Recording music as a hobby or profession is sometimes very meticulous work. Editing the tracks is sometimes very tedious, and often It gets frustrating. The good thing that most Digital Audio Workstations have keyboard shortcuts to make the recording, editing, and mixing music quicker.
Keyboard shortcuts often depend on what DAW you are using and your computer operating system. Some DAWs allow you to create your keyboard shortcuts. By learning these shortcuts, recording music will become easier. Just like learning the shortcuts on Microsoft word and excel, it will take time to memorize.
Table of Contents:
Operating Systems
The two most known operating systems are Mac and Windows. Some prefer one over the other, but it does not matter because each of these operating systems, with the right specs, can record and produce good-quality music.
MAC
A Mac computer is a powerful tool for recording music in your home music studio. If you chose the right Apple computer, you could create full music albums. Apple computers are committed to bringing the best experience for creative professionals such as musicians, artists, and music producers.
Here are some examples of good MAC computers for recording music:
- Apple iMac Retina 5k
(Price: $1,799)
A good reason for choosing an Apple computer is the multi-tasking capabilities it has to offer. The large 27-inch screen and retina display of the iMac will help you maximize your workflow. Most modern producers use Apple for recording because of the processing power it offers. Although Apple only offers and supports fewer music-recording software, the software they offer will surely work at its best.
Specifications:
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory that is good enough to run all your favorite Digital Audio Workstation software and numerous VST plugins all at once.
You can upgrade the RAM to 16GB for an extra $200 and up to 32GB for an additional $600.
- 1TB Fusion Drive Storage so you can store tons of audio stems for your music projects.
- Magic Mouse 2 that can you can upgrade to a Magic Trackpad 2 for an extra $50
- Magic Keyboard
- Radeon Pro 570X with 4GB of GDDR5 memory
- 3.0GHz 6-core 8th-generation with an Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo boost up to 4.1 GHz
- 27-inch display
- 5k resolution with Retina display
- Apple MacBook Pro
(Price: $1,299)
If you want a smaller Mac Computer that is good for recording, the MacBook Pro is one of the best Apple laptops. The newer versions are much thinner than, the older models but still has the same powerful processor. The thinner versions, however, stripped-down CD drives and USB ports, which doesn’t affect the functions if you’re going to use the computer for recording.
Specifications:
- 32GB RAM perfect for operating data-heavy recording software
- AMD Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics
- The 15.4-inch screen that suitable for a laptop
- 4TB maximum storage to store all of your recording files and stems
- 4.2 lbs. light so it is easy to carry around
WINDOWS
If users like MAC for over simplicity and user-friendliness, computer nerds unite for the fantastic features of a Windows computer. What computer enthusiasts love about windows is the maximum customization you can do in terms of hardware and software.
For recording, there is a lot of software and free software you can use on a Windows PC than a Macintosh. Another advantage of having a PC is the lower price. Many companies release their computers with Windows OS, such as HP, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, Dell, Samsung, etc.
For Windows, you can start from scratch and build your PC. Here is an example build of a suitable PC for recording music that will set you back about $800-$1,200:
- CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor
This CPU is a Fast PC for gaming as well as music production. This computer is highly rated, and you can get it at a very reasonable price of $329. The maximum memory the Ryzen can support is up to 64GB.
Note that the CPU does not include the components when you are building a computer. You will have to buy the RAM, Operating System, Video Card, Sound Card, Hard Drive, etc. separately. In a CPU, you are purchasing the processor or from the name itself, the CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT.
Building computers are more common on Windows OS as Apple is the only company licensed to use MAC OS.
- Motherboard
Asus PRIME X570-P ATX AM4 Motherboard
(Price: $169)
It has four memory slots, that can support up to 128GB of memory.
- Memory
G. Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB
(Price: $120)
These memory sticks come in two 8GB of RAM sums up to 16GB of DDR4-3600 memory that is enough for all your recording needs.
- Storage
HP EX920 512 GB Solid-state drive
(Price: $69)
512 GB is enough for starting recording. Although you can always upgrade storage space when you are building a PC. You can also get external hard drives for easier data transfer.
