What is a DAW and which one should I choose?
Since this is the first official post, we’ll try to cover the very first and most fundamental question anyone has to face if he wants to write music on a computer: Which software do I use to do that?
This questions breaks down to this one: Which DAW do I choose?
However, before we answer this question, we have to ask: What is a DAW?
Beginners are absolutely lost about what each software is supposed to do, so let’s clarify this out first
DAW means Digital Audio Workstation. DAWs offer a coherent way to record, edit and play back audio. They can range from simple one-track audio editors, to full-blown multitrack editors that can help you record, mix and master a complete record.
The DAW is the first piece of software you’ll have to choose. In the early days DAWs were much simpler than now, and most people were still using analog gear. However, as time passes, more people are throwing away their analog gear in favor of software. The DAW is the first and most important step. It will determine which plugins you can use, compatibility with your system (PC or Mac) and hardware (like audio interfaces) and workflow.
Furthermore, DAWs are professional programs, which have a long learning curve. They are not the average computer program you can learn in one week, unless, of course, you are already an experienced computer musician/producer. This means that you must choose your DAW carefully, since it is highly likely that you will stick with it for the rest of your career. 
However, rest assured that technology has advanced so much, that the major DAWs don’t have any huge differences. You can make a complete record with any of the big players in the industry. Most people consider their first DAW to be the best, since, this is the one they know the best how to use. In the end, what is most important, is to choose one and learn it inside-out. Only then will you be able to see what you really need and you will be able to find the one that truly suits you, if you feel the need to change. Furthermore, don’t forget that workflow in this work is extremely important, so, if you learn how to be fast on a program, then, you will not really feel the need to change, since you will be able to record and mix a song so easily, as if it is like second nature to you.
Now, let’s present the main DAWs in existence
Undeniably, the most popular ones are Apple’s Logic (Mac only – also take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logic_Pro) and Steinberg’s Cubase (both Mac and PC, but mainly PC- also take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steinberg_Cubase)
Digidesign’s Pro Tools (Mac only, once it also supported PC – also take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_Tools) was one the industry standard (and is still used), but now it is not used as much.
Then we have Cakewalk’s Sonar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cakewalk_Sonar), which gets better every year.
There is also the Samplitude (and its big brother Sequoia), as well as Nuendo, Cubase’s big (and expensive) brother.
We also have to mention Digital Performer (for Mac), which is a favorite among some known artists such as Matmos and Autechre
Finally, we’ll mention what I like to call the "special" players. These are DAWs, with very specific purposes. These are Image Line’s Fruity Loops (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FL_Studio), Propellerhead’s Reason (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reason_(software))and Ableton’s Live (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ableton_Live). Fruity Loops is an excellent DAW for beginners, which comes with many good virtual instruments and is very simple in its usage. Reason, does not account as a true DAW. It is rather an emulation of a studio, where you have a mixer and various instruments. Reason doesn’t support audio, only midi. However, it is VERY simple in its use and is, probably, one of the best choices for beginners. Live is what its name states, the best software for live situations. Its workflow is extremely efficient for DJs that like to mix stuff on-the-fly, allowing you to throw loops as you like, while fitting them in the tempo. However, it is not the best choice if you want a DAW for a full production.
Of course, there some other minor players like Sony’s ACID pro, Cocko’s Reaper and Orion, but here we’ll stay just with the more mainstream products.
So, which DAW should you choose?
First of all, ask yourself these questions:
1)What is my system? A Mac or a PC? If you don’t want to change the system, then stick with what is compatible with your system, in case the program does not work on both environments.
2)Do I want a complete package or something for beginners? If you want a complete package, then your best bet is Logic or Cubase. They are the most expensive DAWs, but they are also, probably, the best ones in existence. They have a long learning curve, but if you are dedicated, you can be sure that you will have in your possession tools that have almost no restriction. On the other hand, software like Reason, Fruity Loops and Live, might help you in your first steps, since trying to learn a program that has a manual of a 1000 pages, not counting the fact that you are supposed to know how digital audio works, can be discouraging (of course, that’s why Musikality Net exists, to help you learn this stuff 
).
