4. Digital Audio Workstations, Computers For Home Recording

1. Recording sound from microphones, recording MIDI information and virtual instruments.

2. Mixing down all recorded tracks into a 'Stereo Mix'.

3. Mastering the 'Stereo Mix' to a CD, MP3 or various multimedia.


Digital audio workstations, the core of a music studio, can perform numbers one and two of the main functions (above) to produce stereo recordings, with following basic (D.A.W) gear:

1. Computers for home recording have a sound card. It is possible to upgrade a computer sound card. This is recommended and necessary for a some levels of recording performance. Newer technology for connecting audio sources to a computer do not require a sound card. *(please read chapter on sound cards for detailed information.)

2. Multi-tracking software for recording audio, MIDI information and virtual instrument tracks.

3. A keyboard, called a 'MIDI controller' with MIDI 'In' and 'Out' capabilities. Or keyboard with only MIDI 'Out', if you do not wish to use sounds that were already built into the keyboard.

4. A MIDI interface, if the computer does not have standard 5 pin MIDI interface built into the sound card. USB or Firewire MIDI hubs are excellent choices for this connection.

5. A good microphone for recording live instruments and vocals.


A few basic types of recording with digital audio workstation home studios:

1. Recording with an on board computer sound card. Inexpensive but with limited microphone capabilities and sound recording quality.

2. Using the combination of hardware audio mixer and computer sound card. Allowing better microphones and overall recording quality.

3. Connecting to a computer with an audio interface. This option completely replaces the function of the computer sound card with an external device that is a complete sound card itself.

4. With new technology mixers for analog recording, it is possible to connect a computer using 'Firewire', and control recording parameters without using a sound card or audio interface.

5. 'Stand alone' multi-track recording, without using a computer directly is also an option. It is possible to interface the 'stand alone' recording device to a computer for further editing and mixing. These are very portable units useful in different live recording situations.