View source for Digital audio workstation

{{Short description|Device or software used for recording, editing and producing audio files}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2020}}

[[Image:Peter Francken in his studio.jpg|thumb|Music production using a digital audio workstation (DAW) with [[multi-monitor]] set-up]]

A '''digital audio workstation''' ('''DAW''' {{IPAc-en|d|ɔː}}) is an electronic device or [[application software]] used for [[Sound recording and reproduction|recording]], editing and producing [[audio files]]. 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.<ref name="Kefauver">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0aE7BAAAQBAJ&q=digital+audio+workstation&pg=PA63 |title=Fundamentals of Digital Audio, New Edition |last1=Kefauver |first1=Alan P. |last2=Patschke |first2=David |date=2007-01-01 |publisher=A-R Editions, Inc. |isbn=9780895796110 |pages=133 |language=en}}</ref>

DAWs are used for producing and recording [[music]], [[song]]s, [[speech]], [[Radio broadcasting|radio]], [[television]], [[soundtrack]]s, [[podcasts]], [[sound effects]] and nearly every other kind of complex recorded audio.

== History ==
Early attempts at digital audio workstations in the 1970s and 1980s faced limitations such as the high price of storage and the vastly slower processing and disk speeds of the time.

In 1978, [[Soundstream]], who had made one of the first commercially available digital audio tape recorders in 1977, built what could be considered the first digital audio workstation using some of the most current computer hardware of the time.<ref name="Kefauver" />  The ''Digital Editing System'', as Soundstream called it, consisted of a [[PDP-11|DEC PDP-11/60]] minicomputer running a custom software package called DAP (Digital Audio Processor), a Braegen 14"-platter hard disk drive, a [[storage oscilloscope]] to display audio waveforms for editing, and a [[video display terminal]] for controlling the system. Interface cards that plugged into the PDP-11's [[Unibus]] slots (the Digital Audio Interface, or DAI) provided analog and digital audio input and output for interfacing to Soundstream's digital recorders and conventional analog tape recorders. The DAP software could perform edits to the audio recorded on the system's hard disks and produce simple effects such as crossfades.

By the late 1980s, a number of personal computers such as the [[Macintosh]], [[Atari ST]], and [[Amiga]] began to have enough power to handle digital audio editing.  Engineers used [[Macromedia]]'s Soundedit, with Microdeal's [[Replay Professional]] and [[Digidesign]]'s ''Sound Tools'' and ''Sound Designer'' to edit audio samples for sampling keyboards like the [[E-mu Emulator#The Emulator II|E-mu Emulator II]] and the [[Akai S900]]. Soon, people began to use them for simple two-track audio editing and [[audio mastering]].

In 1989, [[Sonic Solutions]] released the first professional (48&nbsp;kHz at 24 bit) disk-based [[Non-linear editing|non-linear audio editing]] system. The [[Macintosh IIfx]]-based Sonic System, based on research done earlier at George Lucas' [[Sprocket Systems]], featured complete [[Compact Disc manufacturing#Premastering|CD premastering]], with integrated control of Sony's industry-standard [[U-matic]] tape-based digital audio editor.

Many major [[recording studios]] switched over to using digital audio after Digidesign introduced its [[Pro Tools]] software in 1991, modeled after the traditional method and signal flow in most analog recording devices. At this time, most DAWs were Apple Mac based (e.g., Pro Tools, Studer Dyaxis, [[Sonic Solutions]]).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vila |first=Pablo |title=Music and Youth Culture in Latin America |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2014 |pages=226 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Théberge |first=Paul |date=1 October 2004 |title=The Network Studio: Historical and Technological Paths to a New Ideal in Music Making |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0306312704047173 |journal=Social Studies of Science |volume=34 |pages=759–779 |doi=10.1177/0306312704047173 |s2cid=110021371 |via=Sage Journals|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Around 1992, the first Windows-based DAWs started to emerge from companies such as Innovative Quality Software (IQS) (now [[SAWStudio]]), [[Soundscape Digital Technology]], SADiE, Echo Digital Audio, and Spectral Synthesis. All the systems at this point used dedicated hardware for their audio processing.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Heywood |first=Brian |date=1993 |title=SADiE (SOS Jun 1993) |url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/sadie/10621 |journal=Sound on Sound |issue=Jun 1993 |pages=132–138}}</ref>

In 1992, Sunrize Industries released the AD516 soundcard for big-box [[Amiga]] computers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://amiga.resource.cx/exp/ad516|title = Sunrize Industries AD516 - Amiga Hardware Database}}</ref> This allowed up to 8 tracks of 16-bit 48&nbsp;kHz direct-to-disk recording and playback using its Studio 16 software. It could also integrate directly into [[Blue Ribbon Soundworks]]' Bars & Pipes Pro MIDI software or [[NewTek]]'s [[Video Toaster]], thus providing a complete package of [[MIDI]] sequencing and/or video synchronization with non-linear hard disk recording.

