Originally Posted By: Mike Halloran
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The day that it supports MIDI input, I might be able to change my mind. Ok, a multitrack tape recorder doesn't either but that's not a DAW and Audacity claims to be one.

And before someone rushes to tell me why I'm mistaken, you can't use a MIDI keyboard directly within Audacity as the app does not have the ability to record or write MIDI files nor communicate with a MIDI keyboard. The ability to import/export MIDI files aka Note Tracks is not the same as direct MIDI support.

Note Tracks as of April 13 2021


You are correct, but there are also a number of things that Audacity can't do that a DAW can.

This is from a google/bing search:

By strict definition, Audacity is a DAW (digital audio workstation) as it is audio software capable of recording, editing and producing audio files. However, due to its basic features, it is better described as a simple audio editor, lacking the functionality of more advanced DAW software.

This is from Audacity's opening page:

Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.
Developed by a group of volunteers as open source.

So if going by strict definitions then BiaB is a notation program. We all know that it is not but because it has limited notation functions it could be called a notation program, at least this is what the "experts" say.

I agree with you that in reality Audacity is not a DAW, regardless of what the experts call a DAW.

{edit} but it is a useful tool to have in your tool box.



Last edited by MarioD; 06/27/21 10:30 AM.
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