At the Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit 2024, Microsoft introduced new tools that are helping musicians and audio professionals. These updates focus on making music creation smoother on Windows devices powered by Arm64 technology.
Steinberg’s Cubase and Nuendo are now available in preview, with Reason expected to follow in early 2025. Reaper has also released its preview version. On the hardware side, Yamaha and Focusrite will release driver previews next year to improve the connection between audio interfaces and these devices.
Microsoft’s latest project could possibly create competition for Apple’s position in the creative industry, which has long been favoured by musicians for its dependable systems and software.
How Will These Changes Affect Musicians?
Microsoft’s new built-in drivers, such as the USB Audio Class 2 driver, intend to cut down audio delays to improve performance for live recording and playback. The release also has MIDI 2.0 support, arriving in November for Windows Insider builds, with a bigger rollout planned early next year. Compatibility with older MIDI 1.0 devices makes it so users can still work with existing equipment.
The drivers avoid some of Windows’ existing audio processes, which helps maintain smoother playback during sessions. Musicians will also benefit from faster setups, so there is no need for complex driver installations.
These changes will be available on Intel and AMD devices too, meaning they won’t be limited to Arm64 users.
Why Is Microsoft Now Targeting The Music Industry?
Microsoft is positioning itself as a stronger option in the creative world, where Apple systems have usually been favoured. Musicians and audio engineers tend to choose Apple devices for their stability and ease of use.
Microsoft’s recent updates address many of the challenges musicians face on Windows, aiming to make the platform more user-friendly.
Working with Yamaha and Focusrite, Microsoft is working to make it easier to connect audio interfaces without downloading additional drivers. This shift reduces the hassle involved when setting up equipment, giving musicians more time to focus on their work.
The updates are designed to suit musicians working in many different settings, such as studios, home setups, or live events. This will allow performers and producers to use Windows systems confidently in different spaces.
What Does This Mean for Musicians?
These tools and drivers could change how musicians view Windows for creative work. Some have been reluctant to trust only Windows due to past issues with setup and performance. The new updates remove many of these obstacles.
Built-in support for popular DAWs and audio hardware makes it easier to start new projects without delays. The improved drivers and MIDI 2.0 support will attract audio professionals who need to have dependable performance for live shows or recording.
Windows systems may now appeal to musicians looking at alternative options that aren’t Mac, giving them another platform to work with properly.
Musicians are an important and essential part of our lives—we all listen to music, and technology is advancing in this industry as well. Pete Brown, Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft explains it perfectly, saying, “Music is all around us.
“We purposefully listen to music in our cars and homes and concerts, we hear it in stores and public places, and in larger cities, often on street corners. We hear it when we view shows on streaming services, or TV. Music plays when many of our device.”
