2. Introducing Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
- 2.1 What is a DAW?
- A DAW’s purpose in recording, editing, and mixing audio.
A DAW or Digital Audio Workstation, is a computer software designed for recording, editing, mixing, and producing audio. It serves as the central platform for managing and manipulating sound in music production, podcasting, film audio, and other forms of audio engineering.
Most DAWs can be used on MAC, Windows, or even Linux. Some DAWs such as Logic Pro are strictly MAC based. Depending on if you’re primarily a MAC, Windows, or Linux user, it's important to make a decision based on what operating system you’re already familiar and comfortable with. You don't want to have to learn a new operating system on top of learning a new DAW. It can already be a daunting task to try and learn a new computer software. It's even more complicated when you haven't yet used the operating system the software runs on.
_________________________________________________________________
- 2.2 Choosing a DAW
- Introducing popular DAWs.
When choosing a DAW, it's important to look forward and think about what your goal is. Are you making EDM, recording Live studio bands, or a combination of the 2? They all work with audio, they can all record and edit, but some were originally built for a specific purpose. Pro Tools was originally built to record live bands and take the place of tape machines. While Ableton Live was originally built as a live performance software to synchronize scenes. Even though Ableton was originally made for Live performance, it has all the capabilities of pro tools and dare I say more. DAWs in today’s world are simply mediums to create and design auditory art. Every DAW started out as a specific tool, but they all eventually became well rounded full on digital audio workstations.
With all that being said, take a moment to do some research on the most common DAW for the genre of music you want to make, or what DAW special effects artists prefer. I personally started with Audacity(1/yr) then LMMS(1/yr), FL studio(6/yr), and finally Ableton(8/yr). And the 1 thing I learned from both using multiple softwares as well as using them for so long:
It will take you a while to begin to navigate your DAW with confidence. You’ll probably have to keep looking up “how to do X “ a few times before it sticks. But if you hang in there and stick it out. Eventually your DAW becomes an extension of your mind, allowing you to take an idea from your head and make it into something real. All the Tools you need to manipulate audio in an infinite amount of ways, right at your fingertips,,,, if only you could find where that darn button is!
The more familiar you are with the DAW, the quicker you’ll be able to translate ideas into art. So pick one and stick to it. The more you switch DAWs the more often you have to relearn a whole new DAW. They all do the same thing, period. Getting good at the DAW you choose is the key factor. DAWs like Pro Tools don't sound better than other DAWs like FL Studio, they are all computer software running 1’s and 0’s.
_________________________________________________________________
- Suggested factors to consider when selecting a DAW.
My biggest suggestions when it comes to picking a DAW,
- What DAW looks like the most fun for you to use
- What DAW seems to be the most popular in the area you’re trying to work in (e.g. EDM, rock bands, special effects, movie scores)
- What DAW seems to do what you want it to do right off the bat
Remember, our goal here is to pick one and stick to it. Be the best at the DAW you choose.
(In my experience Ableton has been the absolute staple from live recording, EDM, and live performance)
_________________________________________________________________-
2.3 Basic DAW Setup
- A tip on installing a DAW for the first time.
While this course leaves quite the open-ended perspective on DAWs when it comes to “the best choice,” one thing, no matter what you choose:
This is important -
File organization will save you HOURS of headaches and potential problem-solving issues.
I wish I would have known this before I started my journey. But this is my warning to you, and it won't be the last time I say something about it. If I reference your “Master Folder,” you can be guaranteed that I’m talking about the one folder you should install everything to.
Regardless of what operating system you're using, upon installing a new software application or tool, you’ll be prompted with a “What folder to install in” box. This is your golden opportunity to start a Master Folder.
It doesn't matter where you create the folder, whether it be on your desktop, in a documents drive, wherever. Make a Master Folder that contains all of your applications, audio samples, saved songs, audio tools, and everything correlated with your audio work in that folder.
(I named mine “1-A Master Folder” so it’s always on top, and I made it in the Documents folder so I can easily access it.)
Example of file structure to adopt:
- Desktop
-
Master Folder
- DAW’s folder
- DAW audio samples
-
DAW tools
- Audio tools folder
- Tool brand 1 folder
- Tools
- Tool brand 2 folder
- Tools
- Tool brand 3 folder
-
Tools
- Song art
- Artwork
- Artwork
-
Artwork
- Mastered songs
- Song 1
- Song 2
- Song 3
As you can see in the example above, the master folder contains EVERYTHING related to your work. When you go to install your DAW, install it in its own folder within the Master Folder. When you save your work, export it to its own folder inside the Master Folder. This will keep you from having to search all over for things that should be together.
Unfortunately, if you just let your computer install things wherever it chooses to, it can be very easy to lose track of where everything is. Moving things becomes risky, like cutting wires. You move one thing, and now things don’t work.
Good file management will go a long, long way in helping your efficiency and prevent wasted time simply looking for things.
_________________________________________________________________- Overview of the DAW interface and main sections (e.g., tracks, timeline, mixer).
Every DAW has a timeline view, the view that overlooks all the waveforms. They all have an audio mixer to set your levels and the ability to add effects and processing to each sound. While it shouldn’t be the key selling point, looking at your DAW should be inspiring. Even if you just pick a DAW because “it looked cool” that's good enough. The main point still, is picking a daw that meets your needs and sticking with it.
Throughout these lessons I’ll be using Ableton, because that was the DAW I eventually chose and settled on as my favorite because it fit my workflow like a glove. We’ll get into what workflow means too don't worry.
I hope you are just as excited to get started as I am to write this for you.
_________________________________________________________________
As of 2024, several Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) have gained prominence among audio professionals and enthusiasts. Here are some of the most popular DAWs:
- Titles contain links to official websites for further research -
_________________________________________________________________
1. Ableton Live
Renowned for its versatility in music production and live performance, Ableton Live offers a seamless experience for creating, producing, and performing music, catering to artists and producers of all levels.
_________________________________________________________________
2. Logic Pro
Logic Pro is a comprehensive DAW favored by many for its robust features and user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for music production.
_________________________________________________________________
3. Avid Pro Tools
Considered the industry standard, Pro Tools excels in recording and mixing, especially in professional studio environments, with fantastic audio editing capabilities.
_________________________________________________________________
4. FL Studio
Known for its ease in beatmaking and sample manipulation, FL Studio is appreciated by many hip-hop and dance producers for its user-friendly interface and powerful features.
_________________________________________________________________
5. Cubase Pro
A powerful, ultra-flexible recording and production environment, Cubase Pro is particularly suited to MIDI editing and running virtual instruments, making it a top-notch DAW.
_________________________________________________________________
6. PreSonus Studio One
Studio One offers a single-window approach with drag-and-drop functionality, making it simple to navigate and quick to build up tracks, catering to both beginners and professionals.
_________________________________________________________________
7. Bitwig Studio
Notable for its strong modulation and automation capabilities, Bitwig Studio is designed for live performances as well as composing, recording, arranging, mixing, and mastering.
_________________________________________________________________
8. Reaper
A remarkably affordable cross-platform DAW with a tiny footprint and sophisticated MIDI/audio routing capabilities, Reaper is known for its responsiveness and efficiency.
_________________________________________________________________
9. Reason
Known for its unique rack-based interface and extensive library of instruments and effects, Reason is favored by producers for its creative workflow and sound design capabilities.
_________________________________________________________________
10. Tracktion Waveform Pro
A modern DAW with an intuitive interface, Waveform Pro offers a range of features suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it a versatile choice for music production.
_________________________________________________________________
These DAWs offer a range of features catering to various aspects of audio production, from live performance to intricate studio recording and mixing.