The AI couldn't recommend a direct 1:1 replacement either. The suggestion for a #11 would be a good idea. It seems like a big omission on that questionnaire. Maybe they teach FL at Berklee now.

Spoiler

ONLY DAW for recording multichannel classical or acoustic music at DSD256 or DXD format: Pyramix. Does someone know another one...? The UI isn't really user friendly.
ChatGPT said:


You're absolutely right: Pyramix by Merging Technologies is the only widely recognized DAW that natively supports recording, editing, and mastering in DSD256 and DXD formats with full multichannel capabilities and DSD-native workflows (not just PCM conversion). It's the gold standard in archival, classical, and high-resolution acoustic recordings—but yes, its interface is notoriously non-intuitive unless you're deep in that ecosystem.

Alternatives? Here's the real situation:
✅ Technically Possible (with workarounds or limitations)

1. Sequoia (by MAGIX)
   
   • DXD (PCM 352.8 kHz) supported: Yes, for recording and editing.
     
     
   • DSD: Not natively supported. You'll need to convert to PCM.
     
     
   • Used for classical and broadcast, but doesn't handle DSD natively or with DSD editing features.
     
2. SoundBlade (by Sonic Studio)
   
   
   • DSD import/export, but not a full multichannel recorder.
     
     
   • Mostly for mastering and stereo DSD content.
     
     
   • No real DSD256 support or tracking tools.
     
3. Audiogate (by Korg)
   
   • Supports DSD256 playback and basic editing.
     
     
   • Only 2-channel, not designed for full multitrack production.
     
     
   • Good for stereo DSD archiving or conversion.
     
4. HQPlayer (Signalyst)
   
   • Not a DAW per se, but used for DSD playback and conversion.
     
     
   • No multitrack support, no recording.
     
     
   • Sometimes used in conjunction with other tools.
     
5. TASCAM Hi-Res Editor
   
   • Can open DSD/DXD files and do basic editing.
     
     
   • Stereo only, not for serious multitrack production.
     

Conclusion:
You're not missing anything major — Pyramix is really the only DAW designed specifically for multichannel recording/editing/mastering in DSD256 and DXD. It's used by top classical engineers for a reason, despite the UI learning curve.

If UI is your issue, your best bet is:

• Stick with Pyramix but create templates and learn the routing/layout system to streamline workflow.
  
  
• Or, record to DSD-capable hardware (like Merging HAPI/Horus) and convert to DXD for editing in Sequoia or even high-res PCM in Reaper/Pro Tools/etc.
  

 

@forart.it
Interesting, Thanks! But this is an usable App already or still a sourcecode/project? Could'nt find any executable there...?

 

@clone
Thanks for asking the AI. ;)
It's true...partially. There's only anotherone DSD recording option afaik: VinylStudio.
I'm a Samplitude/Sequoia user too, but there's no DSD at all.
I'm using now Pyramix with Merging hardware (Hapi/Anubis). But most steps of editing/mastering you have to process outside of the DAW by analogue gear because of a lack of capable software/plugins within. Otherwise you have to convert the DSD to PCM.

 

Korg AudioGate 4. Not a DAW but a simple DSD Player with recording and some basic editing capabilities. However according to their FAQ: "DSD recording functionality is available only when using the [KORG] DS-DAC-10R". You may try it on your own DSD hardware, to see if it's true.

https://www.korg.com/us/products/audio/audiogate4/index.php

 

Best DAW for GenX: Renoise