In 1993, the German company [[Steinberg]] released [[Cubase|Cubase Audio]] on [[Atari Falcon|Atari Falcon 030]]. This version brought [[Digital signal processor|DSP]] built-in effects with 8-track audio recording and playback using only native hardware. The first Windows-based software-only product, introduced in 1993, was [[Samplitude]] (which already existed in 1992 as an audio editor for the Commodore Amiga).

==Hardware==
{{See also|Music technology (electronic and digital)|l1=Digital music technology|Digital drum|l2=Digital drum set|Drum machine|Electronic keyboard|Electric guitar|MIDI controller|Sound module|Headphones|Studio monitor|Mixing console|Audio control surface|Microphone|Pop filter|Computer|Sound card|}}
[[File:Digital audio workstation classroom.webp|thumb|3D model of a digital audio workstation classroom]]
===Integration===
[[Image:TASCAM X-48.jpg|thumb|upright|An integrated DAW consists of: a [[computer monitor|control screen]], 48-track [[digital mixer]] integrated on [[hard disk recorder]] including data storage and audio interface. ([[TASCAM]] X-48)]]
{{See also|Hard disk recorder}}

An integrated DAW consists of a [[digital signal processing]], [[Audio control surface|control surface]], [[audio converter]]s, and [[data storage]] in one device. Integrated DAWs were popular before commonly available personal computers became powerful enough to run DAW software. As personal computer power and speed increased and prices decreased, the popularity of costly integrated systems dropped.

==Software==
{{See also|Comparison of digital audio editors|Comparison of MIDI editors and sequencers|List of free software for audio|List of music software}}
[[Image:Ardour_6.7_Recorder_Editor_Mixer.png|thumb|A screenshot of a typical software DAW ([[Ardour (software)|Ardour]])]]

DAW can refer to the software itself, but traditionally, a computer-based DAW has four basic components: a [[computer]], a [[sound card]] or other audio interface, [[audio editing software]], and at least one user input device for adding or modifying data.  This could be as simple as a mouse and keyboard or as sophisticated as a piano-style [[MIDI keyboard|MIDI controller keyboard]] or automated [[audio control surface]] for mixing track volumes.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bianchi |first1=Daniele |last2=Avanzini |first2=Federico |last3=Baratè |first3=Adriano |last4=Ludovico |first4=Luca A. |last5=Presti |first5=Giorgio |date=2022 |title=A GPU-Oriented Application Programming Interface for Digital Audio Workstations |journal=IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems |volume=33 |issue=8 |pages=1924–1938 |doi=10.1109/TPDS.2021.3131659 |s2cid=244784611 |issn=1558-2183|doi-access=free }}</ref>

The computer acts as a host for the sound card, while the software provides the interface and functionality for audio editing.  The sound card typically converts analog audio signals into a digital form, and digital back to analog audio when playing it back; it may also assist in further processing of the audio.  The software controls all related hardware components and provides a [[user interface]] to allow for recording, editing, and playback.

Computer-based DAWs have extensive recording, editing, and playback capabilities (and some also have video-related features).  For example, they can provide a practically limitless number of tracks to record on, [[polyphony]], and virtual [[synthesizer]]s or sample-based instruments to use for recording music. DAWs can also provide a wide variety of [[effects unit|effects]], such as reverb, to enhance or change the sounds themselves.

Simple [[smartphone]]-based DAWs, called mobile audio workstations (MAWs), are used (for example) by journalists for recording and editing on location.

As software systems, DAWs are designed with many [[user interface]]s, but generally, they are based on a [[multitrack tape recorder]] metaphor, making it easier for [[recording engineer]]s and [[musicians]] already familiar with using tape recorders to become familiar with the new systems. Therefore, computer-based DAWs tend to have a standard layout that includes transport controls (play, rewind, record, etc.), track controls and a mixer. A waveform display is another common feature.

