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Digital Performer

motu.com

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Spec score 8.4 #6 of 39 in Digital Audio Workstations

What it is

Digital Performer is an application for recording audio, sequencing MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, and creating music notation. Its MOTU Audio System combines a hard-disk recording engine with a mixing environment that includes internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. The application supports virtual instruments and third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, plus Audio Unit plug-ins on macOS. QuickScribe exports notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius. Digital Performer runs on macOS and Windows and is 64-bit only; it does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments, and PC ARM processors are not supported. The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating systems. A 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows documents to be saved. There is no free plan. The listed full version costs $499, paid once, and the DP11 competitive upgrade costs $395 as a one-time purchase. Registered users are eligible for technical support through the support website or by telephone.

Spec sheet

Product
Digital Performer is a digital audio recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arranging, mixing, and music notation application.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Free plan
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Trial
The 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows document saving.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Support
MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Headquarters
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · motu.com
Maker
A MOTU product press release identifies the company as a developer of audio software and computer hardware peripherals for audio and video production.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
64-bit requirement
Digital Performer is a 64-bit-only application and does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Audio device drivers
The guide describes Core Audio drivers on macOS and ASIO or Windows Audio drivers on Windows.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Cloud collaboration
NoRead 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
MIDI and instruments
Digital Performer supports MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
MIDI sequencing
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Multitrack editing
YesRead 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Notation export
QuickScribe can export notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Operating systems
The guide lists macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10 as minimum operating system requirements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Plug-in formats
It supports third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, and macOS Audio Unit plug-ins.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
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.Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Supported platforms
macOS and WindowsRead 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com

Plans and prices

Full version Priced on request Full Digital Performer license Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Full version Price not published Full Digital Performer license Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Competitive upgrade Price not published Upgrade for users of competing products Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Competitive upgrade Priced on request Upgrade for users of competing products Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Performer Lite upgrade Priced on request Upgrade from Performer Lite Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Upgrade from previous version Priced on request Upgrade from a previous Digital Performer version Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Upgrade from previous version $195, paid once Upgrade from a previous Digital Performer version Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
DP11 competitive upgrade $395, paid once For users of competing products Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Performer Lite upgrade $395, paid once Upgrade from Performer Lite Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Digital Performer 11 full version $499, paid once Full version Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com

Every Digital Performer plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Combines recording, MIDI sequencing, mixing, and notation.
  • Supports VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows.
  • Exports notation as MusicXML.
  • 30-day demo allows document saving.

Limits

  • No free plan; full version is $499, paid once.
  • Demo excludes MP3 exporting.
  • Does not support 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments.
  • PC ARM processors are not supported.

Who it suits

Digital Performer suits music makers who need audio recording and mixing alongside MIDI sequencing, virtual instruments, and notation export. It is for users with supported 64-bit Mac or Windows systems.

Verdict

Digital Performer covers audio and MIDI production through notation, with a 30-day demo for evaluation. Check the 64-bit and processor requirements before choosing it; the listed full version costs $499, paid once.

Where Specifiction places it

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