3)How much money am I willing to give? If money is not an issue, then go for the big players. If it is an issue, then consider the cheaper alternatives, like Sonar and Samplitude. These DAWs, might not be the most popular, however, they constantly get better, as they are trying to get their own slice from the pie. After all, in their effort to constantly get better and take the throne from the most popular DAWs, their companies constantly add features, that might lack from Cubase and Logic. Fruity Loops might be a good solution, since it offers lifetime free upgrades.
Cubase 4 screenshot
Finally, you have to ask yourself how much effort are you willing to put into this, and what are your goals. If for example, you’re planning to have a rock band, then using Reason is out of the question, since Reason supports only midi and is only for electronic musicians. If you’re doing this as a hobby, then maybe Logic and Cubase are not for you and you should stay with Fruity Loops and Live. It all comes down to your goals, resources and effort.
Finally, there are many people who download programs illegaly and prefer to use what is available Availability can be a big factor, since most hobbyists use PCs and, thus, it is easier to find pirated plugins for PC than for Mac. On the other hand, professionals usually use Macs, because of their great stability.
Screenshot from Thor, Reason’s 4 new synthesizer
Of course, we also have to make a special mention to open source software. At the time, there are not any open source DAWs that can pose a challenge to the professional ones. However, they are supported by large communities and they can be a good choice for those who do this as a hobby. Audacity is a good choice for those making their first steps in audio, as it supports audio-only functions and has a very simple interface. Ardour is probably the biggest open source DAW. Finally, there is also Ubuntu Studio, a special edition of the most popular Linux distribution dedicated to media production.
Well, I hope that this article covered the most basic concepts on the subject. For any questions, please leave a comment!
February 10th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I’m impressed by this knowledgable and quite extraordinary page! it’s not everyday an elegantly talented musician can put such thought into something other than music
I applaud you, very well done-
February 15th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Hey, thank you for your kind words
February 16th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Hi,
Thank you for writing this article to help the very beginners. However, I don’t agree with you when you consider Live as not appropriate for professional composition. Ableton Live is simple and very efficient tough and has been chosen as the best mixing software and DAW at the Miami Music Conference Contest 2008, ahead Cubase, Logic and Reason!
Best Regards,
Paul.
March 15th, 2009 at 3:54 am
Well, in my opinion Live is focused on live performances
Cubase and Logic do far better in mixing music for albums.
April 5th, 2009 at 4:59 am
I am surprised that you had nothing to say about Pro Tools in this article. Considering that it is the most popular piece of software among professional recording studios.
April 9th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Well, Pro Tools is the industry standard, not the most popular. They don’t constitute the main part of the market as they once were. They’re even less represented in music mags.
April 11th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Found this slightly helpful but not entirely. I’d like to have heard a little bit more about the differences between Logic and Cubase. Is one easier than the other? Is either of those better for beginners. I want the option of recording 2 – 5 instruments, sometimes live and sometimes just in a room. I also want to be able to add in loops when I want, drums if I don’t have a drummer etc. I haven’t a clue as to which software is good for me (I do play instruments as well)
April 29th, 2009 at 3:46 am
this is a great page! thanks so much I have been looking for a summmary of DAR’s (in laymans terms) for ages…. . Agreed a comparison between the major DAW’s would be helpful, assume ppl looking for this sort of info would be deciding on what to purchase ?
September 7th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
What console is that in the picture?
October 11th, 2009 at 4:30 am
This short & sweet article was VERY helpful in my deciding which DAW to go with, in making my switch from a hardware studio to my first software studio. THANKS SO MUCH!
October 14th, 2009 at 5:42 am
“Digidesign’s Pro Tools (Mac only…”
Now I can’t believe anything you say in this article as this is a BLANTANTLY wrong statement. In fact, the first sentence of the wikipedia article you link do directly afterwards says “Pro Tools is a Digital Audio Workstation platform for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows…”
Seriously
November 1st, 2009 at 11:23 am
Pro Tools for windows have been discontinued for a few years now. They are Mac only for the time being.
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:18 am
Oh really? Someone should really tell Digidesign then, because they shipped me a CD that allowed me to install Pro Tools on my windows computer. Strange…
The effort to try and help people is appreciated, but please check all your information before writing something; writing an article like this with false information is not only unhelpful, it can cost people a lot of money.
