A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is what you will use to record, edit, and mix your audio.  It's a software program you'll install on your PC or laptop, and that you'll use offline.  There are many choices available.

Most DAWs come as a package, consisting of the core application, and a bundle of plug-in instruments and effects to use with it.  You should carefully review the plug-ins and effects before making a purchase, but the usability of the DAW itself is typically more important than the list of plug-ins.  Also, keep in mind that if your primary use is recording and mixing, then the effects list will be more important to you than the virtual instrument list.

It does not matter which DAW you use when collaborating on Kompoz.  All DAWs are capable of importing and export audio files in many different standard file formats.  With Kompoz, you'll want to upload audio files in standard formats, such as WAV, AIF, MP3, FLAC, OGG or WMA.  For the best quality of your finished collaboration, uncompressed audio formats (such as WAV and AIF) are best.

Popular Choices

	Description	Platform
	Apple GarageBand This is a popular choice for many Apple musicians. It's available on every Mac, is easy to use, and has very powerful editing capabilities. www.apple.com/mac/garageband	Mac
	Apple Logic Pro X Logic Pro X from Apple is a self-contained music studio that offers tremendous flexibility and power. It comes with a slightly higher learning curve than GarageBand. www.apple.com/logic-pro	Mac
	PreSonus Studio One Studio One’s intuitive browser and drag-and-drop paradigm let you work faster and more creatively, so making music is more fun. www.presonus.com/products/Studio-One	Mac Windows
	Pro Tools Compose, record, edit, and mix high-quality music or sound for picture—on a Mac or PC—using Pro Tools, the industry-standard audio production platform. Design the perfect setup for your needs with a wide array of Pro Tools solutions—from hardware interfaces and consoles to software, plug-ins, and more. http://www.avid.com	Mac Windows
	Reaper REAPER is digital audio workstation software: a complete multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering environment. www.reaper.fm	Mac Windows
	Reason DAW Software with Modular Environment, Unlimited Audio Tracks, Soft Synths, Virtual Instruments, Effects, MIDI Out, and Rack Extensions www.propellerheads.se/reason	Mac Windows