Custom Keyboards for Pro Tools and Apple Logic
Audio Editing Keyboard Covers and Solutions for DAW Software Users
Jul 15, 2009
Editing audio files in a digital audio workstation environment is a tedious procedure. Hence, most audio engineers are on the lookout for ways to expedite this editing process.
The standard method for accelerating audio editing in a particular DAW is to take some time to learn and memorize the shortcuts and quick keys unique to that DAW. However, this may take many hours and is not ideal for all audio engineers.
A simple solution is to visually enhance the computer keyboard with the location of DAW quick keys and shortcuts. There are several ways of accomplishing this including keyboard stickers, keyboard covers and dedicated computer keyboards.
DAW Computer Keyboard Stickers
The most economical way of applying this visual mnemonic to a computer keyboard is to buy a pre-designed sticker set for the audio engineer’s DAW of choice. These sets of stickers identify a particular DAW’s default shortcut keys on the computer keyboard via individual color-coded stickers.
Usually priced around $20 USD, these sticker sets are a universal solution as they are available for almost all of the major DAW programs and are compatible with any Mac or PC keyboard. Users should note that although this solution is cost-effective, it does require the user to spend some time applying the individual stickers to the computer keyboard.
Digital Audio Workstation Keyboard Covers and Keyboard Skins
Another inexpensive solution is to purchase a silicone keyboard cover with the shortcuts of a particular DAW mapped out and printed upon it. There are several companies (such as KB Covers and Logickeyboard) that manufacture this type of audio editing keyboard solution.
Sometimes called “keyboard skins” or “keyboard overlays”, these keyboard covers negate the need to apply stickers or purchase a separate dedicated editing keyboard. They sell for between $30 to $40 USD and are for both laptop and desktop computer keyboards including European ISO and Japanese JIS layouts.
Unfortunately, these keyboard covers are only available for a handful of digital audio workstation programs such as Apple Logic Pro and Digidesign Pro Tools.
Dedicated DAW Computer Keyboards
A third solution is to buy a separate keyboard that has been modified by the manufacturer to visually enhance audio editing. These dedicated editing keyboards are more professional than stickers or a keyboard cover however they are significantly more expensive (between $115 to $180 USD). Audio engineers and music producers with dedicated audio editing computers will benefit the most from this keyboard solution.
The Best Way to Expedite Audio Editing?
Some reports claim that these keyboard solutions speed up the editing process by up to 40%. While this figure may or may not be accurate, it certainly does not hurt having these shortcut reminders right under the user's fingertips.
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