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Digital Performer
Digital Performer · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States · founded 1980
What it is
Digital Performer is a music production application for audio recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arranging, mixing, and notation. Its MOTU Audio System combines a hard-disk recording engine with a mixing environment containing internal busses, aux tracks, master faders, sends, and real-time effects. The application supports virtual instruments, third-party VST plug-ins on Mac and Windows, and 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 as a 64-bit-only application. Minimum listed systems are macOS 10.13 or later and 64-bit Windows 10; PC ARM processors and 32-bit plug-ins or virtual instruments are unsupported. A 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and permits document saving. The full version is listed at $499, paid once, while the DP11 competitive upgrade is $395, paid once. Cloud collaboration is not supported.
For and against
For
- Audio recording and mixing environment
- MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments
- VST and Audio Unit plug-ins
- MusicXML notation export
- 30-day feature-complete demo
Against
- No cloud collaboration
- 64-bit systems required
- PC ARM processors unsupported
- Demo omits MP3 exporting
The verdict
Digital Performer combines recording, sequencing, notation, and mixing tools across macOS and Windows. Its demo is broad, but compatibility limits and the missing MP3 export in the trial should be considered.
Who it suits
Digital Performer suits musicians and producers working with recorded audio, MIDI, notation, and plug-ins on compatible Mac or Windows computers. It is for users who can meet its 64-bit system and processor requirements.
Plans and prices
Full version
Full Digital Performer license
Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Competitive upgrade
Upgrade for users of competing products
Read 21 Sep 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Upgrade from previous version
Upgrade from a previous Digital Performer version
Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
DP11 competitive upgrade
For users of competing products
Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Performer Lite upgrade
Upgrade from Performer Lite
Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
Digital Performer 11 full version
Full version
Read 8 Oct 2026 · cdn-data.motu.com
On the record
- 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 · read 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 · read 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
- Cloud collaboration
- Nocdn-data.motu.com · read 21 Sep 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
- MIDI and instruments
- Digital Performer supports MIDI sequencing and virtual instruments.cdn-data.motu.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- MIDI sequencing
- Yescdn-data.motu.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Multitrack editing
- Yescdn-data.motu.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Notation export
- QuickScribe can export notation scores as MusicXML for use in notation programs such as Finale and Sibelius.cdn-data.motu.com · read 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 · read 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 · read 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 · read 8 Oct 2026
- Product
- Digital Performer is a digital audio recording, MIDI sequencing, editing, arranging, mixing, and music notation application.cdn-data.motu.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- MOTU says registered users are eligible for technical support through its support website or by telephone.cdn-data.motu.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macOS and Windowscdn-data.motu.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Trial
- The 30-day demo includes all features except MP3 exporting and allows document saving.cdn-data.motu.com · read 8 Oct 2026
