Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are at the centre of the music industry today. They make it possible to create songs and are one of the most important parts of any music studio. It can seem quite difficult and daunting at first to choose the right DAW for you if you are looking to get into music production. Keep reading to find out more about what to consider when choosing the right DAW.
Specifications
A DAW can be quite heavy on your computer, so it’s a good idea to check the specifications and make sure that your PC is going to be able to handle the software. It will use a lot of RAM and also requires a lot of power from the CPU and hard drive. If you have an older computer or a standard laptop, most DAW software is going to need more than they can provide so it might be worth making some upgrades to your PC. Alternatively, consider these Lenovo Desktops for Music Production to get a new computer that is designed for this purpose.
Operating System
Bear in mind that some digital audio workstations will only be available for certain operating systems. In general, there are DAWs that are available only on Windows, on Mac, and some that will work on either platform. You can also find some that are designed for others such as Linux. Some people will choose a DAW based on the operating system that they are already using, while others are serious enough about using a certain digital audio workstation that they completely change their hardware to suit it.
Plugins
Plugin compatibility is another factor that you will need to keep in mind when choosing a DAW. These are software applications that can be plugged into your DAW and are typically instruments or effects. There are lots of free plugins that you can choose from, although if you want to get the best ones then these typically come at a fee. However, the main thing to note is that there is more than one format for plugins, so you will need to check the compatibility of the plugins that you want to use with your chosen DAW otherwise you could end up wasting your money.
Budget
Finally, your budget is a very important thing to consider since the prices of a DAW can vary a lot. Many workstations offer a variety of packages and additions to choose from based on how much you want to spend, and you can spend as little as a couple of hundred to a few thousand pounds. In most cases, basic editions are ideal for starting out and you can always add features as you become more advanced. See detailed price specs and make some comparisons to see what the best option is for you, while keeping your needs and requirements in mind.
If you want to get into music production, a DAW is the most important piece of software you will need. Keep these factors in mind to get the right one for you.
