Sometimes it can be difficult and expensive trying to decide what type of audio equipment would be

most suitable when building a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). However, here are some guidelines you
can follow that will help you make the best choices when configuring a DAW.

1) Learn the differences between the four kinds of audio engineers in the studio recording process(
assistant engineer, recording engineer, mixing engineer and the mastering engineer) as well as
their job duties.

2) Evaluate and determine what your system will be used for (recording, mixing or mastering
audio).
3) Consider the different kinds of audio equipment used in the studio and what purpose each piece
serves.
4) Learn the difference between professional grade and semi-professional grade audio equipment.
5) Think about what you want the sonic quality of your recordings to be as an audio engineer.
6) Construct a budget that will maximize your return given your available resources. Create a
budget that will get you the best audio equipment for what you can afford. One thing to keep in
mind during the budget planning, is what audio equipment appreciates in value and why. Also
consider what pieces of audio equipment are needed to begin the recording, mixing or
mastering process.

The Four Kinds of Engineers

1) Assistant Engineer-The assistant engineers job is to assist the main engineer. Although he or
she may have the same knowledge and skills of studio operations as the main engineer, the
main engineers and their assistants duties are different. Typically, the assistant is responsible
for setting up the microphones as well as setting up the signal processors. He or she may
operate the audio workstation or sequencing software and perform any troubleshooting that
may occur during the session. One important task the assistant engineer has is filling out various
documents used during the session and cleaning up the studio.
2) Recording Engineer- The recording engineers job is to prepare the song(s) for the mixing
engineer. This engineer is usually familiar with the design and layout of the studio as well as the
installation and operation of the recording equipment within it. The recording engineer is
responsible for capturing the audio from the technical and artistic aspect. He or she is required
to record, edit and manipulate the audio. The recording engineer will typically operate the signal
processors, mixing console and set the levels for recording and playback of each song.
3) Mixing Engineer-The mixing engineers duty is to prepare the song(s) for the mastering
engineer. He or she is required to blend the audio of each song together that has been recorded
via the multitrack or sequencer, to create the final mix or mixdown. Theyre responsible for
making sure that the level of each sound recorded is well balanced from a spatial as well as
dynamic aspect. This engineer will usually set room or hall ambience effects for each song. The
mixing engineer operates the mixing console, signal processors and software plug-ins. The
mixing engineer must also listen critically to the audio and its sound placement within the stereo
or surround sound field.
4) Mastering Engineer- The mastering engineers job is a critical part of the recording process. The
mastering engineers overall objective is to sonically balance all the songs that have been
recorded, in order to create a cohesive project. He or she must make sure that there are no
large level dynamic differences between songs. Typically, this engineer completes any last stage
compression and equalization, and sets the levels for playback, in addition to setting the time
gap between each song. The mastering engineer is responsible for operating the mastering
console and the mastering software or recorders. He or she also operates mastering effects
processors and plug-ins as well as the dynamic processors.

Once you have an understanding of what each engineer does in the studio recording process, it
is then time to think about how your digital audio workstation will be used. For instance, will it
be used for recording musicians and singers, mixing songs or mastering songs? Deciding how
you want to use your digital audio workstation will keep you from wasting time and money
buying unnecessary audio equipment. For example, if youre only interested in mixing and
mastering songs, then your DAW setup may not include microphones or other external audio
devices. In fact, because of todays technological advancements, mixing and mastering a song
can probably be accomplished using only a computer and audio software programs.
After deciding how your DAW will be used, the next step to consider is what equipment is used
in a recording studio and what purpose it serves. Majority of the audio equipment used in
recording can be used in many different applications; however they all serve a particular
purpose. Once you have a better idea about some of the audio equipment used in recording
studios and the purpose for each piece, you might begin to form an opinion as to what
equipment you want for your workstation.
I strongly suggest you to learn the difference between professional grade and semi-professional
grade audio equipment. Knowing this will help optimize your equipments overall sound quality
and compatibility with other audio equipment in your digital audio workstation. Professional
grade equipment uses the same components found in commercial aircraft equipment. Aircraft
equipment is designed to endure a high degree of abuse and still continue to function properly.
Whereas semi-professional or Hi-Fi audio equipment is built using cheaper components and
therefore it is less durable.
Professional audio equipment has better features and more compatibility with other audio
equipment than semi-professional equipment. Professional audio equipment typically has a
greater amount of headroom than that of the semi-professional graded audio equipment.
I believe you should listen to songs that you like and observe how each element of the song fits
together. I want to point out that many characteristics of your overall sound quality come from
experience and technique as an audio engineer. However the type of equipment one chooses
also has an effect on the complete sound quality of a recording. So as you develop a vision for
your sound as an audio engineer, you should also gain a better sense of which pieces of audio
equipment will sonically work well together to achieve the sound youre looking for.
In closing, I strongly suggest that you take a minute to look over the list of audio equipment
used in a recording studio and its purpose, and afterwards think about what equipment is
essential in order to start the recording process. Then begin pricing the equipment, consider
what equipment will hold its value or appreciates in value as time goes on. Understanding these
concepts can help ensure that you do not over spend or waste time and money buying audio
equipment that doesnt serve your purpose. I believe the best way to learn what equipment you

