D.A.W. = System designed to compose, record, edit, and mix digital audio
Two types:
–Standalone = looks like a mixer, with a display
–Software-Based = uses the power of a PC to run various tasks (recording, editing, mixing…)
Four types of music-based software functions:
-Digital Audio Processor
–MIDI Sequencer
-Virtual Instrument
-Musical Notation Editor
Usually, a DAW incorporates all, or a specific combination, of these features. This makes a software-based DAW a powerful tool.
A software-based daw is mainly composed by:
–Computer: which works as an host that provides the needed power to process all the information.
–Sound Card/Audio Interface: converts analog audio signals into digital form, and digital back to analog audio when playing it back; it may also assist in further processing of the audio.
–Software: controls all related hardware components and provides a user interface to allow for recording, editing, and playback.
Example of DAWs:
-Steinberg Cubase
–Ableton Live
-Cockos REAPER
-Image-Line FL Studio
–Pro Tools
–Audacity
–Many more…
Sources:
http://www.thedawstudio.com/what-is-a-daw/
https://www.lynda.com/Acoustics-tutorials/Types-DAWs/383529/487014-4.html
Cover image: *https://cdn.careersinmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/best-daw-in-2016.jpg*