DAW Terminology Explained®
Chapter 1 : Foundational Terms
-
1:08 AD/DA Converter
This video covers the basics of analog to digital and digital to analog converters. This video also covers what they are used for.
-
1:04 Audio Interface
Learn what an audio interface is and how it is used in a recording studio.
-
1:41 Storage
This video covers the basic data storage devices commonly used in recording studios.
-
1:16 DAW
Learn what a digital audio workstation is and the basics of how a DAW functions.
-
1:01 Session Files
This video covers what a session file for a DAW is and how they are used to store your recording projects.
-
1:05 Tempo & BPM
Thomas explains what tempo and BPM are; as well as how they can be used to adjust the overall speed of a song.
-
1:53 MIDI & MIDI Tracks
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.
-
0:56 Sequencer
In this video, learn what the sequencer is in a DAW is and how it is used to provide structure.
-
2:00 Audio File Formats
Lean the various audio file recording formats that are commonly used when recording and producing music.
-
1:08 Editing
Learn the basics of the audio editing process and how audio clips can be adjusted in the sequencer of the DAW.
-
1:56 Comping
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.
-
1:40 Mixer
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.
-
1:09 Pan
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.
-
2:13 Mute & Solo
Learn what mute and solo are on the mixer and how they are used in recording projects. / for your songs.
-
2:49 Mixing
This video shows how the process of mixing can be used to make a collection of audio recordings sound more balanced and interesting.
-
0:59 Mastering
Learn what mastering is and how it is used to finalize recorded audio projects.
Chapter 2 : Effects
-
1:35 Effects
This video covers what effects are and how they can be used to adjust sounds in recording projects.
-
2:41 Equalizer / EQ
Thomas covers what an equalizer is and how it is used to adjust audio recordings.
-
2:53 Compressor
This video covers what a compressor effect is and how it is used.
-
2:45 Limiter
Learn the basics of limiters and how they can be used to make tracks sound louder.
-
2:57 Reverb
Thomas shows what reverb is and how it's used to give audio a sense of space.
-
2:28 Delay
This video covers what delay is and how it can be used in audio recordings.
-
2:36 Pitch & Time Processing
Learn the basics of Auto-Tune and sequencer based pitch editors.
Chapter 3 : Advanced Terms
-
1:39 Piano Roll & MIDI Sequencer
Thomas covers the basics of MIDI sequencers and how they are used to create melodic parts for your songs.
-
0:52 Metronome & Click Track
Learn what a metronome is and how it is used while recording.
-
1:31 Quantize
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.
-
1:41 Decibel & Decibel Level
In this video, learn what a decibel is and how it is used to measure audio level in a DAW.
-
1:26 Clipping
Discover what clipping is, how it can effect the sound of your audio, and how it can be avoided.
-
1:18 Mono & Stereo Audio
Learn the difference between mono and stereo audio recordings.
-
1:12 Surround Sound
This video covers what surround sound is and how it is used to give recorded audio a three dimensional sound.
-
1:12 Plug-Ins & Plug-In Formats
Learn the different formats available for plug-ins found inside your DAW.
-
3:05 Send, Return, & Aux Tracks
Learn what send, return, and aux tracks are and how they are used for better effect workflow.
-
1:31 Bus & Group Channel
In this video, Thomas covers the basics of bus and group channels, as well as how they are used when mixing projects.
-
2:13 Automation & Automation Lanes
Learn how automation and automation lanes are used to create movement in the sequencer of the DAW.
Product Overview
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.
Thomas Cochran takes you through all the basic terms you need to recognize and understand, so you have the knowledge to operate your DAW and associated hardware, regardless of the manufacturer.
See the individual tutorial descriptions for more info. If you’re new to recording audio and DAWs, you need to know what the basic tools and names mean, so checkout and reference “DAW Terminology Explained®” today.
Why Users Choose Us
There are many things our users love about Groove3, but a couple always stand out at the top when asked why people choose us as their learning resource.
