In the simplest sense, a
digital
audio workstation is a recording platform that uses computing power to take the place of
traditional hardware equipment. The recording software then is what controls the computing power;
allowing the guts of your home studio to exist in a virtual environment. So, for example, with
digital audio workstation software you may opt to use a virtual mixing board that is graphically
represented on a computer monitor, expanding your range of possibilities while saving you tons of
space.
The primary benefit of using a digital audio workstation for your home recording studio is
that today's recording software is so immensely powerful that the options and controls are nearly
limitless. Since many home recording studios don't have the space or the budget to have thousands
of different instruments lying around, the virtual instruments available in recording software make
a great alternative. Plus, recording software also gives users more control over their sound
through an ever increasing database of plug ins and recording software expansion packs and
upgrades.
Choosing your Digital Recording Software
There are so many different brands of recording
software on the market today that it can be frustrating to try and figure out not only which one is
best, but which one will work best for you. Depending upon what kind of home recording you're
looking to make, as well as what kind of computer you plan on using, your choice in recording
software may be different. With that being said, some of the most common recording software used
today in both professional and home recording studio's are:
Pro Tools: As far as recording software goes, Avid's
Pro
Tools is probably the biggest name in the business. With different packages designed to meet
the needs of everyone from aspiring home recording artists to professional sound engineers, Pro
Tools recording software mixes a powerful program with a user friendly interface. Plus, Pro Tools
recording software is compatible with both Mac and PC computers!
For beginners looking for a great way to get their home recording studio off the ground,
bundled packages like the
Avid
Pro Tools Mbox Mini that give you the recording software as well as an audio interface to
boost, you'll be ready to go practically out of the box.
Logic: For those of you with Mac computers looking for recording software
specifically designed for your system, then
Apple's
Logic should appeal to you. Logic applies the smooth feel and intuitive design common to Apple
products with the power of a full fledged virtual studio. The
Apple
Logic Express 9 Digital Audio Workstation offers users an amazing array of expandable features,
add-ons and plug-ins, making for a great recording software package for experienced audio engineers
and beginners alike
.
Cakewalk: As one of the leading brands in recording software, Cakewalk continues
to surpass expectations with their powerful and robust software designed exclusively for PC
computers. With a line of recording software designed for home recording studios, such as the
Cakewalk
SONAR Home Studio 7XL Digital Audio Workstation, that have what you need for your home
recording projects, you'll be able to work from start to finish without leaving the program.
Remember, when first working with any recording software, the learning process can be
challenging. However, the reward of successfully mastering use of your recording software program
means you'll be able to quickly and easily unlock the seemingly limitless power of your digital
audio workstation. Additionally, with all the different ways to expand your digital audio
workstation you'll be able to build a home recording studio perfectly designed to meet your needs.
