Whether you’re creating a podcast intro or a potential Billboard number 1, the production of quality music rides on the back of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) functionality.
DAWs cover every part of the music production process, from the initial beats to the layered melodies. If you work in the audio production industry, a high-functioning DAW is your instrument for success. However, maintaining the efficiency of your DAW can be an ongoing saga. It is, after all, a complex digital system that requires careful fine-tuning and upkeep to perform well.
There’s nothing worse than a slow, lagging DAW that won’t let you finish your production process within the required deadline. Buffering can also be a significant trigger for serious stress and frustration—neither of which is conducive to a productive workflow.
Fortunately, there are many ways to keep your DAW system running like a well-oiled machine. We’ve collected seven of the best tactics and tips for reducing DAW lag and enhancing productivity.
Adjust Your Buffer Sizes
Buffer sizes are some of the most important tools for regulating the efficiency of a DAW. The term refers to the amount of time a computer has been given to perform a set of operations. The longer your buffer size is, the more likely your system is to lag.
An inflated buffer size can also result in popping or clicking sounds during playback, aliasing, and choppy audio. To avoid these issues, simply adjust your buffer sizes to make them smaller.
Create A New Project For Every Song
Putting too many songs, scores, or albums into a single project can slow your whole system down. While it may feel easier and more convenient in the moment, it will only make your production and editing processes more exhausting and stressful than they need to be.
Instead of overloading your DAW by cramming multiple songs into one project, create a new project for each individual item you are working on. This will help to keep your system cool and prevent backlog from slowing it down mid-edit.
Let It Breathe
Ample ventilation is key to making your DAW operate at peak functionality. Extreme temperatures are most technological systems’ worst nightmare, and DAWs are no exception to the rule. The biggest issue for DAWs is overheating, so you need to make sure your workstation has ample breathability.
All computers have built-in ventilation systems (cooling fans) that create space for hot air to be released. You just need to make sure those fans are exposed enough that they can actually dispose of the heat.
This can be achieved by investing in an ergonomic cooling pad or positioning your workstation in an open, well-ventilated space. You can also keep the temperature of your office at a lower level.
Make Sure Your DAW Plug-Ins Are Always Up To Date
Software programs are constantly being updated. If you don’t update your system to the most recent plug-in versions available, you risk overloading your DAW and causing issues within the system. This can create lagging, overheating, and slower-than-necessary production processes.
Updates can also offer you exciting new features and tools that the outdated versions simply don’t have. Make sure you are aware of any new updates released for the software you use. And when those annoying pop-ups arrive that suggest an update, do yourself a favor and take them seriously.
Limit The Number Of Programs You Run
Running too many programs simultaneously is one of the most common reasons for lag. It’s like the equivalent of giving a person too many tasks to do at the same time. It results in mental stalling and confusion.
When you’re using your computer or laptop, usually, it’s fine (and normal) to have multiple tabs or programs on at once. But when it comes to music production, the fewer, the better.
DAW systems are complex and require a high level of input from their various software installations. Freeing up space and resources for your DAW is one of the best ways to avoid delays, buffering, and all kinds of frustrating technological tomfoolery.
Clear Up Space On Your System
If your DAW is functioning at a snail’s pace and you don’t know why, it could be something as simple as a lack of storage space. SSD and HDD reading and writing operations tend to slow down DAW systems, particularly when you have limited disk space.
A general guideline is to leave at least 25% free for solid states and 15% for mechanical drives. However, allowing anywhere between 15-20% of overall space on your SSD card should allow your DAW to function at optimal capacity.
Regular clean-ups can help to free up space, and if your drives are nearing capacity and you cannot delete files or folders, consider an alternative storage option, such as an external drive you can keep safe in your home studio or cloud-based solution.
Use Templates For Easier Structure
Making your own music from scratch can be a satisfying process, especially if you learn how to DJ and spin your own tracks in the mix. But making music can take hours and a lot of resources, which is where DAW studio templates save the day. They offer a fast, effective, and very simple structure for new projects, allowing you to follow a pre-designed structure just waiting for you to fill in the sonic blanks.
Of course, some people struggle with the homogeneity of such things, but it’s the kind of support that anyone in a more corporate or straightforward role can appreciate when under pressure to perform. There’s nothing wrong with using DAW templates, especially when you’re creating podcast background music or effects that will always follow a similar format.
DAW Optimization—The Answer To Great Audio
When it comes to using complex technological systems like a DAW, every pro needs a few tricks to ensure everything functions smoothly and efficiently.
DAWs are notorious for lagging and causing delays when not maintained or updated properly. But that just means that those in the music production industry need to adopt methods of optimizing and enhancing the system’s functionality.
With these tips, every DJ, sound or music producer can have a seamlessly productive and high-functioning DAW that helps you create and finesse beautiful audio content every time.