need for your digital audio workstation is to think about its purpose before you start spending
money.

Equipment Used in a Digital Audio workstation

Computer

A device used in the recording studio that stores the software for recording music
and vocals.

Example: Mac or PC

Sequencing Software

Audio software used for composing music and recording multiple audio tracks.

Examples: Pro Tools, Logic

Multitrack Recorder

A recording medium used to record multiple audio tracks.

Example: Tascam DA-38

Additional Computer Hard drive

A device used to store large audio files.

Examples: 40GB, 120GB

Additional Memory

Allows computer to run multiple applications simultaneously.

Examples: 256MB, 512MB, 1GB

Audio Interface

Cards or audio modules that allow audio to be sent to and from the computer.

Examples: Digi Design HD 192, Delta 1010(There are internal and external audio interfaces
available)
Microphones

Used to capture audio and room ambience within the studio.

Examples: Condensers (AKG C414), Dynamic (Shure SM47), Ribbon (RCC44BX) There are
other types as well.
Microphone Preamplifier

Used to amplify or increase the microphone signal level.

Example: aphex Tube essence model 107

Compressor

Used to reduce the dynamic range of the entire audio signal.

Example: DBX 262 (A compressor and limiter could be combined into the same unit.)
Limiter

Used to reduce only the loudest parts of the audio signal rather than the entire
signal.

Example: DBX 262

Gate

A device that reduces the entire background noise of an audio signal.

Example: DBX 363X (A gate and expander could also be combined into one unit.)

Expander

Reduces the lowest parts of the background audio and raises the highest parts of
the audio signal

Example: Alan Smart C2R Dual-channel

De-sser

A device that reduces the S, P and T sounds in a vocal track.

Example: DBX 263A

Direct Box

A device used to change guitar and keyboard signal levels.

Example: Groovetube PDI

Patch Panel

Used in the control room to access and reroute audio signals throughout the room.

Example: Furman (48 point)

Power Conditioners

Used in the control room to protect audio equipment from power surges.

Example: Furman PL 8

Studio Monitors

Speakers used in the control room to listen to recorded vocals or music.

Example: Yamaha NS10

Power Amplifier

Used in the control room to amplify the audio signal going to the studio monitors.

Example: Samson Servo 260 (250 watts)

Isolation Pads

Used in the control room to decouple and eliminate rattle from the studio monitors.

Example: Auralex Mo-pads

Headphones

Used in the studio so that singers and musicians can hear whats being recorded.

Example: Sony MDR-V6

Headphone Cue System

Allows multiple users to listen to the song in the studio while recording.

Example: Avoim Monitor, Mixing System

CD Player/Recorder

Used in the control room to playback and record (2-track) stereo audio.

Example: Tascam CD-160

Effect Processor

A device that adds room ambience, echo and delay to audio tracks.

Example: Yamaha SPX 90

Plug-Ins

Software versions of analog processors. (Gates, compressors, equalizers.etc.)

Example: Au, VST, TDM, etc.

Mixing Console

Used in the control room to combine multiple audio signals together.

Example: API Legacy

Cables and Connectors

Used to connect different types of audio equipment together.

Example: Patch, XLR, AES-EBU, SP/DIF, Phono, DIN, etc.

Contact: Digital Biz (312) 662-8839

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