Clips and clip launching via a matrix have been around a while, with Ableton leading the way (not the first, but the most famous for sure). More and more DAWs are adding this functionality; yet, they are add-ons. Farrago by Rogue Amoeba offers soundboards, which is handy for viewing options, but not flexible enough to compose with.

Are there any DAWs or other software workstations that are primary clip-based . . . possibly w/o a linear arrangement?

In my case, I'm on a Mac.

 

Last edited: Mar 18, 2022

Too late

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2022

Obviously Bitwig that started as an Ableton Live clone. But also a lot of "DAWs" aimed more at beginners (like Magix Music Maker, Steinberg Sequel, etc.) use a loop oriented workflow.

Cakewalk had Project5 which was pretty much exactly this. A loop (or "phrase") based DAW, but they abandoned it as most of the features were later carried over to Sonar. Actually there are many DAWs today with features like that even if they're not primary clip-based.

 

maschine, mpc

 

Digital Performer's last update has it.

 

I started with MOTU Performer wayyy back in the late 80s, then DP, then . . . updates became too expensive and here I am. ;-)

 

Do you not like the Loop based stuff in Logic?

 

It seems most of the DAWs, Logic included, have jumped on the clip bandwagon in one form or another, but which makes it a priority? I checked out Maschine software, but it's seems very incomplete . . . probably needs the controller. Serato Studio is good . . . getting better with each update.

 

I was surprised how good it works, recording cliplaunches into arrangement is fun