Daw CLI

Stratawright DAW CLI Control

Overview

daw-cli is the command-line IPC client for Stratawright DAW, allowing AI agents and automation tools to query and mutate session state, manage tracks, perform gain-staging, host VST3/AU/CLAP plugins, configure signal routing & bus topology, execute clip and MIDI timeline edits, and perform non-visual DSP analysis & audio intelligence in real time.

All commands communicate with the running DAW application using a UNIX domain socket.

Binary location (if not installed on system PATH):

• Quoted path: "./build/release/src/Agentic\ layer/daw-cli" (Release build)
• Quoted path: "./build/debug/src/Agentic\ layer/daw-cli" (Debug build)
• Standard executable name (if symlinked / on PATH): daw-cli

References Directory

• error_codes.md: Detailed IPC error codes, trigger causes, and recovery actions.
• command_schema.json: Machine-readable JSON schema defining all verbs, subcommands, flags, types, and defaults.

Prerequisites

1. DAW Application Must Be Running: The GUI/Server application must be active before running daw-cli.
2. UNIX Socket Path: The server listens on /tmp/daw_session.sock.
3. Connectivity Check: Always verify connection state first before executing batch commands:

   daw-cli status
   

   If the DAW is not running, daw-cli will fail immediately with exit code 71 (DAW_NOT_RUNNING).

Output Formats & Parsing

By default, queries return TSV (Tab-Separated Values) for list commands and KV (Key-Value) for single-entity or status commands.

Agents can explicitly request machine-parsable formats using the --format flag:

daw-cli track list --format json

Supported formats:

• --format json: Compact JSON string (Recommended for programmatic parsing).
• --format tsv: Tab-Separated Values with header line (Default for lists).
• --format kv: Key: Value line pairs (Default for inspect/status).
• --format pretty: Human-readable structured block output.

Error Code Reference

When a command fails, daw-cli writes to stderr formatted as: ERROR <code> <SYMBOL> "<message>" and exits with the corresponding code.

Track Range Syntax

Commands accepting track parameters (--track, --tracks, --to-tracks) support integer ranges and comma-separated lists:

• Single track: --track 1
• Contiguous range: --track 1..4 (expands to tracks 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Multi-range / list: --track 1..4,7..10 (expands to 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10)

Command Reference

1. Session State & Transport

Status Query

Returns current playback status, tempo, time signature, and playhead position.

daw-cli status

• Success Symbol: STATUS_OK
• Output Fields: TRANSPORT_STATE, TEMPO, TIME_SIGNATURE, POSITION_BARS, POSITION_SECONDS

Start Playback

daw-cli transport play

• Success Symbol: PLAYBACK_STARTED

Stop Playback

daw-cli transport stop

• Success Symbol: PLAYBACK_STOPPED

Set Tempo

daw-cli transport set-tempo --bpm 128.0

• Success Symbol: TEMPO_UPDATED
• Options: --bpm <float> (or --tempo <float>)

Set Time Signature

daw-cli transport set-time-signature --num 4 --den 4

• Success Symbol: TIME_SIGNATURE_UPDATED
• Options: --num <int>, --den <int>

2. Tracks & Gain-Staging

Create Track

daw-cli track create --name "Vocal Lead" --type audio --color yellow

• Success Symbol: TRACK_CREATED
• Options:
  • --name "<string>" (Default: "Untitled Track")
  • --type audio|midi|instrument|aux|folder (Default: "audio")
  • --color <red|blue|green|yellow|purple|orange|cyan|pink|white|grey|black|#HEX>

Create Tracks in Batch

daw-cli track create-batch --names "Kick,Snare,HH,Tom" --type audio

• Success Symbol: BATCH_TRACKS_CREATED
• Options: --names "<comma_separated_list>", --type audio|midi|instrument|aux|folder

List All Tracks

daw-cli track list [--format json]

• Success Symbol: TRACK_LIST

Inspect Track Details

daw-cli track inspect --track 1

• Success Symbol: TRACK_INSPECT

Set Track Gain (dB)

daw-cli track set-gain --track 1..4 --db -3.5

• Success Symbol: TRACK_GAIN_UPDATED
• Options: --track <range>, --db <float_in_dB>

