WHAT IS A DAW?

April 15, 2022

WHAT IS A DAW IN MUSIC?

The abbreviation for DAW is “digital audio workstation. They’re many different versions of these workstations. People could say they have a DAW, but one might have a program installed on their computer, while another might have a larger setup featuring software, mixers, and other audio components. Software can range from simple too complex. DAW’s can turn a tedious process involving a bunch of gear and headaches into a one-click, plug-and-play experience. Usually they’re used alongside an audio interface, mixing desk, or other bits of external gear. Some are only available on certain operating systems too – whether that’s Windows or Mac.

HISTORY BEHIND DAWs

Origins of DAW’s can be traced back to the late ’70s and early ’80s. Soundstream are attributed with kickstarting the functionality of the DAW as we know it today. The musical landscape looked very different back then. Computers where just starting to become a viable option for making music. An introduction of MIDI was a revolution when it came to controlling synths, drum machines and samplers. For example, an idea of recording or editing digital audio on a computer was still a long way off. Even the earliest music programs offered new options that had never existed before. Over the course of the history of DAWs their use and purpose has changed and evolved. They started being used to create music firsthand. Today, EDM or Electronic Dance Music genre is created entirely within DAWs. Although some artists prefer to create their own sounds by recording and sampling “organic sounds.”

The birth of Pro Tools

On January 20, 1989 Sound Tools was unveiled by Digidesign at the National Association of Music Merchandisers show. Pro Tools processed four tracks and sold at $6,000 per copy. It crept into studios, not as a replacement for analog gear but as an additional production tool. This is to say, the first US number 1 single produced in Pro Tools was Ricky Martin’s 1999 song “Livin La Vida Loca.” Also in the mid to late 90s Steinberg’s Cubase matured at a fast pace. To clarify, In 1996 Cubase released VST 3.0 which introduced one of the most important technologies in modern day DAWs; Virtual Studio Technology (VST). By the end of the 90s DAWs were being used as the center piece of some studios to control and host hardware instead of just being used as supplementary tools

WHICH DAW IS THE BEST?

Pro Tools

Avid Pro Tools is the industry-standard DAW for virtually every genre outside of electronic music. It’s workflow for dealing with acoustic audio is unparalleled and its stock plugins are better than many coming from third-party manufacturers. For instance, it’s relatively streamlined interface makes it the go-to for tracking and then capturing a bunch of tracks simultaneously. If you’re going to be working with a lot of tracks with a level of complexity in your mix to match, then this is the DAW you should go for. Because, It also comes with 120 plugins, ranging from compressors and EQ’s to various virtual instruments this to me is the best go to DAW for recording and mixing!

Is Pro Tools the most popular DAW?

Pro Tools includes all the basic functionality you would expect from a pro level DAW. Above all, it can be found in almost every recording studio across the globe because of its unparalleled audio editing functions. With one command, you can export all regions as separate audio files; with one stroke of the mouse, you can batch trim or extend all selected tracks; when bouncing offline, Pro Tools can export audio at over 100 times playback speed. Not only this – Pro Tools also has film scoring, deep mixing functions, and real-time Audio Suite plugins. It’s a must-have DAW for any composer who plans to work with live audio.

Ableton

In this paragraph, i’m going to discuss why Ableton is the best DAW around if you want to make electronic music and incorporate a DAW into live performances. You can use it on both PC and Mac. It offers intuitive sound and music creation tools. Harness a wide range of instruments, tones and effects for varied sonic experimentation. Therefore, it’s the best all around for creating new music entirely within a DAW itself. This DAW is for you if you’re looking to quickly collaborate with other artists and develop a streamlined and improvisational workflow.

Functionality

Since Ableton is arguably the world’s most popular DAW, swapping files, finding resources and tools, and troubleshooting DAW-related issues is by far the easiest with Ableton. Originally created for DJ’s, Live revolves around triggering regions. Often it’s used as samples or loops in a live setting. Once a region has been created in one of the vertical instrument rows, it can be triggered at any time alongside other regions. When the Record button is enabled, an entire performance can be sequenced from the vertical editor into the corresponding horizontal editor.

What makes it different?

Firstly, Live comes equipped with lots of great samples and loops, and although the virtual instruments might not be as plentiful as Logic Pro, they are easy to use and get the job done. Secondly, what you see is what you get. Plus, you can assign any key to any function of the DAW at any time, on the fly. Lastly, This is a feature that no other DAWs offer and one that is a must-have when using the DAW app in live performance mode, but also comes in quite handy while utilizing it in the studio.

FL Studio

If you’re a linear thinker and want your workflow to be the same FL Studio is for you. The powerful sequencer allows you to systematically create professional-level music, one step at a time. Straight out of the box, FL Studio comes with plenty of loops, synths, and dynamics and effect processing plug-ins to get right into music making. This might be the most immediately inspiring DAW on the market if you’re programming beats of the electronic dance or hip-hop flavor. FLs been used by famous artists such as Deadmau5, Avicii, Soulja Boy, Martin Garrix, and countless others. What is true is that FL Studio is a little different in-use than some other DAWs. This is also the best daw for beginners.

Is FL Studio good for producers?

A DAW like this accommodates all different types of producers, no matter what you are focusing on. For instance, you can quickly get straight to recording vocals or another audio recording thanks to the easy-to-access and understand recording functions that FL Studio offers. It is also simple to connect to external hardware such as a midi keyboard or any midi controller using the input/output settings menu.

Why is FL Studio so popular?

There’s an emphasis on pattern generation and sequencing track elements like building blocks. One of the best things about FL Studio is the free lifetime updates for the DAW. That means once you purchase, you’ll be able to update the latest versions as they are released for no charge. Core features and plugins are added with every update. You’ll be enjoying new sounds and new functionality with every update. Thanks to the great functionality that FL Studio provides, it contains all of the features that even the most demanding professionals would expect. In addition, between being an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals alike, FL Studio is a great choice for any level of a producer.

APPLE LOGIC PRO

If you’re wanting a standard approach to producing music and a high-quality sound without extemporaneous bells and whistles that will only weigh you down. It’s predictable, professional, powerful, and direct. Logic Pro X by Apple is the one Mac-only DAW on this list. Visually, It has the appearance of Garage Band Pro, but don’t let that fool you. By far it is the most budget-friendly DAW for Mac users due to its inclusion of a massive sample instrument and plugin library. Some people will argue that this is the best beginner daw.

Does logic have good workflow?

It flourishes in its midi recording and midi editing capabilities. You can easily loop desired sections and set your preferences to create take folders, merge notes, create new tracks, etc. Most importantly, this allows for a streamlined mid recording workflow so you can focus on creativity. The GUI for midi editing is intuitive and simple, and the quantization mechanisms are accurate and quite functional. Composition for audio-visual purposes is a breeze too. You can import a video into the software itself. There’s even a music notation section which will enhance the planning of your soundtracks.

WHAT DO WE USE AT PLYBCK STUDIOS?

Here at PLYBCK Studios we like to use an array of different DAW’s. My favorite go to DAW’s are Ableton and Pro Tools. Because of Pro Tools sound engine it makes it my number one choice to record vocals. When we’re talking production and workflow, the best option to me is Ableton. Between the solid audio engine, integration of workflow, and collaborations this is hands down the go to production suite available. Check out PLYBCK Studios for more information.