- Video Card
Sapphire Radeon RX 570 4GB PULSE VIDEO CARD
(Price: $120)
This video card is sufficient for recording purposes and more.
- Case
Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case
(Price $90)
It is a nice case that has excellent ventilation. The all-black design is very sophisticated and simple.
- Power Supply
EVGA SuperNOVA G3 650 W
(Price: $100)
The SuperNova is a modular power supply that makes cable management more accessible and neat. It is efficient and quiet and suitable for heavy-duty CPU use.
Note: This build only includes most hardware and processors needed to run the computer functions. You can choose the monitor, keyboard, and mouse of your choice.
- Operating System
Windows 10 Pro
(Price: $130)
The current Windows OS is most capable of fulfilling your applications such as recording, editing, mixing and mastering music, as well as pictures and videos. Make sure you get the Windows 10 Pro version for more advanced features and applications.
If you do not want to go through the hassle of building a computer, you can always go for pre-built computers or laptops. Here is an example of a powerful Windows laptop suitable for recording purposes.
PC AUDIO LABS MC MOBILE 10
(Price: $2,899)
This laptop is quite an unknown brand in the mainstream world. However, this is an excellent example of a Windows PC that has enough processing power to match an Apple Computer.
The design of this computer looks like it came straight from a science fiction movie. If you are into high-tech looking gadgets from the future, this is a suitable choice for you.
Not only does the design look futuristic, but the specifications are also quite remarkable.
Specifications:
- 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750H Processor (2.6GHz) with 6 Cores that can be upgraded up to 8 Cores
- Intel HM370 Express Chipse 15.3
- 13.6” Full HD Display
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 with 8GB GDDR6
- RAM is 16GB that can be upgraded up to 64GB
- 250GB SSD Storage
- Window 10 64-bit
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
- Full-Size Color Illuminated Keyboard
- 6 in one Card Reader
- Weight 5.8 lbs.
- Size 14.13” x 10.15” x 1.18”
DAWS
Here are some DAWs and their essential keyboard shortcuts to optimize every recording session. Some apps are MAC exclusive and Windows.
GARAGEBAND SHORTCUTS
Main Window Shortcuts
| Command | Shortcut |
| Start recording | R |
| Start playback | Enter |
| Stop playback | 0 (Zero) |
| Start and stop playback | Spacebar |
| Move the play head one bar back | Comma (,) |
| Move the play head one bar forward | Period (.) |
| Start playback from the selection | Shift + Spacebar |
| Move the cycle range forward by cycle length | Command + Shift + Period (.) |
| Move the cycle range backward by one cycle length | Command + Shift + Period (.) |
| Go to the beginning of a selection | fn + left arrow |
| Go to the end of the last region | Option + Return |
| Go to Beginning | Return |
| Turn the cycle area on/off | C |
| Turn solo on/off for tracks | Control + Option + Command + S |
| Turn the metronome on/off | K |
| Turn count-in on/off | Shift + K |
| Open Preferences window | Command + Comma (,) |
| Show/Hide the Musical Typing window | Command + K |
| Show/Hide the Smart Controls window | B |
| Show/Hide the Score Editor | N |
| Show/Hide the Piano Roll Editor | P |
| Show/Hide the Loop Browser | O |
| Show/Hide the Library | Y |
| Enter/Exit Full-Screen mode | Control + Command + F |
| Close the current window or project | Command + W |
| Select the next higher track | Up Arrow |
| Select the next lower track | Down Arrow |
| Hide Garageband | Command + H |
| Hide other apps | Option + Command + H |
| Quit Garageband | Command + Q |
| Create a new project | Command + N |
| Open existing project | Command + O |
| Save current project | Command + S |
| Save the current project as | Command + Shift + S |
| Change focus to next window area | Tab |
| Change focus to previous window area | Shift + Tab |
| Minimize Garageband window | Command + M |
| Minimize all other application windows | Option + Command + M |
| Next patch of effects and instrument setting | ] |
| Previous patch of effects and instrument setting | [ |