January 20th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Mitch is a Tool
January 29th, 2010 at 11:01 am
If at all possible im very new to making music and producing when i bought all my equipment it came with cubase LE (which i here is very limited) i currently have a MPK49 w/mic and speakers. Cubase seems really user friendly but havent use any other program besides it, also i really want to get a fully functioning DAW. What should i purchase for liking i.e. hip hop, r&b, funk, jazz and techno tranz. Keep in mind that im all knew to everything any suggestion would be helpful?
January 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
BTW i use a MACINTOSH…
February 28th, 2010 at 11:54 am
When I started my synthesizer hobby last year I also came across this article and now that I saw it mentioned on the Ableton forum I suddenly realized I wanted to respond
However, I also don’t fully agree with your opinion about Live. While you’re right that it can excel in DJ’ing I think you also shouldn’t underestimate the possibilities when using their software instruments like Operator, Analog and Collision. Then adding some of their sound effects/filters like the multiband dynamics (3 band “compressor”), Limiter or even the Vocoder and you’ll get a more complete environment.
AND… Lets also not ignore Max for Live.
So summing up: compliments on your article. It really helped me to make a decision about a DAW last year (guess which one I got?
).
March 1st, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Live is the best especially for recording a full album.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:24 am
I believe you did a good my friend, for someone to spend his time writing a post like this for other people to read and learn from, I think you did a terrific work that needs to be appreciated. In fact as an electronic engineering Student, I understand hardware and software interfacing and for those who would really want to know, all… and I mean all DWA without exception work base upon the same basic technology for which IBM has the patent and that same technology is what made it possible for Microsoft to build it operating systems which are windows. in other word, all DWA are Software or programs that have an interface which is the part that the user see on his screen and a set of internal codes to the program that send information in the form of electrical signals to the processor or to the sound card and receives information from them too. I keep my explanation simple and I don’t mean to be technical here but I just want everybody to know that all Music recording programs work the same way. The only deference between them is how accurate the program was written, how fast the program sends and receives information and how user friendly the software is. If you’ve noticed, there are two basic types in this category of software which are:
the one that only do MIDI controlling and recording
and the ones that do audio recording and maybe a third type that could do both.
So if you have a good hardware configuration, I mean if you have a good computer with a motherboard that way build to be quiet and a good sound card, any music software with which you are comfortable should be fine as far as it fulfils your needs. No software will give you a better sound if you sound card is a lousy one.
Now I will give my own opinion about pro-tools. Pro-tools is a good Software but just like I said it earlier, it cannot be the best since they all use the same basic technology. It is probably the most used in music studios because in a way, pro-toll took off around the time people were out there for music software for PC’s. Pro-tool was then, the best design of Music software around that time so most recording studios got and now you must know it or you can not be useful in a music studio that has it. The big Problem is Prot-tools only works with interfaces or recording control surface built by degidesign in other words, if you have an external sound card or control surface build by other company; you cannot use it with protocols. Up to now, it worked but Degidesign need to know that the same weapon that help them make money is the same weapon that will destroy them and we can see it on the market today, Cubase seems to be the most used around this time simply because it is standard like few other software and can be used with any control surface or any external sound card
March 14th, 2010 at 1:28 am
First I would like to confirm that Pro Tools 8 is available for Windows XP and Vista at least (sounds like Windows 7 will also be supported). See the page below.
http://www.digidesign.com/index.cfm?navid=54&itemid=40359&langid=1
Secondly I want to say that I started out a couple months ago with Audacity because microphones and everything else for a drumset cost a lot of money (been playing for 19 years now and finally got mics, mixing board, etc., still need at least one more power amp and speakers… and a bass player)! I really enjoy using it but I think I might be outgrowing it and I’m going to give Kristal Sound Engine a try. I’ve downloaded and installed it but haven’t yet tried to record and manipulate anything. I’m planning on getting Sonar 7 soonish but will have to save up for it for a while.
Also, from what I’ve been reading, Pro Tools does seem to be fading from popularity and even its seat on the throne seems shaky. Probably due to prohibitive pricing, I would guess. But it really doesn’t matter much to me.
Thanks for the work you put into your site! People who are complaining about the inaccuracies have nothing better to do. I would certainly not reference wikipedia for anything serious, given the nature of that site. “If you saw it on the Internet it must be true” is not valid.
