A digital audio workstation (DAW for short) is an electronic device or application software used for recording, editing and producing audio files such as musical pieces, songs, speech or sound effects. DAWs come in a wide variety of configurations from a single software program on a laptop, to an integrated stand-alone unit, all the way to a highly complex configuration of numerous components controlled by a central computer. Regardless of configuration, modern DAWs have a central interface that allows the user to alter and mix multiple recordings and tracks into a final produced piece.

DAWs are used for the production and recording of music, radio, television, podcasts, multimedia and nearly any other situation where complex recorded audio is needed.

Examples of DAWs include Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase and FL Studio.

I recommend doing research on which DAW has the most compatible plug-ins for what you are looking to do. Currently, I use Logic Pro X because I am a Mac user. I also use Logic because I prefer the interface to any other DAW. Producing EDM is something I have done for awhile but I now feel comfortable sharing my expertise with all of you. Another reason I chose Logic Pro X is because many famous producers whose music I like use it as their primary DAW. These names include Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Knife Party and DJ Mustard.

Here you can see I am working on a cover of Sick Boy by The Chainsmokers. At the top you can see basic commands like play, pause, rewind, metronome and a count in. On the left you can see the VSTs and Plug-ins I am imposing on the current track selected. (Channel EQ, Compressor, Tape Delay, etc.)

https://i.imgur.com/M8ul6uy.png

Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates software synthesizer and effects in digital audio workstations. VST and similar technologies use digital signal processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware in software. Thousands of plugins exist, both commercial and freeware, and a large number of audio applications support VST under license from its creator, Steinberg.

Examples of VSTs include Sylenth1, Alchemy, RDGAudio, Omnisphere.

This all depends on what kind of music you want to produce. If you are looking to make rock or acoustic music, I do not recommend using a VST for instruments because a real guitar will always sound better than an electronic one. This holds true with just about every instrument. However, you can use VSTs to load samples into your project that can boost your production even if you are producing pop punk or rock. For example, you can load in a sample snare, lets say Paramores, and use their snare as they have the opportunity to record their snare in a million dollar studio.

If you produce rap or edm, I recommend Sylenth1 or Nexus. These VSTs have a large preset library and a lot of options to truly make your own sound. Metro Boomin, DJ Khaled, The Chainsmoker and even Jay Z have used these VSTs to produce their music. There is a catch... These can cost hundreds of dollars, but the demo versions are free! This is a great opportunity to learn what the VST does before buying the actual item.

This is an example of a VST that produces an authentic bass sounding synth. This is the realest bass VST I have found and I believe Charlie Puth has used this on his track "Attention". You can see that you can change the drive of the synth itself by pulling out the treble or bass, or even use the articulation tab (on the right) to get a a more precise knob.

https://i.imgur.com/jFtwOpk.png

Here is a list of VSTs I have that come stock with Logic Pro X. Others (like Sylenth1) I have placed in a different folder.

https://i.imgur.com/7SJ5KmN.png

A plugin is just as it sounds. A plugin is something that you can use inside of your DAW to help tweak a frequency. There are plugins called VSTs (which were mentioned earlier) that are instruments. Their sole purpose is to replicate or create a new sounding synth or instrument. There are also plugins that will help aid your sound like compression, EQ, pitch correction, etc. You may place multiple plugins in your bus to create the sound desired. Expensive plugins like Sylenth1 sometimes have these other plugins built into their VST plugin.

Examples of plugins include Nicky Romero Sidechain, Compression, Reverb and Space Designer.

There is no set rule on what plugins to use, similarly to what VST you want to use. It is highly recommended that if you do choose to record something, place compression on it. You will also want to use an EQ to cut out undesired frequencies within your sound. If you are recording vocal tracks,
you may use pitch correction or vocal transformers. I recommend looking on Youtube as to what plugins you should use for what sound you are trying to create.

Here is a list of plugin folders in my DAW that can be placed on an instrument I have made.

https://i.imgur.com/rbNMclv.png

This is a plugin that I use to thicken vocals. It allows my one voice to turn into a three voice split to thicken the vocals.

https://i.imgur.com/e4ylcJN.png

KRK Rokit Powered 5" Generation 3 Powered Studio Monitors

These speakers are the "go to" speakers for music production for those who are starting a small studio for themselves. You will see a lot of youtubers use these as they are relatively good quality for the price.
https://image.prntscr.com/image/PweImih9Sz2lJJ9eEbdFeg.png

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools

https://image.prntscr.com/image/6LM7OAXRQ-qUL9nwdTnIDA.png

This is a popular audio interface that allows you to plug in your mics. I use a USB microphone so I do not need one, but if you do not want to do that, I recommend this. I have used them in the past for monitoring different instruments but since I am in a small room in college I do not need one.

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Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone
https://image.prntscr.com/image/yoS5qzsWRsqcomdORpsMlA.png

I know a few youtubers who use this microphone. I have had amazing luck with Audio Technica equipment. This microphone won't break the bank but is still very high quality.