| Mute/ unmute selected track | M |
| Solo/ un-solo selected track | S |
| Turn on/off monitoring for selected track | Control + I |
| Undo | Command + Z |
| Cut | Command + X |
| Copy | Command + C |
| Paste | Command + V |
| Delete selected | Delete |
| Select All | Command + A |
| Horizontal zoom out | Command + Left Arrow |
| Horizontal zoom in | Command + Right Arrow |
| Page up | Function + Up Arrow |
| Page down | Function + Down Arrow |
| Page left | Function + Left Arrow |
| Page right | Function + Right Arrow |
| Show/ hide automated lines | A |
| Create new track | Option + Command + N |
| Create new audio track | Option + Command + A |
| Create new software instrument track | Option + Command + S |
| Create new drummer track | Option + Command + U |
| Delete selected track | Command + Delete |
| Select the previous region on the selected track or event in the editor | Left Arrow |
| Select the next region on the selected track or event in the editor | Right Arrow |
| Loop selected region continuously | L |
| Quantize selected events | Q |
| Undo quantization | Option + Command + Q |
| Paste and replace current selection | Shift + Command + V |
| Join regions or notes | Command + J |
| Split the selected region at the playhead position | Command + T |
| Turn snap to grid on/off | Command + G |
| Delete automation on selected track | Control + Shift + Command + Delete |
| Turn record enable for selected track on/off | Control + R |
| Cut the selected arrangement marker into sections | Option + Command + Delete |
| Rename selected track | Shift + Return |
| Add selected region to Apple Loops library | Control + Shift + O |
| Rename selected regions | Shift + N |
| Configure track header | Option + T |
| Show/ hide editor pane | E |
| Show/ hide note pad | Option + Command + P |
| Show/ hide browser pane | F |
| Show/ hide master track | Shift + Command + M |
| Show/ hide the alignment guides | Option + Command + G |
EDITOR SHORTCUTS
| Command | Shortcut |
| Preview selected audio | Option + Space |
| Transpose selected notes up one semitone | Option + Up Arrow |
| Transpose selected notes down one semitone | Option + Down Arrow |
| Transpose selected notes up one octave | Option + Shift + Up Arrow |
| Transpose selected notes down one octave | Option + Shift + Down Arrow |
LOGIC X PRO KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Logic Pro is an extension of Garageband, so most of their shortcuts are the same. Here are some shortcuts that are exclusive for Logic X Pro users.
Modifier Shortcuts
With the use of particular tools on Logic X pro like the pointer, hold down the specific keys to achieve what the command states.
| Command | Tools | Shortcut |
| Change to the zoom tool | Any | Ctrl + Alt |
| Drag a region to create a copy | Pointer | Alt |
| Create crossfade between two regions | Pointer | Ctrl + Shift |
| Select automation nodes | Pointer | Shift |
| Adjust curves | Pointer | Ctrl + Shift |
| Create marquee selection for selected region | Marquee | Alt |
| Add marquee to a section | Marquee | Alt + Shift |
All Commands
| Command | Shortcut |
| Rename track | Shift + Return |
| Rename take | Shift + T |
| Name regions by track name | Alt + Shift + N |
| Name track by region name | Alt + Shift + Command + N |
| Show/ hide color chooser | Alt + C |
| Select equal colored regions/ events/ channels | Shift + C |
| Color regions by track color | Alt + Shift + C |
| Color tracks by region color | Alt + Shift + Command + C |
| Join Regions | J |
| Join notes | Command + J |
| Split region at playhead | Command + T |
| Nudge left | Alt + Shift + Left Arrow |
| Nudge right | Alt + Shift + Right Arrow |
| Set nudge to tick | Ctrl + Alt + T |
| Set nudge to division | Ctrl + Alt + D |
| Set nudge to beat | Ctrl + Alt + B |
| Set nudge to bar | Ctrl + Alt + M |
| Shuffle L | Alt + [ |
| Shuffle R | Alt +] |
| Trim note to remove overlaps | Forward slash (\) |
| Force legato | Shit + Forward Slash (\) |
| Transpose up one semitone | Alt + Up arrow |
| Transpose down one semitone | Alt + Down Arrow |
| Transpose up one octave | Alt + Shift + Up Arrow |
| Transpose down one octave | Alt + Shift + Down Arrow |
| Create two automation points on region | Ctrl + Shift + Command +2 |