Thanks again and I hope your site takes off for you.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Hi .
i use fruityloops studio , but alot of my musician friends say that it is not very good program compared to
Cubase ,Reason , Ableton , Sonar … could i ask if this is true ?
thanks
M.S.Dhiab
May 6th, 2010 at 12:43 am
what i ment in my previous comment is that a professional
music can be done with fl studio .
thanks for the nice article.
my best
m.dhiab
June 13th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Nice site – well explained terms – but your preference of Cubase and Logic over Pro Tools and Sonar seems to be quite arbitrary.
I have taught all of these DAWs; And In my experience and that of many colleagues over recent years.
There is Major Convergent Evolution (they look and work very much the same)
The feature lists of all four titles are almost identical (except Logic has snappier names for the same features…. Automation Envelopes=Hyperdraw )
And I have found in my second job of troubleshooting IT in other Music departments that Sonar is more stable than Cubase on PC.
My major rules when deciding this are –
1) stability – no crashes, no funny timing errors, no loosing my audio.
2) Quick work-flow – can’t get in the way when I’m “on it”
3) compatibility – with other systems and Pluggins
So what were your reasons for saying:
“your best bet is Logic or Cubase.” Because though the rest of the page is good – this decision seems arbitrary.
September 2nd, 2010 at 11:07 am
Gotta go with FL.STUDIO 9 or Ableton 8 foe show.
December 12th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
How long did it take you to transcribe this info? Seems like some of this I dont belive. Not your foault though
February 8th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
What do you think about Cockos Reaper as a DAW?
March 8th, 2011 at 9:26 am
THANK YOU so much! This article saved me so much searching & reading. We are total beginners, and now we were able to narrow it down to 2-3 DAWs to look at, and I’m about to DL Fruity Loops’ free trial.
Thanks!
March 14th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Hi guys just wanted to ad my 2 cents to the blog. Propellerhead is also in the game now with Record 1.5 for Reason which if you go to their website or look it up on you tube is a very powerful tool. Thanks for all the info from everyone else.
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:40 am
All daws work the same pretty much now.It depends on personal taste.I use protools 9 i love it.I use Fl-Studio 10 also.I also use komplete 7 as my personal instruments along with Omisphere.Buy your own vst pack to suplement your daw.Most daws include basic sounds.Pro-tools 9 can take anything you throw at it.Anymore people pick their daw based on music creativity.For some people navigation for them is better in cubebase,pro-tools,logic,albeton live,ect.They all work the same they record lol.This article comes from a logic/cubase fanboy that has no ideas about daws.Do research and download demos before you buy your daw.See what you like because you may not like what others like lmfao.
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:46 am
Also Pro-Tools is for windows always has been.Pro-Tools also works on macs.But if you have a mac logic works better it’s the best for mac.Pro-tools is pretty much the Logic for the PC.The best 2 daws in the market are Pro-tools and Logic.Every pro studio in the World either has pro-tools or logic.Major studios like to use macs because they don’t normally crash like windows.Logic in a mac is probally one of the most stable daws in the World today.Pro-Tools in a mac is just as good but not as effective in a mac as logic.Reading your article made me laugh it’s coming from a newbie to a daw lmfao.Do your homework before you spread ignorance anymore newbie.
August 29th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Howdy! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!
December 15th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Here is a more up to date, accurate and less biased article about what a DAW is and which one is the best.
http://thedawstudio.com/Gear/What-Is-A-DAW.html
January 19th, 2012 at 7:21 am
I started out with acid pro and it wasn’t bad, but wasn’t really good for what I was doing. So I was searching daws and came across cubase LE. Cubase is by for one of the best daws in my opinion that is not only good for creating music from scratch but mixing. It was a huge learning curve though and I’m still learning new things now using Cubase 6. My only thing I would say is find a daw that is stable with your computer, a great interface is where the most of your money should go into which I just got the Steinberg MR816x, and THE MOST IMPORTANT PLUGINS!! It’s not really about the daw but Plugins, plugins are what make the mixes sound better, louder, or whatever. I hate Pro-tools even studying it in Audio engineering class, too over-rated. Invest your MOST money into your audio interface, then computer, Plugins, pre-amps, monitors, room acoustics, and time into learning it all