Quality Content
We meticulously craft professional quality tutorials that are thoughtful, informative and done with attention to detail. We stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are trusted by 1000s of users every day.
Save Time & Money
Our library brings over 1700 hours of quality instruction to you fingertips and we release new content every week. Don't waste your valuable time scouring the web for information you may never find or is cumbersome to use and potentially can't be trusted.
Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
Very Helpful
Good review of DAW terminology
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training
Submitted 11 months ago
Awesome course!
Fast, to the point and very informative.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 11 months ago
Awesome course!
Fast, to the point and very informative.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Excellent introduction
Am new to the world of DAW's. Lot's of really helpful information here, well-presented.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
It's good
Really good. Although I knew most of this already, I wanted to see if there were little tips and tricks that I didn't know about - and there were! So overall well worth watching. I just wish I could teach this guy how to pronounce 'digital'...
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Awesome...right to the point!
Great series...helps refresh my memory and has taught me some new things .... Great job!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Digital Performer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Awesome!
Finally someone explains clearly the purpose of various effects and how they enhance the mix.
I am a: Beginner
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Well explained
I good video series for all the essentials. Nothing new if you have worked with audio and music for some time but gives a good overview of the language used in these field of work.
I am a: Professional, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Ver Helpful
Fantastic , Easy to understand
I am a: Student
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
Very Helpful
Good review of DAW terminology
Submitted 11 months ago
Awesome course!
Fast, to the point and very informative.
Submitted 11 months ago
Awesome course!
Fast, to the point and very informative.
Submitted 2 years ago
Excellent introduction
Am new to the world of DAW's. Lot's of really helpful information here, well-presented.
Submitted 2 years ago
It's good
Really good. Although I knew most of this already, I wanted to see if there were little tips and tricks that I didn't know about - and there were! So overall well worth watching. I just wish I could teach this guy how to pronounce 'digital'...
Submitted 2 years ago
Awesome...right to the point!
Great series...helps refresh my memory and has taught me some new things .... Great job!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Digital Performer
Submitted 2 years ago
Awesome!
Finally someone explains clearly the purpose of various effects and how they enhance the mix.
I am a: Beginner
Submitted 2 years ago
Well explained
I good video series for all the essentials. Nothing new if you have worked with audio and music for some time but gives a good overview of the language used in these field of work.
I am a: Professional, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Submitted 2 years ago
Ver Helpful
Fantastic , Easy to understand
I am a: Student
Thomas Cochran electronic musician and multi instrumentalist from Austin Texas, who now lives in Los Angeles. He focuses on creating electronic music that features both ambient and classical influences.
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I started playing music at a young age, starting with classical guitar. This started my love for music and eventually expanded into learning other instruments as well. To date, I have had over ten years of classical experience and training as well as additional instrumental experience.
2. What training have you had?
I grew up studying classical guitar and composition and eventually started applying my classical knowledge to learning other instruments as well, ranging from violin, cello, keys, and drums.
3. When did you get intro recording?
I got into recording out of necessity when me and some friends started a band back in high school and couldn't afford studio time. Through this, I learned about music production and recording and haven't looked back since.
4. Why are you so good at training people?
I love learning about the technical aspects of music production, this helps me understand the how music production works under the hood. I have also worked for several years creating music production tutorials online.
Products by Thomas
-
tutorial videoAbleton Live 11: Making a Song
Studio wiz Thomas Cochran presents creative Ableton Live 11 video tutorials! If you are new to Ableton Live 11 and want to see how to put together a cool track from scratch, stop right here. Thomas shows you how to make a cool new-style R&B track utilizing many of the new features found in Ableton Live 11. You also get the Ableton Live 11 project with all the audio so you can follow along on your system. These videos are for those who have some basic Ableton Live knowledge but want to see ways to produce a song.
-
tutorial videoAbleton Live 11: New Features Explained
Ableton pro Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth Ableton Live 11 video tutorials! If you're new to Ableton Live 11 and want to know all about the new features and functions that were added, this is the video series for you. Thomas also provides a Live Project file so you can follow along with the comping video lesson on your Live computer setup. These videos are for those who already know Ableton Live, but want to learn specifically about the new additions to version 11.