Set Track Pan Position

daw-cli track set-pan --track 1 --value -0.25

• Success Symbol: TRACK_PAN_UPDATED
• Options: --track <range>, --value <float> (-1.0 Left to +1.0 Right)

Mute / Unmute Track

daw-cli track set-mute --track 2 --on

• Success Symbol: TRACK_MUTE_UPDATED
• Options: --track <range>, --on (omit --on to unmute)

Solo / Unsolo Track

daw-cli track set-solo --track 2 --on

• Success Symbol: TRACK_SOLO_UPDATED
• Options: --track <range>, --on (omit --on to unsolo)

Delete Tracks

daw-cli track delete --track 4

• Success Symbol: TRACK_DELETED
• Options: --track <range>

Set Track Color

daw-cli track set-color --track 1..4 --color red

• Success Symbol: TRACK_COLOR_UPDATED

Auto-Color Tracks

Assigns semantic color palette based on instrument track names (e.g., Drums -> Red, Bass -> Purple, Vocals -> Yellow).

daw-cli track auto-color

• Success Symbol: TRACKS_AUTO_COLORED

Sanitize Track Names

Trims whitespace, removes extensions (.wav, .mp3), and converts underscores to spaces across all tracks.

daw-cli track sanitize-names

• Success Symbol: TRACK_NAMES_SANITIZED

3. Plugin Management

Scan Plugin Library

Triggers host scanner for installed VST3/AU plugins.

daw-cli plugin scan

• Success Symbol: PLUGIN_SCAN_COMPLETED

List Discovered Plugins

daw-cli plugin list --filter "FabFilter" --category effect --head 10 --format json

• Success Symbol: PLUGIN_LIST
• Options:
  • --filter "<substring>": Case-insensitive search on name or vendor.
  • --category effect|instrument (or fx, synth).
  • --head <int> / --tail <int>: Limit output row count.

Add Plugin to Track Slot

daw-cli plugin add --track 1 --name "FabFilter Pro-Q 3" --slot 0

• Success Symbol: PLUGIN_ADDED
• Options:
  • --track <range>
  • --name "<exact_name>" (Must match exact case returned by plugin list) or --id <uint32>
  • --slot <0..7> (Default: 0)

Set Plugin Parameter Value

daw-cli plugin set-param --track 1 --plugin 0 --param 3 --val 0.75

• Success Symbol: PLUGIN_PARAM_UPDATED
• Options:
  • --track <uint32>
  • --plugin <slot_0..7> (or --slot)
  • --param <param_index>
  • --val <float_0.0_to_1.0> (Normalized range)

Copy Single Plugin to Other Tracks

daw-cli plugin copy --from-track 1 --slot 0 --to-tracks 2..5 --overwrite

• Success Symbol: PLUGIN_COPIED
• Options:
  • --from-track <uint32>
  • --slot <0..7>
  • --to-tracks <range>
  • --overwrite: Required if target slots are already occupied.

Copy Entire Plugin Insert Chain

daw-cli plugin copy-chain --from-track 1 --to-tracks 2..5 --overwrite

• Success Symbol: PLUGIN_CHAIN_COPIED
• Options:
  • --from-track <uint32>
  • --to-tracks <range>
  • --overwrite: Required if any target slot in 0..7 is occupied.

4. Session Preparation (prep)

Gain-Stage Track Headroom

Adjusts track fader gains to achieve requested target RMS headroom.

daw-cli prep gain-stage --track 1..8 --target-rms -18.0

• Success Symbol: GAIN_STAGE_COMPLETED
• Options: --track <range>, --target-rms <float_dB> (Default: -18.0)

5. Clips & Timeline Editing (clip, midi)

Add Audio Clip

daw-cli clip add-audio --track 1 --path "/audio/vocal.wav" --start 1.1.0

• Success Symbol: CLIP_ADDED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --path "<string>", --start <BBT>

Add MIDI Clip

daw-cli clip add-midi --track 1 --start 1.1.0 --dur 4.0.0

• Success Symbol: CLIP_ADDED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --start <BBT>, --dur <BBT>

Add MIDI Note Event

daw-cli midi add-note --track 1 --clip 1 --pitch C4 --velocity 100 --start 1.1.0 --dur 1.0.0

