DAWS Flashcards
How does DSP (digital signal processing) alter the audio?
Since audio is stored as a sequence of numbers, DSP is simply the process of changing those numbers to alter the audio.
Why do Digital audio systems process audio in buffers?
Digital systems are more efficient processing a range of data at once, rather than each sample individually so they use buffers (contain many samples at once).
Why are buffer sizes normally powers of 2?
To best fit computer memory – e.g. 256, 512, 1024 samples.
How many buffers is a plugin given?
A plugin is given two buffers of audio samples by the host program – 1 for input audio (filled by the host), and 1 for output audio (filled by the plugin).
When does processing begin?
Processing can’t begin until the input buffer is full, so the system waits for input, then processes it, then outputs it.
Thus, as buffer size increases, latency also increases
What do audio drivers allow you to lower?
Audio drivers allow you to lower the buffer size to decrease latency, at the cost of increased CPU load.
What happens if the processor load is too high?
If processor load is too high (“CPU Overload”), the sound will begin to break up, effectively limiting the amount of tracks / effects possible.
What happens if you increase the buffer size?
Increasing the buffer size will improve system stability, but reduce the responsiveness of the audio system (e.g. software synths).
What is a DAW?
An ecosystem comprising a computer, audio hardware, plus recording and editing software
Why did a number of companies create systems that comprised a computer (e.g. early Windows machines) with specialist software interfaced with dedicated hardware audio processing?
Initially general-purpose computers were not fast enough for audio processing.
What is SADiE? When was it created?
XS digital audio processing card first demoed in 1991.
Standard DAW for many BBC centres.
What is AudioFile SCX? When was it created?
Launched in 2006, by AMS-Neve.
Mimicked tape-op systems, but uses HDD.
What is ProTools? When was it created?
Developed in 1993. Started as an audio recording tool, only later gained MIDI sequencer features.
Designed to run with specialist audio hardware
OR general-purpose PCs …
What did Cubase and Logic add in 1993?
Audio recording capabilities, initially requiring specialist audio hardware
What did Cubase VST bring in 1996?
Brought plugin capabilities to the mass market and smaller, project studios / hobbyists
