" (Edward Cufaude, List of Popular Music Making Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Software, 07 Dec. 2009) Logic Pro, Pro Tools, FL Studio, and Cubase are DAWs that are widely used by amateur musicians. Although all DAWs are slightly different and possess their own characteristic functions, they all commonly include a virtual mixing console, a virtual sequencer or piano roll for use when editing, and a MIDI performance creator, which is a main arrangement area to do the actual arranging and composing of songs. The basic environment for composing consists of the functions listed above. The sounds that we choose or record on the computer are arranged in an arrangement area. By changing the order of soundtracks on the arrangement area, composers may add as much variety to the song as he or she desires. Virtual and electronic sounds from the MIDI sequencer make the sound more sensual and abundant. Lastly, the mixing console combines and changes the level and dynamics of the audio signal for optimum sounds balances, resulting in a unique piece of created music. .
Audio plug-ins or virtual instruments are the most exacting and important programs in music creation software. "Plug-ins can be divided into two main categories, "sound generating plug-ins" which is the reason why Plugin-ins are the most exacting and important programs for composers, and "sound processing plug-ins." Sound generating plug-ins can be virtual synthesizers, sample players, drum machines, or any other type of virtual instrument a composer can play that produces sounds." (Robert Anthony, Beginner's Introduction to Composing on the Computer - Software, 4 sep. 2013) The core of composing any piece of contemporary music consists of two things--arrangement and combination. Sound generating plug-ins are the factories that produce and contain the materials used for arrangement and combination.