-
tutorial videoAbleton Live: Beginner's Guide to Beat Making
Thomas Cochran shows you how to make your very first beat with Ableton Live! See how to produce your first beat from scratch, using nothing but Ableton Live, including software installation and understanding Live's layout, all the way to exporting your finished beat and more. This series is designed for the absolute newcomer to Ableton Live.
-
tutorial videoAbleton Live: Producing Alternative R&B
Studio pro Thomas Cochran delivers in-depth Ableton Live production video tutorials! See how to make a complete Alternative R&B song in the style of Frank Ocean and The Weekend from scratch, step-by-step using only Ableton Live. This course is for those who are already familiar with Ableton Live, but want to learn Alternative R&B sound design and production techniques. You also get the samples and presets used in the videos so you can follow along on your studio system.
-
tutorial videoAbleton Live: Things You Need to Know
Thomas Cochran presents essential Ableton Live video tutorials! Discover the things you need to know when using Ableton Live, such as cool tip & tricks, workflows, helpful and creative ways to Sequence MIDI, use effects, mix and more! These videos are for those who already have experience with Ableton Live, but want to learn more and improve their skillset.
You might be also interested in
Understanding Audio explores the fundamentals of audio and acoustics that impact every stage of the music recording process. Whether you are a musician setting up your first Pro Tools project studio, or you are a seasoned recording engineer or producer eager to find a reference that fills in the gaps in your understanding of audio, this book is for you.
Studio guru Adam Pollard brings you a collection of insightful music studio video tutorials! Get helpful insight and information on how and why to choose certain DAWs, plug-ins, and virtual instruments, including studio workflows and solutions. This series is designed for new music studio producers and engineers who want the opinion of an experienced studio producer.
Everything in the studio starts and ends with audio—both analog and digital—yet many musicians know a lot more about the principles of music than the principles behind audio.
The All-Access Pass gives you just that, instant online access to every single video tutorial currently on the site and any ones that get added during your membership.
This book focuses on microphones as the essential link between the recording process and vocals, guitars, pianos, drums, and other acoustic sounds. Choosing the right mic can make or break a song. Authors Phil O’Keefe and Craig Anderton cover how to choose and apply mics with real-world examples and explanations.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier presents an in-depth video series for those just getting into making music and the endless options for studio gear. Save endless hours of research trying to find answers to the most basic questions, when setting up your first studio and all the gear that goes with it!
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier delivers an in-depth video series all about getting the most out of your computer and DAW, when recording and producing music! Shot in Ableton Live on Mac OS and applicable to any OS and DAW, see how to squeeze every drop of power out of your rig and avoid time wasting snafus.
Synthesizer Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common synth 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 synthesizer technology.
Studio guru Eli Krantzberg presents an in-depth video tutorial series on Gating! Learn what Gating is and how to apply it to your tracks for a clearer mix, or to add special effects and processing to your sounds.
Along with a computer, an audio interface provides the all-important hardware foundation for computer-based recording. This book helps musicians choose, apply, and obtain maximum performance from all types of audio interfaces.
Production guru Tyler Coffin takes you on a journey into the world of Electronic Music! Designed for the EM newcomer, this series gets your feet wet with many of today’s popular electronic music genres, including sound design tips, production insights, as well as history to base your EM foundations on.
This series is designed for those who are new to using microphone pre-amps and want to know about all the common features and controls found on mic pres, as well as how to set them up. It also touches on how the components and circuit design varies between units, and gives some sonic examples between an inexpensive “all-in-one” mic pre / audio interface and more expensive stand alone mic pres.
Groove3 presents a FREE video tutorial, covering what's needed and involved to produce modern music using today's computer software and hardware. If you'e absolutely new to making music, this video gives you the important basic info and concepts, and gets you pointed in the right direction!