What Does DAW Mean?

 DAW means "Digital Audio Workstation"

How to Choose a DAW Program

Whether you’re recording live musicians or producing music in the box, you’re going to need the right DAW software for the job. A great, full-featured DAW needs to include a few key elements. All good DAWs include multitrack audio recording and MIDI (virtual instrument) sequencing, as well as mixing capabilities and plug-in processor hosting. A truly great DAW provides you with all the tracks you need, a workflow that meshes with your style, and plenty of useful content.

For instance, if you’re mostly interested in multitracking bands, you’ll want to stick to a DAW that’s geared toward audio recording. A clean workflow that lets you take in information about multiple tracks at a glance is a must, and a suite of bundled compressors, EQs, and other plug-in processors is a serious bonus. If you’re planning on writing a lot of music in the box, then your focus should be on creative tools, MIDI- and virtual-instrument-based workflows, and bundled soft synths instead. If you don’t know which one is best for you, then this guide is the right place to start.

What’s a DAW?

DAW is an acronym for Digital Audio Workstation, and it’s where you record, edit, mix, and often master your music or audio. Technically, it’s a complete ecosystem that includes everything from your outboard gear and audio interface to your computer and any software you’re running. But most of the time, when someone talks about a DAW, they’re talking about music production software. That’s what we’ll focus on in the rest of this guide.

For now, we’ll briefly go over the other central parts of your complete DAW. For starters, there’s your computer. Your computer dictates a lot of what you can hope to do. Your CPU speed will determine things like how many plug-ins you can run, while your memory plays a huge part in recording audio and playing sample-based virtual instruments. And you can’t forget about disk speed, which decides how many tracks you can record at once, among other things.

On the hardware side, the biggest consideration is going to be your audio interface. Before all else, your interface’s inputs limit how many tracks you can record at once. It also limits the resolution at which you can record and how many outputs you can send. In most cases (at least in the beginning), your interface is also your main or only source of microphone preamps, monitor management, and headphone distribution. Choose wisely and always plan for future expansion.

Beyond studio monitors, other major parts of your total DAW will vary. If you’re recording, then you’re looking at microphones, preamps, outboard processors, and more. Composers and music producers will need MIDI controllers, whereas many mix engineers demand the hands-on feel of a control surface. You can read all about these in other Sweetwater guides.

Summary of Key Points

"Digital Audio Workstation" is the most common definition for DAW on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

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