| Delete visible automation on track | Ctrl + Command + Backspace |
| Delete all automations on track | Ctrl + Shift + Command + Backspace |
| Create track stack | Shift + Command + D |
| Create folder stack | Shift + Command + F |
| Create Summing Stack | Shift + Command + G |
| Flatten Stack | Shift + Command + U |
| Toggle track on | Ctrl + R |
| Toggle touch automation | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + T |
| Select All | Command + A |
| Deselect All | Alt + Shift + D |
| Invert Selection | Shift + I |
| Select all auxiliary channel strips | Shift + F |
| Select all inside locators | Shift + L |
| Select overlapped regions/ events | Shift + O |
| Select Similar regions/ events | Shift + S |
| Select muted regions/ events | Shift + M |
| Scroll to selection | Shift + apostrophe (‘) |
| Select same channels | Shift + H |
| Select highest notes | Shift + Up Arrow |
| Select lowest notes | Shift + Down Arrow |
Toggle/ Show/ Hide
| Command | Shortcut |
| Musical typing | K |
| Mixer | X |
| Editor | E |
| Inspector | I |
| Tool menu | T |
| Library | Y |
| Loop browser | O |
| Audio file editor | W |
| All plugin windows | V |
| Global tracks | G |
| Track automation | A |
| List editors | D |
| Media area | F |
| Notepad | Alt + N |
| Key commands | Alt + K |
| Control surface learn mode | Command + L |
| Controller assignments | Alt + Shift + K |
| Project settings | Alt + P |
| Preferences | Command + Comma (,) |
| Hide track | H |
REAPER KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
Reaper has so many shortcuts, so I picked out the most useful keyboard shortcuts for optimizing workflow for both Windows and MAC.
| Command | PC Shortcut | MAC Shortcut |
| Auto Crossfade on/off | Alt + X | Option + X |
| Copy selected items | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
| Cut selected items | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
| Paste selected items | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Group items | G | G |
| Open items in external editor | Ctrl + Alt + E | Command + Option + E |
| Insert media item | Insert | Insert |
| Pitch item down one cent | Shift + 7 | Shift + 7 |
| Pitch item down one semitone | Shift + 9 | Shift + 9 |
| Pitch item up one cent | Shift + 8 | Shift + 8 |
| Pitch item up one semitone | Shift + 0 | Shift + 0 |
| Select all items | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
| Record | Ctrl + R | Command + R |
| Split items | S | S |
| Toggle items mute | Alt + M | Option + M |
| Undo previous action | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
| Go to next track | Ctrl + Alt + Down | Command + Option + Down |
| Go to previous track | Ctrl + Alt + Up | Command + Option + Up |
| Insert new track | Ctrl + T | Command + T |
| Show master track view | Ctrl + Alt + M | Command + Option + M |
| Loop set begin point | Shift + [ | Shift + [ |
| Loop set endpoint | Shift +] | Shift +] |
| Toggle gridlines | Alt + G | Option + G |
| Toggle locking | L | L |
| Toggle snapping | Alt + S | Options + S |
| Move contents of items left | Num 1 | Num 1 |
| Move contents of items right | Num 3 | Num 3 |
| Move items down one track | Num 2 | Num 2 |
| Move items up one track | Num 8 | Num 8 |
| Show FX chain for selected take | Shift + E | Shift + E |
| Switch items to previous take | Shift + T | Shift + T |
| Switch items to next take | T | T |
FL STUDIO KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR MAC AND PC
| Command | PC Shortcuts | Mac Shortcuts |
| Open file | Ctrl + O | Command + O |
| Save file | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
| Save new version | Ctrl + N | Command + N |
| Save as | Ctrl + Shift + S | Command + Shift + S |
| Export Wav file | Ctrl + R | Command + R |
| Export Mp3 file | Ctrl + Shift + R | Command + Shift + R |
| Rearrange windows | Ctrl + Shift + H | Command + Shift + H |
| Delete selected channels | Alt + Delete | Option + Delete |
| Clone selected channels | Alt + C | Option + C |
| Toggle mixer track selectors | Alt + M | Option + M |
| Start/ stop playback | Spacebar | Spacebar |
| Fast forward | Zero (0) | Zero (0) |
| Stop sound (Panic) | Ctrl + H | Command + H |
| Toggle editor | Ctrl + E | Command + E |
