View source for Digital audio workstation

A '''digital audio workstation''' ('''D.A.W.''') is an electronic device or computer software application for recording, editing and producing [[Audio file|audio files]].

== Description ==

DAWs come in a wide variety of configurations from a single software program on a laptop, to an integrated stand-alone unit, all the way to a highly complex configuration of numerous components controlled by a central computer.

Regardless of configuration, modern DAWs have a central interface that allows the user to alter and mix multiple recordings and tracks into a final produced piece.

== Uses ==

DAWs are used for the production of [[music]], [[radio]], [[television]], [[podcasts]], [[multimedia]] and nearly any other situation where complex recorded audio is needed.

== History ==

The history of DAWs parallels advances in computer power with expensive-but-limited units becoming available in the 1970s, then more affordable PC-based systems in the late 1980s

Today (circa 2016), a powerful system can be built inexpensively, using open-source software and consumer audio equipment even as a market exists for professional high-end systems, essential in any modern recording studio.

== See also ==

* [[Audacity (audio editor)]]
* [[Audio editing software]]
* [[Audio engineer]]
* [[Comparison of digital audio editors]]
* [[Comparison of free software for audio]]
* [[Digital audio]]
* [[Multimedia]]
* [[MuseScore]]
* [[Music]]
* [[Podcasts]]
* [[Radio]]
* [[REAPER]]
* [[Scorewriter]]
* [[Television]]

== External links == 

=== General interest ===

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation Digital audio workstation] @ Wikipedia

=== OS X ===

* [http://osxdaily.com/2014/07/12/mac-setup-macbook-pro-desk-audio-engineer-student/ The MacBook Pro Desk of an Audio Engineer & Student]
* [http://theproaudiofiles.com/mac-os-x-keyboard-shortcuts/ 7 Useful OS X Shortcuts for Audio Engineers]
* [http://mac.appstorm.net/general/8-powerful-mac-audio-tools/ 8 Powerful Mac Audio Tools]
* [http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-free-cheap-audio-editors-mac-os-x/ The Best Free & Cheap Audio Editors For Mac OS X]
* [http://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-capture-and-record-audio-on-your-mac--mac-52196 How to Capture and Record Audio on Your Mac]
* [http://www.jefftk.com/p/why-is-my-macs-mic-so-bad Why Is My Mac's Mic So Bad?] ("Ambient noise reduction")
* [https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1935698?tstart=0 Record live band practice with Garage Band]
* [http://smyck.net/2013/03/18/how-to-record-your-band-rehearsal/ How to record your band (rehearsal)]
* [http://forum.audacityteam.org/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=8903 Cheap omnidirectional mic for music rehearsal?]
* [http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/getting-the-best-sound-using-a-room-mic-and-full-band.965467/ Getting the BEST sound using a room mic and full band.]
* [http://www.macosxaudio.com/ macosxaudio.com]

See [[OS X]].