Single-track DAWs display only one ([[monaural|mono]] or [[stereo]] form) track at a time.{{efn|The term ''track'' is still used with DAWs, even though there is no physical track as there was in the era of tape-based recording.}} [[Multitrack recording|Multitrack]] DAWs support operations on multiple tracks at once. Like a [[mixing console]], each track typically has controls that allow the user to adjust the [[Gain (electronics)|gain]], [[Equalization (audio)|equalization]] and [[stereo panning]] of the sound on each track. In a traditional recording studio, additional [[rackmount]] processing gear is physically plugged into the audio signal path to add reverb, compression, etc. However, a DAW can also route in software or use [[audio plug-in]]s (for example, a [[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]] plugin) to process the sound on a track.

Perhaps the most significant feature available from a DAW that is not available in analog recording is the ability to undo a previous action, using a command similar to that of the undo function in [[Word processor|word processing software]].  Undo makes it much easier to avoid accidentally permanently erasing or recording over a previous recording.  If a mistake or unwanted change is made, the undo command is used to conveniently revert the changed data to a previous state.  Cut, Copy, Paste, and Undo are familiar and common computer commands and they are usually available in DAWs in some form. More common functions include the modifications of several factors concerning a sound. These include wave shape, pitch, tempo, and filtering.

Commonly, DAWs feature some form of [[mix automation]] using procedural line segment-based or curve-based interactive graphs.  The lines and curves of the automation graph are joined by or comprise adjustable points.  By creating and adjusting multiple points along a waveform or control events, the user can specify parameters of the output over time (e.g., volume or pan).  Automation data may also be directly derived from human gestures recorded by a [[Audio control surface|control surface]] or [[MIDI controller]].

[[MIDI]] recording, editing, and playback is increasingly incorporated into modern DAWs of all types, as is [[synchronization]] with other audio or video tools.

[[File:Qtractor-screenshot11.png|thumb|[[Qtractor]] screenshot]]

There are many [[free and open-source software]] programs that perform DAW functions. These are designed to run on a variety of [[operating system]]s and are usually developed non-commercially. Some of these include [[Ardour (software)|Ardour]] and [[LMMS]].

Personal Composer, created by Jim Miller for Yamaha, was the star of the [[NAMM Show]] in 1983.<ref>{{Cite book |author=FREFF |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=e-gI2W-3JwkC&dq=%22personal+composer%22+%22jim+miller%22&pg=PA39 |quote= Yamaha personal-composer jim-miller |title=MIDI interface |date=1984-04-03 |publisher=Ziff Davis, Inc. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Miller |first=Jim |date=1985 |title=Personal Composer |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3679620 |journal=Computer Music Journal |volume=9 |issue=4 |pages=27–37 |doi=10.2307/3679620 |jstor=3679620 |issn=0148-9267|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Personal Composer runs under MS DOS 2.0 and includes a MIDI sequencer, synth editor (such as Yamaha's DX7), universal librarians and a score editor. The software was later released as Personal Composer System/2 (1988).<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chapman |first=Jay |date=December 1988 |title=Personal Composer System/2 (SOS Dec 1988) |url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/personal-composer-system-2/4036 |journal=Sound on Sound |issue=Dec 1988 |pages=78–84}}</ref>

In 1996, Steinberg introduced a revamped Cubase (which was originally launched in 1989 as a [[MIDI sequencer]] for the Atari ST computer, later developed for Mac and Windows PC platforms, but had no audio capabilities until 1993's Cubase Audio) which could record and play back up to 32 tracks of digital audio on an Apple Macintosh without the need of any external DSP hardware. [[Cubase]] not only modeled a tape-like interface for recording and editing, but, in addition, using [[Virtual Studio Technology|VST]] also developed by Steinberg, modeled the entire mixing desk and effects rack common in analog studios. This revolutionized the DAW world, both in features and price tag, and was quickly imitated by most other contemporary DAW systems.

