DAW is short for Digital Audio Workstation. The exact description of the term is somewhat vague as it can refer to a complete system consisting of both audio interface, controller and software, or just the software only. The most common features for a DAW is multi-track recording, editing and mixing possibilities. Some of the most popular systems out there are Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase and Apple Logic.

The compressor is a device that basically compresses the sound , that is, reducing the dynamics. By doing so it is possible to better “glue” the sounds together and in the end also raise the volume.

Each compressor functions differently, but common controls are threshold which decides at what levels the compressor shall start working, ratio which decides how much compression will be applied, attack and release which are timing parameters for setting how fast the compressor will work, and finally gain (or makeup gain) which helps in setting the level of the compressed signal.

The Equalizer - or EQ for short - is basically a device that let’s you “sculpt” the sound by raising or lowering the volume at a specific frequency as opposed to lowering or raising the volume of the entire spectrum like a regular volume control does. When talking about EQs this is generally referred to as “boosting” or “cutting”. The number of “bands” decides on how many places the EQ can boost or cut. The width of the spectrum that the bands will affect is set with the “Q value”. There are a myriad of different EQs available that functions in different ways.

Alright, gather around ladies and gentlemen. A new section have been requested: Audio lingo. Basically this will be posts with short descriptions of anything audio related that the regular Joe might not instantly recognize. Because of this there will be a little repetition every now and then, but on the other hand it will be much easier for you to find the explanation of something, and I won’t have to write what a compressor is in every other post. Alright?