| Toggle typing and piano keypad | Ctrl + T | Command + T |
| Toggle blend notes | Ctrl + B | Command + B |
| Toggle metronome | Ctrl + M | Command + M |
| Toggle recording pre count | Ctrl + P | Command + P |
| Toggle wait for input to start recording | Ctrl + I | Command + I |
| Cycle through windows | Tab | Tab |
| Open plugin picker | F8 | F8 |
| Close a window | Esc | Esc |
| Toggle piano roll | F7 | F7 |
| Show/hide mixer | F9 | F9 |
| Show/ hide MIDI settings | F10 | F10 |
| Show/ hide song info window | F11 | F11 |
| Close all windows | F12 | F12 |
| Toggle peak meter | Alt + W | Option + W |
| Rename selected mixer track | F2 | F2 |
| Consolidate audio tracks | Ctrl + Alt + C | Command + Option + C |
| Delete space | Ctrl + Delete | Command + Delete |
| Select time around selection | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Enter |
| Move selected channels up | Shift + Up Arrow | Shift + Up Arrow |
| Move selected channels down | Shift + Down Arrow | Shift + Down Arrow |
| Shift steps left | Shift + Ctrl + Left Arrow | Shift + Command + Left Arrow |
| Shift steps right | Shift + Ctrl + Right Arrow | Shift + Command + Right Arrow |
| Next Bar | Asterisk (*) | Asterisk (*) |
| Previous Bar | Backslash (/) | Backslash (/) |
AUDACITY SHORTCUTS
File Menu Shortcuts
| Command | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
| New | Ctrl + N | Command + N |
| Open | Ctrl + O | Command + O |
| Close | Ctrl + W | Command + W |
| Quick save | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
| Save as | Ctrl + Shift + S | Command + Shift + S |
| Import audio files | Ctrl + Shift + I | Command + Shift + I |
| Export audio files | Ctrl + Shift + E | Command + Shift + E |
| Export multiple audio files | Ctrl + Shift + L | Command + Shift + L |
| Exit application | Ctrl + Q | Command + Q |
Editing Shortcuts
| Command | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Command + Shift + Z |
| Remove audio or cut | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
| Remove audio labels or delete | Ctrl + K | Command + K |
| Split cut audio labels | Ctrl + Alt + X | Command + Option + X |
| Split delete audio labels | Ctrl + Alt + K | Command + Option + K |
| Silence audio | Ctrl + L | Command + L |
| Trim Audio | Ctrl + T | Command + T |
| Split track | Ctrl + I | Command + I |
| Split into new track | Ctrl + Alt + I | Command + Option + I |
| Join tracks | Ctrl + J | Command + J |
| Detach tracks at silences | Ctrl + Alt + J | Command + Option + J |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Paste text to new label | Ctrl + Alt + V | Command + Option + V |
| Duplicate track | Ctrl + D | Command + D |
| Select all | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
| Select playback position left | [ | [ |
| Select playback position right | ] | ] |
| Select track start to cursor | Shift + J | Shift + J |
| Select cursor to track end | Shift + K | Shift + K |
| Select in all tracks | Ctrl + Shift + K | Command + Shift + K |
| Select in all sync-locked tracks | Ctrl + Shift + Y | Command + Shit + Y |
| Find zero crossings | Z | Z |
| Move cursor to selection start | Left Arrow | Left Arrow |
| Move cursor to selection end | Right Arrow | Right Arrow |
| Move cursor to track start | J | J |
| Move cursor to track end | K | K |
| Preferences | Ctrl + P | Command + Comma (,) |
| Selection to start | Shift + Home | N. A. |
| Selection to end | Shift + end | N. A. |
Transport Menu Shortcuts
| Command | PC Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
| Loop play | Shift + Space | Shift + Space |
| Pause | P | P |
| Record | R | R |
| Timer record | Shift + T | Shift + T |
| Append Record | Shift + R | Shift + R |
| Play/stop | Spacebar | Spacebar |
| Play one second | 1 | 1 |
| Play to selection | B | B |
| Play Cut Preview | C | C |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MIDI KEYBOARDS
Having Midi keyboards helps a lot when recording. You can assign specific controls from your DAW to the Midi controller such as tweaking levels and adjusting effects. Adjusting the levels on your DAW with a mouse will take a lot of time because there are several levels you need to tweak to get a particular sound. The good thing is that there are specific tools that can help.
