Guitar Lovers

Digital Audio Workstations

Most home studios these days are based around computer Digital Audio Workstations, which combine tracking (recording), audio editing, effects and processing, and mixdown features into one convenient package. These amazing software tools are superpowerful, but all that power can come with the price of complexity. Here are some tips for getting more out of your Digital Audio Workstations.

22. Custom Templates
Sessions with preset tracks and input assignments will get you started quicker.
Remember Tip No. 1 about making it easy to get your studio recording? The same applies to your DAW. You can set up your own templates—empty sessions with tracks already created and assigned to inputs and outputs—so that all you have to do is plug in a mic, arm the track, and hit Record. This saves time and makes the path from inspiration to recording much faster and easier.

23. Optimize Your CPU
Disable background programs you don’t need.
Computers are complex beasts. Often there is a lot going on that we aren’t aware of. Unfortunately, all of that stuff that we’re unaware of saps power from your computer’s ability to play tracks and run plug-ins. Go through and disable any background programs and processes, such as antivirus, backup, and anything else you don’t need that could sap power away from recording and process audio. In many cases, you’ll be surprised how much CPU power you make available to your DAW.

24. External Hard Drives
Record your tracks to a dedicated hard drive.
In most cases you’ll get better results if you record audio tracks to a dedicated hard drive, rather than to your computer’s system drive. With the system drive, there’s always danger of the system interrupting for some reason. Plus, you’ll generally have more room and a faster response with an external FireWire or USB 2.0 drive. You’ll also want another external drive for backing up all your files for safekeeping.

25. RAM-tastic
Add more RAM for better performance.
The number one way to increase your computer’s power is to add more RAM. RAM is the memory that your machine uses to load the operating system and any programs, as well as data that is being processed, off the hard drive. In my opinion, 1 GB of RAM is the minimum amount you should have for basic recording, and I highly recommend at least 2 GB. If you’re running virtual instruments (software synths and samplers), 2 GB is the minimum, with 4 GB being much better. You’ll be surprised how snappy and fast your computer feels when it has enough RAM to function well. (Always check your software’s minimum system requirements for the amount of RAM the manufacturer recommends.)

26. Sampling Rates
If you can hear the difference with a high sampling rate, use it. If not, save your hard drive.
Should you use a high sampling rate, say, 96 kHz, even if your recording is going to end up as a CD or an MP3? For a rock, pop, or similar recording, I don’t hear much difference. For a solo steel-string or classical guitar piece or an intimate, acoustic jazz recording with great mics, preamps, and converters, there may be a subtle improvement. But don’t take my word for it. Try recording the same tracks with high and standard sampling rates, then compare. If your ears hear a difference, go for the high rate. If you can’t tell which is which, save the hard drive and computer resources