Guess the acronym
Digital Audio Workstation
DAW
capture voice or instrument
Record
MIDI controllers with piano-style keys for playing melodies and chords.
Example: Akai MPK Mini
Keyboard MIDI Controllers
The process of converting analog signals (like sound from a microphone) into digital data that a computer can understand.
ADC (Analog-to-Digital Conversion)
Makes a sound feel like it's happening in a big room or hall, adding echo and space.
Example VST: Waves H-Reverb
Reverb
Musical Instrument Digital Interface
MIDI
to add echo, reverb, etc.
Effects
Controllers with pads that trigger sounds or samples, ideal for beats.
Example: Akai MPD
Pad MIDI Controllers
The process of converting digital audio from your computer back into analog signals so you can hear it through speakers or headphones.
DAC (Digital-to-Analog Conversion)
Repeats a sound at regular intervals, like an echo, making it sound like it's bouncing back to you.
Example VST: FabFilter Timeless 3
Delay
Virtual Studio Technology
VST
to put put clips and sounds in order
Arrange
Drum-like controllers with pads to trigger drum sounds and samples.
Example: Roland SPD-SX
Drum Pad MIDI Controllers
The delay between input (like playing a note) and output (hearing the sound). Lower latency is important for real-time recording
Latency
Helps you change the balance of highs, mids, and lows in a sound, like turning the bass up or making the treble brighter.
Example VST: FabFilter Pro-Q 3
EQ (Equalizer)
Analog-to-Digital Conversion
ADC
to put put clips and sounds in order
Arrange
MIDI controllers with knobs and faders to control mixing and effects.
Example: PreSonus FaderPort
Control Surface MIDI Controllers
A built-in feature in many audio interfaces that boosts the signal from microphones and instruments to a level suitable for recording.
Preamplifier (Preamp)
Keeps the volume level steady by turning down loud parts and turning up quiet parts. It stops things from sounding too loud or too soft.
Example VST: Universal Audio 1176
Compression
Digital-to-Analog Conversion
DAC
to balance volume, left/right sound
Mix
Controllers combining keys, pads, and knobs for versatile control.
Example: Ableton Push
Hybrid MIDI Controllers
Refers to the connections on the audio interface, such as inputs for microphones or instruments and outputs for headphones or speakers.
I/O (Input/Output)
Makes a sound rough and gritty, like when a guitar gets that crunchy, edgy sound.
Example VST: iZotope Trash 2
Distortion