• Success Symbol: MIDI_NOTE_ADDED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --pitch <musical_note, e.g. C4, A5, Db5 or integer 0..127>, --velocity <0..127>, --start <BBT>, --dur <BBT>

List Arrangement Clips

daw-cli clip list --track 1 [--bar 1-8]

• Success Symbol: CLIP_LIST
• Options: --track <uint32>, --bar <start_bar-end_bar>

Set Clip Gain (dB)

daw-cli clip set-gain --track 1 --clip 1 --db -3.0

• Success Symbol: CLIP_GAIN_UPDATED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --db <float>

Mute / Unmute Clip

daw-cli clip set-mute --track 1 --clip 1 --on true

• Success Symbol: CLIP_MUTE_UPDATED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --on <true|false>

Split Clip

daw-cli clip split --track 1 --clip 1 --at 2.1.0

• Success Symbol: CLIP_SPLIT
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --at <BBT>

Trim Silence

daw-cli clip trim-silence --track 1 --clip 1 --threshold -48.0 --fade-ms 5.0

• Success Symbol: CLIP_SILENCE_TRIMMED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --threshold <float_dB>, --fade-ms <float>

Quantize Clip / MIDI

daw-cli clip quantize --track 1 --clip 1 --grid 1/16 --strength 1.0

• Success Symbol: MIDI_CLIPS_QUANTIZED / CLIPS_QUANTIZED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --grid <grid_fraction>, --strength <float_0..1>

Merge Clips

daw-cli clip merge --track 1 --start 1.1.0 --end 5.1.0

• Success Symbol: CLIPS_MERGED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --start <BBT>, --end <BBT>, --clips "<list>"

Move Clip

daw-cli clip move --track 1 --clip 1 --to-pos 3.1.0 [--to-track 2]

• Success Symbol: CLIP_MOVED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --to-pos <BBT>, --to-track <uint32>

Nudge Clip Position

daw-cli clip nudge --track 1 --clip 1 --by +1/16

• Success Symbol: CLIP_NUDGED
• Options: --track <uint32>, --clip <uint32>, --by <+|-grid_fraction>

6. Signal Routing & Topology (route)

Route Tracks to Bus / Folder

Routes source track outputs to a destination bus or folder track, updating both audio routing and parent folder hierarchy.

daw-cli route folder --track 1..4 --to 10

• Success Symbol: ROUTE_FOLDER_UPDATED
• Options: --track <range>, --to <bus_track_id>

Add Aux Send

Configures a pre-fader or post-fader send from source tracks to a target Aux track with gain level in dB.

daw-cli route send --from 1..4 --to 14 --db -12.0 --tap post

• Success Symbol: ROUTE_SEND_ADDED
• Options: --from <range>, --to <aux_track_id>, --db <float_dB> (Default: -12.0), --tap pre|post (Default: post)

Set Up Sidechain Connection

Links a trigger source track as a sidechain input into a target track's plugin or instrument slot.

daw-cli route sidechain --source 1 --to-track 9 --slot 0 --db 0.0

• Success Symbol: ROUTE_SIDECHAIN_LINKED
• Options: --source <track_id>, --to-track <track_id>, --slot <0..7> (Default: 0), --db <float_dB> (Default: 0.0)

List Routing Topology

Lists signal routing connections, main outputs, sends, and sidechains across all tracks.

daw-cli route list [--format tsv|kv|json|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ROUTE_LIST

7. Non-Visual DSP Analysis & Audio Intelligence (analyze)

Domain 6 provides a non-visual DSP analysis and audio intelligence suite across 9 specialized subcommands, supporting both Short Frame (real-time telemetry) and Full Track (offline decoded asset) processing.

Frequency Masking & Collision Detection

Calculates psychoacoustic masking overlap and energy density collisions across 24 critical Bark bands between two tracks using Schroeder spreading functions.

daw-cli analyze masking --track 1 --vs 2 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_MASKING
• Options: --track <uint32>, --vs <uint32>
• Output Fields: PRIMARY_TRACK, VS_TRACK, OVERALL_MASKING_INDEX ($C_{A,B} \in [0.0, 1.0]$), COLLISION_RISK (LOW_MASKING, MODERATE_MASKING, HIGH_MASKING), MASKED_BAND_COUNT, BAND_1_RANGE_HZ, BAND_1_MASK_AMOUNT_DB, BAND_1_RECOMMENDED_ACTION (SIDECHAIN_DUCK_PRIMARY_LOWS, CUT_VS_TRACK_EQ_<freq>HZ), ...

