Features

From Hard Drives to Demo Tapes

With hard drive recording, users can edit, mix, and add effects while retaining the purity of the original takes. Recording to a hard disk, rather than to tape, is more forgiving of changes, as each version is preserved. Users can lay down different takes on the same track and combine them into a single version, edit out false starts, overdub, and crossfade, and then go back to an earlier version without risk of its being lost.

Unlike graphics workstations, music workstations can go lighter on the memory requirements, and stick with an average graphics card. A speedy CPU is still recommended, 2GHz or above, and a SATA or SCSI hard drive to handle the heavy data flow. The workstation can then be cobbled together with a mixer (software or hardware), software sequencer, wave editor, CD-burner, microphones, a high-end soundcard with a midi interface, and whatever components fit your musical eccentricity.

The requirements for a DAW focus on stability, reliability, and quiet. Unlike most computer functions, working with music requires real time reliability. While a responsiveness delay in assembling graphics or working on a word processor won't effect the final result, delays encountered while manipulating music can ruin whatever tracks is being manipulated. Just as with 3D graphics workstations, high performance marks are necessary, though for a different reason. Instead of intense processor crunching required of graphics workstations, music workstations have to maintain an even keel through the work in progress.

As interest in music workstations has grown, new companies have starting to develop offerings. Computer manufacturer Alienware, famed for their high-end gaming systems, announced this month that it would begin offering digital audio workstations. They offer systems built around software packages: Cakewalk Sonar3 Producer and Project 5, Steinberg Cubase SX and Nuendo, and Propellerheads Reason.

Apple's PowerMac G5 features audio capabilities not found in most personal computers. Optical digital audio in and out ports use the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) protocol over Toslink cables for connecting to devices such as decks, receivers, and digital instruments. Optical digital audio transmits data as impulses of light rather than electrical signals, enabling noise-free, pristine sound. Since Apple acquired software manufacturer eMagic last year, their Logic Audio has had native OS X support. Steinberg's Cubase SX and Mark of the Unicorn's Digital Performer also ships with OS X support.

Standalone DAWs, such as Roland's VS2000-CD or Yamaha's AW4416 Professional Audio Workstation, are compact, portable machines with a mixing board design that include a hard drive, CD-burner, and Firewire or USB 2.0 ports to connect to a computer. Roland's VS2000-CD has 20 recording tracks, eight XLR inputs, an optional VGA output to connect with a monitor for mouse-based graphical editing, a 40GB hard drive, CD-RW drive, and USB 2.0 ports.

Stephenson says that their single box workstations appeal to users who want an easy to use system that is guaranteed to be free of the sort of program conflicts not unfamiliar to computer systems. "These systems are dedicated to doing recording, mastering, and burning. Our users want a very predictable system, where they can return to everything as they left it, with no concern about conflicts."

Functionally, computer-based and stand-alone DAWs are similar, with features matching up. More software options have been available for computer users, as well as more developed sequencing, and, unsurprisingly, more sophisticated graphics. A PC-based DAW also allows for greater range of choice in terms of components, plug-ins, and software, as well as component replacement.

Two things remain beyond the reach of DAWs. There is still the need for a quiet space that isn't going to come in any box, of the sort that studios are designed to provide. And then there's the ability to utilize the technology, the need for an operator who knows how to weave the music tracks together, and do it creatively.