What Is a DAW? A Guide to Digital Audio Workstations

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is music production software that allows users to record audio on a personal computer. DAW software works on both the Mac and Windows operating systems. It is used for audio recording, audio editing, MIDI editing, mixing, and mastering, among other functions. DAW software powers sessions in professional recording studios and home studios alike.

A digital audio workstation functions by converting analog audio—which arrives via an external audio interface—into a digital sequence that can be processed on a computer. This audio information appears visually on a computer screen either as sonic waveforms (bars representing MIDI commands) or as music notation on a staff. You can then manipulate this sound data by interacting with it on the screen.

Digital audio workstations offer a wide array of functionality.

1. 1. Record and edit audio. DAWs feature audio sequencers that let users record multiple tracks and play them back simultaneously. You can then cut, copy, and paste audio waveforms much in the same way you can move text in a word processing program. Tracks can easily be muted and crossfaded into one another. At any point during the editing process, the digital files can be played back as analog audio through speakers or headphones.
2. 2. Play virtual instruments. Using MIDI commands, you can control virtual instruments that replicate the sounds of acoustic instruments like the piano, violin, cello, clarinet, guitar, bass, and drum sets. Musicians typically control these virtual instruments using external MIDI sequencer keyboards. Various synths—which do not replicate acoustic instruments—can also be controlled by MIDI keyboards.
3. 3. Experiment with audio effects. Digital audio workstations typically offer various effects processing features for your audio files. Effects such as delay, reverb, tremolo, compression, EQ, and echo tend to come standard on a DAW. Some producers also use third-party virtual studio technology (VST plugins) for particular effects. For instance, you might use your DAW's compressor but use a third-party plugin for reverb sounds. It’s also usually possible to set up custom automations to create volume fades, panning effects, and other forms of audio processing.
4. 4. Mix and master audio tracks. Some music producers take audio tracks recorded by someone else, import them into their DAW, and then mix those files and add final burnishing effects.
5. 5. Work on sound design and non-musical audio. A digital audio workstation works for any type of audio—not just music. Some sound designers, ADR engineers, audio editors, and voiceover artists use the same DAW programs used by top music producers.

Many types of digital audio workstations exist in today's retail market.

1. 1. Avid Pro Tools: For decades, Pro Tools has been a popular choice for recording high-fidelity audio. Recent versions of the program feature robust MIDI functionality, but Pro Tools built its name in audio recording, editing, and sequencing.
2. 2. Ableton Live: This popular DAW has many adherents in the electronic music and hip-hop scenes. It offers a highly intuitive workflow for creating drum loops and adjusting beats on the fly.
3. 3. Image-Line FL Studio: Previously known as Fruity Loops, FL Studio offers many functions, but it is particularly favored by producers of electronic dance music (EDM). If you base your musical compositions around prerecorded loops and drum sounds as opposed to recorded audio, FL Studio may be the best DAW for your needs.
4. 4. Apple Logic Pro: Logic is a DAW that was developed in Germany and purchased by Apple in 2002. Today, it is a popular all-purpose DAW that performs well with recorded audio, MIDI, and live drum looping. Unlike many other DAWs, Logic is expressly designed for the macOS operating system. Windows compatibility is not possible.
5. 5. Garageband: Also owned by Apple, Garageband is a stripped-down version of Logic Pro, and it retails for a fraction of Logic's price. This makes it a good intro program for new producers. Like Logic, Garageband will only work on Apple products, including the macOS and iOS operating systems.
6. 6. Steinberg Cubase Pro: Steinberg Cubase is an all-purpose DAW known for its audio recording capabilities and MIDI-based virtual instruments. It handles VST plugins and runs on Mac and Windows machines.
7. 7. MOTU Digital Performer: Digital Performer has a relatively small market share, but it has a dedicated user base in the film scoring community. For years, DP has been a popular DAW for syncing audio and MIDI to motion pictures. It also features similar sequencing functions as larger brands like Pro Tools and Logic.
8. 8. Audacity: Audacity is a free open-source audio editing program. It has far fewer capabilities than paid DAWs, but it functions on many platforms—including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix-style systems.

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