DAW Terminology Explained

DAW Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common digital audio workstation and pro audio terms, features and functions! This growing collection of terminology definitions are short and sweet, and are designed for the beginner, to make sure you understand the basics and foundations of modern recording technology.

Foundational Terms

• AD/DA Converter (01:08) - This video covers the basics of analog to digital and digital to analog converters. This video also covers what they are used for.

• Audio Interface (01:04) - Learn what an audio interface is and how it is used in a recording studio.

• Storage (01:41) - This video covers the basic data storage devices commonly used in recording studios.

• DAW (01:16) - Learn what a digital audio workstation is and the basics of how a DAW functions.

• Session Files (01:01) - This video covers what a session file for a DAW is and how they are used to store your recording projects.

• Tempo & BPM (01:05) - Thomas explains what tempo and BPM are; as well as how they can be used to adjust the overall speed of a song.

• MIDI & MIDI Tracks (01:53) - Lean the basics of MIDI and MIDI tracks. This video also covers how MIDI is used to control both instruments and software during the production process.

• Sequencer (00:56) - In this video, learn what the sequencer is in a DAW is and how it is used to provide structure.

• Audio File Formats (02:00) - Lean the various audio file recording formats that are commonly used when recording and producing music.

• Editing (01:08) - Learn the basics of the audio editing process and how audio clips can be adjusted in the sequencer of the DAW.

• Comping (01:56) - Thomas shows how comping is used to adjust sections of a recorded performance, or how it can be used to craft entirely new performances from recorded audio clips.

• Mixer (01:40) - In this video, Thomas covers the basics of the mixer section in a DAW. Learn what a mixer is and how it is used to adjust audio levels for your recording projects.

• Pan (01:09) - Thomas explains what panning is and how it is used in musical projects to place the different parts of a song in the stereo field.

• Mute & Solo (02:13) - Learn what mute and solo are on the mixer and how they are used in recording projects. / for your songs.

• Mixing (02:49) - This video shows how the process of mixing can be used to make a collection of audio recordings sound more balanced and interesting.

• Mastering (00:59) - Learn what mastering is and how it is used to finalize recorded audio projects.

Effects

• Effects (01:35) - This video covers what effects are and how they can be used to adjust sounds in recording projects.

• Equalizer / EQ (02:41) - Thomas covers what an equalizer is and how it is used to adjust audio recordings.

• Compressor (02:53) - This video covers what a compressor effect is and how it is used.

• Limiter (02:45) - Learn the basics of limiters and how they can be used to make tracks sound louder.

• Reverb (02:57) - Thomas shows what reverb is and how it's used to give audio a sense of space.

• Delay (02:28) - This video covers what delay is and how it can be used in audio recordings.

• Pitch & Time Processing (02:36) - Learn the basics of Auto-Tune and sequencer based pitch editors.

Advanced Terms

• Piano Roll & MIDI Sequencer (01:39) - Thomas covers the basics of MIDI sequencers and how they are used to create melodic parts for your songs.

• Metronome & Click Track (00:52) - Learn what a metronome is and how it is used while recording.

• Quantize (01:31) - This video explains the quantize feature in the MIDI sequencer and how it is used automatically to adjust the timing of MIDI information in the digital audio workstation, creating a good feel and groove.

• Decibel & Decibel Level (01:41) - In this video, learn what a decibel is and how it is used to measure audio level in a DAW.

• Clipping (01:26) - Discover what clipping is, how it can effect the sound of your audio, and how it can be avoided.

• Mono & Stereo Audio (01:18) - Learn the difference between mono and stereo audio recordings.

• Surround Sound (01:12) - This video covers what surround sound is and how it is used to give recorded audio a three dimensional sound.

• Plug-Ins & Plug-In Formats (01:12) - Learn the different formats available for plug-ins found inside your DAW.

• Send, Return, & Aux Tracks (03:05) - Learn what send, return, and aux tracks are and how they are used for better effect workflow.

• Bus & Group Channel (01:31) - In this video, Thomas covers the basics of bus and group channels, as well as how they are used when mixing projects.

• Automation & Automation Lanes (02:13) - Learn how automation and automation lanes are used to create movement in the sequencer of the DAW.