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''Tracks'' are The term <u>tracks</u> is a holdover from the days of multi-track tape, where each instrument could be recorded (or ''tracked'') indpendently. This allowed flexibility to process each track separately before mixing them all down into the final stereo or mono mix. Tracks in a modern DAW are much more flexible and aren't devoted to recording audio. For example, a track can contain MIDI data, which is sent to virtual instrument to generate audio. The typical types of tracks allowed by a DAW include:
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This covers the basic functionality of most professional ''DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)'' software. It's probably nothing new to anyone already making productions, although some sections might be interesting. This is a quick overview for the noobs.
== Timeline View /Transport ==The default window/view your DAW will display should be the ''<u>timeline view''</u>, also called the ''<u>transport''</u>. This consists of a big empty box (called the ''<u>timeline''</u>) with numbers running along the x axis, either above or below. These numbers indicate the time in terms of measures measure numbers and/or minutes and seconds - it is literally the timeline for the project. The y axis is divided into rows called tracks, covered below. Each track usually consists of a small track control panel to the left of the timeline. Each track can have multiple blocks or ''<u>events'' </u> of audio or [[MIDI ]] data, as well as ''automation <u>envelopes''</u>. The events (audio, MIDI) look like rectangles inside the track's row in the timeline, spanning whatever time they consume. Envelopes operate in parallel to the audio/MIDI data, and usually appear as sub-rows under each track row but can be collapsed/hidden inside the track row.
The timeline is usually adjustible, so that you can zoom in/out for either the x or y axis. Zooming out allows you to see a greater portion of your project. For instance, zooming out on the x axis means the amount of time visible inside the timeline gets larger, while the events gets appear smaller horizontally. Zooming out on the y axis means more tracks are visible, but the control panels and events shrink vertically. In contrast, zooming in allows you to see greater detail per track, making it easier to find view/edit audio or MIDI events and their content as well as edit trackstrack settings.
=== Transport Controller ===
The timeline may have built in controls, or they may appear in a separate window that can be moved around the screen or hidden. These controls are collectively referred to as the ''<u>transport controls'' </u> or simply ''<u>transport'' </u> (although sometimes the timeline window is also called the transport). This has standard controls like jump back, rewind, play/pause, record, stop, fast forward, and jump forward. It may have additional features or displays, such as the HH:MM:SS marker for the current point in time selected in the timeline, as well as the tempo.
=== Timeline Cursor ===
The timeline has a cursor that typically appears as a small arrow /triangle above and/or a vertical line overlaid on top of the timeline, indicating the current place in time. When playing back the project, you'll see it move from left to right. The cursor can be moved using the timeline controller mentioned above. Typically it can also be moved by keyboard buttons and shortcuts, as well as by clicking in the numbered timeline above the timeline window.
=== Timeline Selection ===
Click-dragging in the timeline above the track window selects a span of time, often called a ''<u>region''</u>. This selection can be looped, bounced, or processed independently of the rest of the project. Often the region is bound by separate start and end markers in the numbered timeline.
== Tracks ==
* Audio (Mono)
* Audio (Stereo)
* [[MIDI* ]] (Includes Virtual InstrumentInstruments but they may be listed as separate types)* Group TrackTracks* AdjustmentTracks
Tracks typically have a control panel with the features below. Some DAW's display limited control panels for every track to the left of the workspace. Others require highlighting or double-clicking the desired track to make the control panel appear. Depending on the level of zoom and the screen space given to the control panel portions of the tracks, certain features may be hidden.
=== Record Arm ===