AKAI MPK MINI MK II
(PRICE: $89)
This device is useful for DAWs on a computer or Apps on mobile devices. You can assign the pads as trigger pads and sequences depending on the software you are using.
- 25 velocity-sensitive keys
- Eight fully assignable trigger pads with two banks
- 16 fully assignable knobs
- Four user programs
- Octave switch
- Modulation and pitch joystick
- Free software included
NOVATION LAUNCHKEY MINI
(Price: $89)
The Launchkey Mini is an excellent choice for more electronic-driven music. It is a combination of a midi keyboard controller and Novation’s Launchpad.
- 16 fully assignable, LED indicating trigger pads
- 25 velocity-sensitive keys
- Eight fully assignable knobs
- Free Software included
MAC SHORTCUTS
- UNDO PREVIOUS COMMAND: Command + Z
- HIDE FRONT WINDOWS: Command + H
- QUIT OPEN APP: Command + Q
- MINIMIZE FRONT WINDOWS: Command + M
- OPEN SPOTLIGHT SEARCH: Command + Spacebar
- SWITCH BETWEEN OPEN APPS: Command + Tab
TRACKPAD
Apple laptops have a cool trackpad that can work wonders with the use of gestures. You can swipe through screens and multiple windows with just using your fingers. The Magic Trackpad is built-in most apple laptops and can be bought separately for iMacs.
The features of the Magic Trackpad are similar to gestures on an iPhone. You can click, double click, scroll, zoom-in, rotate, and many more. Features like this are helpful for multi-tasking and recording.
MAGIC MOUSE
The Magic Mouse for Mac is another helpful creation. It works just how a regular mouse would, but with more features such as gestures like the Trackpad. It has Bluetooth connectivity for convenience.
WINDOWS SHORTCUTS
- RUN PROGRAM: Windows + R
- OPEN FILE EXPLORER: Windows + E
- SWITCH BETWEEN OPEN PROGRAMS: Alt + Tab
- OPEN TASK MANAGER: Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- HIDE/ DISPLAY DESKTOP: Windows + D
- SWITCH BETWEEN OPEN PROGRAMS IN THE ORDER THEY WERE OPENED: Alt + Esc
- QUIT PROGRAM: Alt + F4
- MINIMIZE ALL WINDOWS: Windows + M
- RESTORE PREVIOUS CLOSED WINDOWS: Shift + Windows + M
ASSIGN SHORTCUTS
In most DAWs, you can assign the shortcuts you want to whatever key that you prefer. Certain DAWs allow you to change, edit, and remove shortcuts. Enabling shortcut assign is much to remember because you yourself created the keyboard shortcuts.
CONCLUSION
Keyboard shortcuts can be a real lifesaver when it comes to deadlines, especially if music production is your profession. Either you record music professionally, as a hobby or for your band, these shortcuts will help optimize every recording session. I hope this article can guide both beginner and intermediate producers to make their work easier.