DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. This name has become popular for describing software which allows you to sequence audio/audio data. DAWs covers multiple types of software which allow the user to edit and sequence audio. Wikipedia describes a DAW as 'an electronic system designed to record, edit and play back digital audio'.

DAW is one of these terms which is debatable as to whether a piece of software is a DAW or not. For example Propellerhead Reason can edit and playback audio but cannot record live audio in (although it can record MIDI-In data for a MIDI controller). Is this still a DAW? some would say yes others wouldn't. In this guide and when I say DAW, what I mean is the main piece of software you use to make and sequence your music.

Today there are numerous pieces of software that can be used as a DAW and it is pretty overwhelming, so much so that choosing the right one is a pretty hard task to get right. I am not going to pick out a single piece of software and tell you that this is the piece that you should buy, that would be bad info to give out. Instead let me tell you what you should think about when picking which piece of software is right for you.

Choose What Feels Right

The piece of software you use should be based upon your own requirements, which is why it is a good idea to try them out before you buy. DAW software is very similar to the way people prefer Macs over PCs and vice versa. Both have their good and not so good points, but you just tend to prefer one over the other.

Basically you'll need to test out the demos and go for the software which just feels right. You will know when you find the right DAW for yourself because you will find that as you're using it, the concepts and layout of the software will feel the way that things should be done and you will complete tasks speedily and without hassle.

Price

Price is obviously very important, some DAWs have entry level versions which can be upgraded to a version with additional features at a later stage. Others can be a little on the expensive side if you're starting out producing and still don't know whether producing music is for you. It is important to understand what it is that you are paying for and that more expensive doesn't always mean better. There are some people out there who are using the cheaper DAWs and get the same results if not better than those who are using the most expensive.

Learning Curve

Another thing to think about is the learning curve, if you are starting out you probably wouldn't want to go diving in at the deep end with software which will be overwhelming with so many new concepts that you end up giving up. Take a look at what learning materials are available such as videos, books and web sites to make sure that the piece of software is a good one for you to start with if you are just beginning music production.

You will probably also hear that a certain piece of software is great for beginners when in reality it is not be the right learning environment for everyone.

Expandability

Think about the future, can you easily upgrade the software at a later stage, can you upgrade to next version easily.
Most software should easily be able to be expanded via plugins and instruments but check that it supports the technologies you will require such as VST effects, VSTi instruments or RTAS plugins.

Versions and Upgrades

Some DAWs have different packages of the same software, usually named in ways such as Lite, Pro and Ultimate. You may find that the cheaper version with less features is sufficient for your requirements, you wouldn't want to pay good money for a feature that you never use, so always check out what it is you are paying for.

You may also find that the feature can be added a different way such by the addition of a plugin effect or instrument (Usually VST/VSTi). These plugins can add new features themselves and there is little point in paying for an additional effect or synthesizer instrument in a DAW when there are similar synthesizer instruments that are freeware and can be used.

Required Features

Does the software have the features that you require now and for the near future. If you need to mix in 5.1 surround sound then make sure it has that facility. Do you have a requirement for live performance, if so make sure that it can do what you require. Most of DAWs also have a forum where you could go and ask to make sure that the DAW achieves what you require.

Other Peoples Opinions

Don't always go by other peoples opinions on software or just because that piece of software is what everyone is currently using. If you was to ask in a forum, most people will tell you the software they use is obviously the best because they do believe that, but that might not be the best software for you. For example Rusko (a Dubstep producer uses Sony ACID Pro as I have seen in a Future Music tutorial video.) If you went on to a forum and asked which software to use to make Dubstep, not many would say this software and you would probably get answers such as Logic, Ableton, Reason etc. but ACID obviously works pretty well for him.

Remember to try each one out before you buy by finding the demo. If no demo is available also try watching video tutorials on YouTube and you will be able to see the interface and techniques being used. Good luck on finding you perfect DAW and to help you out we have created a post containing a list of all the main DAWs, just click the link below.

List of Popular Music Making Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software