Digital audio applications for [[Linux]] and [[BSD]] fostered technologies such as [[Advanced Linux Sound Architecture]] (ALSA), which drives audio hardware, and [[JACK Audio Connection Kit]]. JACK allows any JACK-aware audio software to connect to any other audio software running on the system, such as connecting an ALSA- or [[Open Sound System|OSS]]-driven soundcard to a mixing and editing front-end, like [[Ardour (software)|Ardour]] or [[Rosegarden]]. In this way, JACK acts as a virtual audio [[patch bay]], and it can be configured to use a computer's resources in [[Real-time computing|real time]], with [[Flat memory model|dedicated memory]], and with various options that minimize the DAW's [[latency (audio)|latency]]. This kind of abstraction and configuration allows [[DJ]]s to use multiple programs for editing and synthesizing audio streams, or [[Computer multitasking|multitasking]] and [[duplexing]], without the need for analog conversion, or [[wikt:asynchronous|asynchronous]] saving and reloading files, and ensures a high level of [[High fidelity|audio fidelity]].

Members of the Linux Audio Development (LAD) mailing list have contributed to the development of [[standardization|standards]] such as the [[LADSPA]], [[Disposable Soft Synth Interface|DSSI]] and [[LV2]] plugin architectures. The [[Virtual Studio Technology]] (VST) plugin standard is supported by some programs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Plug-Ins |url=https://www.audacityteam.org/download/plug-ins/ |access-date=2021-04-20}}</ref>

===Plug-ins===
{{Main|Audio plug-in}}
{{See also|Software effect processor|Software synthesizer}}
There are countless software [[audio plug-in|plugin]]s for DAW software, each one coming with its own unique functionality, thus expanding the overall variety of sounds and manipulations that are possible. Each has their own form of generating or manipulating sound, tone, pitch, and speed of a simple sound and transforming it into something different. To achieve an even more distinctive sound, multiple plugins can be used in layers and further automated to manipulate the original sounds.

===Generative Audio Workstations===

{{Promotional section|date=February 2025}}

Recent developments in [[generative artificial intelligence]] are spurring innovation in DAW software. A research paper from [[Georgia Tech]], titled "Composing with Generative Systems in the Digital Audio Workstation", proposed the term ''Generative Audio Workstation'' to describe this emerging class of DAWs.<ref>{{Cite web
| url = https://ceur-ws.org/Vol-3359/paper15.pdf
| title = Composing with Generative Systems in the Digital Audio Workstation
| access-date = 2023-09-08
| last = Clester
| first = Ian
| author-link = 
| date = 2023-06-17
| publisher = CEUR Workshop Proceedings 
| pages = 3
| language = English 
}}</ref>

Three examples of notable GAWs are [[AIVA]], WavTool, and Symphony V. AIVA provides parameter-based AI MIDI song generation within a DAW. WavTool offers a browser DAW equipped with a [[GPT-4]] composition assistant and AI text-to-sample generator. Symphony V provides generative vocal synthesis, note editing, and mixing tools.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web
| url = https://www.audiocipher.com/post/generative-audio-workstation
| title = Generative Audio Workstations: AI VSTs & The Future of DAWs
| access-date = 2023-09-08
| last = Sandzer-Bell
| first = Ezra
| author-link = 
| date = 2023-09-07
| publisher = AudioCipher Technologies 
| format = Article
| language = English 
}}</ref>

Generative AI services have also become available through plugins that integrate with conventional DAWs, such as [[IZotope|Izotope Neutron 4]], TAIP, and Synthesizer V. Neutron 4 includes a ''mix assistant'' that uses machine learning to analyze audio and automatically apply processing effects. TAIP provides tape saturation powered by AI neural networks that imitate traditional [[Digital signal processing|DSP]] processing. Synthesizer V offers several AI vocalists whose notes can be manipulated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 14 AI Plugins and Tools for Music Producers in 2023 (for Mixing, Mastering, Composition, Sequencing & More) |url=https://www.productionmusiclive.com/blogs/news/top-14-ai-plugins-and-tools-for-music-producers-in-2023-for-mixing-mastering-composition-sequencing-more |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=Production Music Live |language=en}}</ref>

To reduce the strain on computer memory, some plugin companies have developed [[thin client]] VSTs that use resources from a cloud server. For example, the audio-to-[[MIDI]] plugin Samplab offers a desktop application with user authentication and API calls that perform stem separation and MIDI transcription off of the computer's local device.<ref name=":0" /> This can improve load speeds or prevent applications from crashing.

