AKARSH SHEKHAR
HOW
HOW TO
TO CHOOSE
CHOOSE THE
THE
RIGHT
DIGITAL
AUDIO
WORK
STATION
(DAW)
A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is a computer program
designed for recording, editing, mixing and mastering audio files.
A DAW helps musicians record their instruments, vocals, MIDI
controllers, lay down the tracks, arrange, splice, add effects and
finalize the song for everyone to hear.
DAWs are used across professional, semi-pro and home studios.
In today's digital age, a DAW forms the backbone of a modern
recording studio. Yes, a few artists prefer to record using
traditional analogue means but their numbers are dwindling and
digital is definitely the way forward.
With the vast variety of options available, choosing the right
DAW for your needs might be a little confusing. Here are some
important things to consider while choosing the right DAW:
• What’s your budget? – While buying a software which costs 10
times more than your budget is not recommended, you still need
to see buying a DAW as an investment. Something which you
might plan to use for at least 4-5 years (like a car). Even some
professional studios have been using the same DAW for 10 years.
Most DAW makers provide free trials so you should definitely ‘try
before you buy’.
• What’s your experience level? - If you’re a beginner, don't go
crazy and buy something expensive and exhaustive like Pro Tools
(it's such a vast tool that entire school programs have been created
to properly learn this massive software, and even they might
not be enough to learn everything). Start with a simpler, smaller
software as a pro level tool might prove to be too daunting at the
start. If you are a little experienced, definitely go for something
like Pro Tools, as it will turn out to be a great investment
• Which is the operating system that you have? – The Mac vs PC
debate isn't only relevant for graphic designers, it applies for
music producers as well. If you already have a well equipped
music computer, wonderful. If not, you will need to invest in a
powerful system to support the DAW you choose to buy after
reading this article. Some producers (and people) are Windows
only while some are Mac only. If you have the right hardware, the
OS doesn't really make that much of a difference. However, if the
DAW that you’ve chosen is Mac only or Windows only, then you
need to get the specific OS.
• Do you perform live? -Some DAWs are better suited for live
performances. They have features such as easy integration with
MIDI controllers, VST instruments, control surfaces and other
live performance-specific gear and features. Live performance
gear is usually a bit more tricky than studio gear as the scenario
is a lot less controlled. So, you’ll want to make sure all of your
tools flow well together. Regarding software, there are some
more live-tailored features in some DAWs, such as saving pre-
sets, matching the interface with what you’ve got in front of
you, etc. Some are just more geared to live performances, while
others being for when you’re deep inside of the studio well-past
midnight.
As you become more familiar with your DAW, your workflow
will speed up. If you think you have learned your DAW, learn
again. Look into hot keys, extensions, etc. Develop the ability
to immediately put an idea into play to keep that work flow
going. Join message boards or sub-reddits about the software
to brainstorm and learn with others. Buying a DAW is an
investment and it's definitely not the easiest thing to learn, but
once it gets going, it becomes as smooth as butter. And soon,
dishing out great music will become second nature for you.
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
43