DAW of a New Day
FEATURE ARTICLE
DAW of a New Day
by KORBAN VERDTZABELLA
#music #producers #history #beats #daw #artist
In the beginning of this new day of electronic music, what were some key historical components that needed to happen in order to allow us to produce music digitally? Before we answer this question, you need to know what music production is. According to Careertrend.com (1) “Music production is the process of creating a recorded music project”. A music producer usually handles music production, managing every aspect of the song. This includes being a critical part of the creative process, with tasks such as deciding what instruments are used and contributing to song arrangements. In this article, you will learn some interesting information about the history of digital music production.
Who invented the first Digital Audio Workstation?
A company called Soundstream invented the first Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) called Soundstream. Soundstream made one of the first digital audio tape recorders in 1977. It was the first digital audio workstation using some of the most current computer hardware of the time. The Digital Editing System, as Soundstream called it, consisted of a minicomputer. So the first DAW was not only a software but it was a whole computer! (2)
What features did this DAW have?
The first DAW made by Soundstream consisted of very simple functions. You could plug in an instrument and record without crackles or and distortion. You could also copy and chop the audio clip that you recorded. Once you record something you can add digital effects that enhance your sound. For example Reverb, Compressor, Exciter, Lowpass, EQ, Limiter, and Gain. (3)
When was the first MIDI Keyboard made?
In 1983 Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits and now CEO of Dave Smith Instruments, predicted the demand for a more powerful MIDI editing tool and developed the first version of the MIDI standard, which was released in 1983. MIDI is how you edit notes in your DAW. The MIDI standard is a design or concept that allows the MIDI keyboard to work. A MIDI keyboard would just be a keyboard without the MIDI standard which allows your keyboard to control your computer and play the instruments. (4)
Where was the first digitally produced song and when?
The first commercial digital recordings of songs were released in 1971, like "Just Lose It" by Eminem. The BBC also began to experiment with digital audio in the 1960s. By the early 1970s, it had developed a 2-channel recorder, and in 1972 it deployed a digital audio transmission system that linked their broadcast center to their remote transmitters. (5)
Why do most producers do their work digitally?
One of the greatest benefits of making music digitally is the portability and flexibility. You can take your computer or Ipad and make music wherever you happen to be. Another added benefit of making music on your computer is digital effects and simplicity. Digital production allows you to introduce elements and effects into your work that you are not able to do in real-time. These effects include things such as reverb, delay, chorus, distortion, compression, and every other variation you can think of. These effects play an important role in making your track sound professional.
How can you make a song on a laptop or computer?
When you are starting out it is best to start out with a free DAW that has good functionality. Some good ones to start you out are, GarageBand, Serato Studio, and Luna. Once you have one of these options, you can get started making your first song. In these DAW’s you have the option of creating a software instrument track; this allows you to pick a digital instrument and manipulate it using MIDI regions, or you can choose to record a real instrument right into your computer by plugging it in via a USB mixer or audio interface. but when you start out your song, you should probably start with MIDI. Those are the basic steps to making your first song.
In this article we have looked at 6 Key points, Who invented the first Digital Audio Workstation, What features did this DAW have, When was the first MIDI Keyboard made, Where was the first digitally produced song and when, Why do most producers do their work digitally, and How can you make a song on a laptop or computer. Music Production Has come a long way over time and I look forward to seeing more developments.
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