==Impact==
DAWs can be implemented in a music education class to show students how to use them and learn how to produce their own music. According to a study done by the [[Indonesia University of Education]], the use of a DAW in music learning can let students build their learning of music production on their own.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125952155.pdf | title = Digital Audio Workstation in Music Self-Learning | access-date = 2023-11-27 | last = Cipta | first = Febbry | date = 2021-02-04 | publisher = Atlantis Press | pages = 5 | language = English}}</ref> Another study done by the [[University of Milan]] made a DAW accessible to kids.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://air.unimi.it/retrieve/bc919ed0-b78b-4be8-a4f2-dfab22ddc12b/CSME2022.pdf | title = A Collaborative Digital Audio Workstation for Young Learners | access-date = 2023-11-27 | last1 = Baraté | first1 = Adriano | last2 = A. Ludovico | first2 = Luca | last3 = Presti | first3 = Giorgio | year = 2022 | publisher = CSEDU | pages = 7 | language = English}}</ref>

The usage of DAW can be found in most [[hip hop]] and [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] music with the use of looping an instrumental. With music production also moving to a laptop, music making has shifted from professional studios and into bedrooms.<ref>{{Cite journal | url = https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03007766.2021.1972701 | title = Who let the DAWs Out? The Digital in a New Generation of the Digital Audio Workstation | access-date = 2023-12-04 | last = Reuter | first = Anders | journal = Popular Music and Society | date=2021-10-07 | volume = 45 | issue = 2 | publisher = Taylor & Francis| pages = 113–128 | doi = 10.1080/03007766.2021.1972701 | language = English| url-access = subscription }}</ref>

==Notable examples==
<!--To be considered for inclusion here, entries must have a corresponding Wikipedia article to link to-->
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Ableton Live]]<ref name="SOSApr2015">{{cite web|last=Korff|first=Chris|title=Evolving DAWs|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/evolving-daws|website=Sound On Sound|date=April 2015|access-date=October 6, 2025}}</ref>
* [[ACID Pro]]
* [[Ardour (software)|Ardour]]
* [[Adobe Audition]]
* [[WaveFrame AudioFrame|AudioFrame]]
* [[Audiotool]]
* [[Audacity (audio editor)|Audacity]]
* [[BandLab]]
* [[Bitwig Studio]]
* [[Cakewalk by BandLab]]
* [[Cubase]]<ref name=SOSApr2015/>
* [[Digital Performer]]
* [[FL Studio]]
* [[GarageBand]]
* [[LMMS]]
* [[Logic Pro]]<ref name=SOSApr2015/>
* [[MetaSynth]]
* [[Mixbus]]
* [[Mixcraft]]
* [[MuLab (MuTools)|MuLab]]
* [[MusE]]
* [[Magix Music Maker|Music Maker]]
* [[n-Track Studio]]
* [[Nuendo]]
* [[Zynewave Podium|Podium]]
* [[Pro Tools]]<ref name=SOSApr2015/>
* [[Qtractor]]
* [[REAPER]]<ref name=SOSApr2015/>
* [[Reason (software)|Reason]]<ref name=SOSApr2015/>
* [[Renoise]]
* [[Rosegarden]]
* [[Samplitude]]
* [[SAWStudio]]
* [[Sound Forge]]
* [[Soundtrap]] 
* [[Studio One (software)|Studio One]]<ref name=SOSApr2015/>
* [[Synclavier]]
* [[Tracktion Waveform]]
* [[Traverso DAW]]
{{div col end}}

==See also==
<!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order and use {{annotated link}} or a short description - [[WP:SEEALSO]] -->
*{{annotated link|Audio restoration}}
*{{annotated link|Broadcast automation}}
*{{annotated link|Comparison of digital audio editors}}
*{{annotated link|Comparison of MIDI editors and sequencers}}
*{{annotated link|List of free software for audio}}
*{{annotated link|List of music software}}
*{{annotated link|Music tracker}}
*{{annotated link|Music workstation}}
*{{annotated link|Radio software}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Digital audio workstations}}
{{Wikiversity|Digital Audio Workstation}}
*[https://www.digitalaudiowiz.com/daws-digital-audio-workstations-list/ A list of software DAWs, Sequencers, Hosts, etc.]
*[https://www.digitalaudiowiz.com/best-daw-for-beginners/ DAW Software for beginners]

{{Digital audio workstations}}
{{Music technology}}

[[Category:Computing terminology]]
[[Category:Digital audio]]
[[Category:Digital audio workstation software| ]]
[[Category:Music workstations]]
[[Category:Sound production technology]]