that Naoki Satō uses MOTU Digital Performer. This information is supported by a photo included in the article.

See how Masashi Hamauzu uses MOTU Digital Performer

Masashi Hamauzu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Original Sound Version

Masashi Hamauzu uses MOTU Digital Performer as one of his main tools, as confirmed in an interview by Jayson Napolitano on Original Sound Version. In the interview, Hamauzu states, "The main tools that I use are Digital Performer, orchestral samples by East West, and some standard software synth by Native Instruments."

Album Usage

The MOTU Digital Performer has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU Digital Performer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Avid Pro Tools
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9
Apple Power Mac G4 Desktop
Apple Power Mac G4 Desktop Computers & Peripherals
6
Apple Mac Pro (2006-2012)
Apple Mac Pro (2006-2012) Computers & Peripherals
5
Steinberg Cubase
Steinberg Cubase Music Software
4
Opcode Studio Vision
Opcode Studio Vision Music Software
4
Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
4
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
3
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
3
Roland JD-990
Roland JD-990 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3

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