Freedom251 › Game Audio Editors
Digital Performer
What Digital Performer is
Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing and arranging music, mixing, and creating notation. Its MOTU Audio System combines a hard disk recording engine with a mixing environment built around internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. It supports MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments, with third-party VST plug-ins on macOS and Windows and Audio Unit plug-ins on macOS. QuickScribe can export notation scores as MusicXML for use in programs such as Finale and Sibelius.
The application runs on macOS and Windows and requires 64-bit hardware and software. The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating systems; supported processors are 64-bit Intel or Apple silicon Macs and 64-bit Intel or AMD PCs. PC ARM processors and 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments are not supported. Digital Performer is paid, with a 30-day demo that permits document saving but excludes MP3 export. The full version is $499, paid once, and the DP11 competitive upgrade is $395, paid once.
Who it suits
Digital Performer suits musicians who need audio recording and mixing alongside MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, and notation export. It is a fit for users on supported 64-bit Macs or Windows PCs who can work within its processor and plug-in requirements.
What it does well
- Combines audio recording, editing, arranging, and mixing.
- Supports MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments.
- Includes real-time effects, sends, aux tracks, and master faders.
- Exports notation scores as MusicXML through QuickScribe.
- Offers a 30-day demo with document saving.
What to know first
- No free plan is available.
- The demo excludes MP3 exporting.
- 32-bit plug-ins and virtual instruments are unsupported.
- PC ARM processors are not supported.
Limits
The 30-day demo excludes MP3 exporting, though it allows documents to be saved. The application requires a 64-bit system and does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full version | Full Digital Performer license | On request |
| Full version | Full Digital Performer license | On request |
| Competitive upgrade | Upgrade for users of competing products | On request |
| Competitive upgrade | Upgrade for users of competing products | On request |
| Upgrade from previous version | Upgrade from a previous Digital Performer version | $195, paid once |
| Performer Lite upgrade | Upgrade from Performer Lite | $395, paid once |
| DP11 competitive upgrade | For users of competing products | $395, paid once |
| Digital Performer 11 full version | Full version | $499, paid once |
As motu.com lists them, read 21 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the Digital Performer website.
- Choose the full version or an applicable upgrade plan.
- Use the 30-day demo if you want to try the application first.
- Install on macOS 10.13 or later, or 64-bit Windows 10.
- Use Core Audio on macOS or ASIO or Windows Audio drivers on Windows.
Verdict
Choose Digital Performer if you need audio and MIDI production with notation export in one application. Look elsewhere if you require 32-bit plug-ins, PC ARM support, or MP3 export during the demo.
Questions
Is there a free plan?
No. A 30-day demo is available, with all features except MP3 exporting; documents can be saved.
How much does Digital Performer cost?
The full version costs $499, paid once. The DP11 competitive upgrade costs $395, paid once.
Which platforms does it support?
It supports macOS and Windows. The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating systems.
Which plug-in formats are supported?
Third-party VST plug-ins are supported on Mac and Windows, and Audio Unit plug-ins are supported on macOS. 32-bit plug-ins are not supported.
Can it export notation?
Yes. QuickScribe can export scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius.
Who provides support?
MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone.
Facts from Digital Performer's own pages
- 64-bit requirement
- Digital Performer is a 64-bit-only application and does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Audio device drivers
- The guide describes Core Audio drivers on macOS and ASIO or Windows Audio drivers on Windows. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Audio recording and mixing
- Its MOTU Audio System provides a hard disk recording engine and a recording and mixing environment with internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Cloud collaboration
- No · cdn-data.motu.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- No · cdn-data.motu.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States · motu.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Maker
- A MOTU product press release identifies the company as a developer of audio software and computer hardware peripherals for audio and video production. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- MIDI and instruments
- Digital Performer supports MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Yes · cdn-data.motu.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yes · cdn-data.motu.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Notation export
- QuickScribe can export notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating system requirements. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Plug-in formats
- It supports third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, and macOS Audio Unit plug-ins. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Processor support
- The guide supports 64-bit Intel or Apple silicon Macs, and 64-bit Intel or AMD PCs; PC ARM processors are not supported. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Product
- Digital Performer is a digital audio recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arranging, mixing, and music notation application. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS and Windows · cdn-data.motu.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Trial
- The 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows document saving. · cdn-data.motu.com, 8 Oct 2026
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