Narrow-Q Resonance Peak Detection

Scans track audio spectrum with a 31-bin moving median spectral envelope filter to isolate harsh narrow-Q resonances, pitch note names, and Q-factor sharpness ($Q \ge 8.0$).

daw-cli analyze resonance --track 1 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_RESONANCE
• Options: --track <uint32>
• Output Fields: TRACK_ID, TOTAL_RESONANCES_FOUND, RESONANCE_1_FREQ_HZ, RESONANCE_1_NOTE (e.g. E4, A5), RESONANCE_1_PROMINENCE_DB, RESONANCE_1_Q_FACTOR, RESONANCE_1_SEVERITY (HIGH_SEVERITY_SURGICAL_CUT, MODERATE), RESONANCE_1_REC_NOTCH_DB

Multi-Track Pearson Phase Correlation Matrix

Computes an $N \times N$ pairwise Pearson correlation matrix ($r_{i,j}$) across a list or range of tracks to flag phase cancellation risks and identify destructive anti-phase pairs.

daw-cli analyze phase-matrix --track 1..4 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_PHASE_MATRIX
• Options: --track <range|list> (e.g. 1..4, 1,2,3,4)
• Output Fields: TRACKS_ANALYZED, GLOBAL_GROUP_HEALTH (HEALTHY_MONO_COMPATIBLE, WARNING_SEVERE_CANCELLATION), WORST_PAIR_1, WORST_CORRELATION_1, REC_ACTION_1 (FLIP_POLARITY_TRACK_<id>, NUDGE_DELAY_TRACK_<id>), CORRELATION_MATRIX_FLAT

Cross-Correlation Phase Alignment

Calculates cross-correlation lag across $[-128, +128]$ sample offsets to recommend sample-accurate and millisecond time shifts ($\Delta t_{\text{ms}} = \frac{\text{offset}}{f_s} \times 1000$).

daw-cli analyze phase-align --track 1 --vs 2 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_PHASE_ALIGN
• Options: --track <uint32>, --vs <uint32>
• Output Fields: PRIMARY_TRACK, VS_TRACK, RECOMMENDED_SAMPLE_OFFSET, RECOMMENDED_TIME_OFFSET_MS, CURRENT_CORRELATION, IMPROVED_CORRELATION, RECOMMENDED_ACTION (e.g. NUDGE_REGION_TRACK_2_BY_-48_SAMPLES)

Window Offline Telemetry

Performs offline telemetry analysis over a specified timeline range for momentary/short-term EBU R128 BS.1770 LUFS, true-peak dBTP, crest factor, and safety gain trim.

daw-cli analyze window --track 1 --start 1.1.0 --dur 4.0.0 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_WINDOW_STREAM
• Options: --track <uint32>, --start <BBT>, --dur <BBT>
• Output Fields: TRACK_ID, START_POS, DUR_POS, MOMENTARY_LUFS, SHORT_TERM_LUFS, SAMPLE_PEAK_DBFS, TRUE_PEAK_DBTP, IS_CLIPPING, CLIPPING_EVENTS_COUNT, CREST_FACTOR_DB, SPECTRAL_CENTROID_HZ, STEREO_CORRELATION, SAFETY_STATUS (SAFE_NORMAL, VIOLATION_DANGER_REDUCE_GAIN), REC_GAIN_TRIM_DB

7-Band Spectral Energy Balance

Evaluates acoustic energy distribution across 7 standardized bands (Sub: 20-60Hz, Bass: 60-250Hz, Low-Mid: 250-500Hz, Mid: 500-2kHz, High-Mid: 2-4kHz, Highs: 4-8kHz, Air: 8-20kHz) alongside spectral centroid, 85% energy rolloff frequency, and spectral tilt (dB/octave).

daw-cli analyze spectrum --track 1 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_SPECTRUM
• Options: --track <uint32>
• Output Fields: TRACK_ID, SPECTRAL_CENTROID_HZ, SPECTRAL_TILT_DB_OCT, SPECTRAL_ROLLOFF_HZ, SUB_BAND_DBFS, BASS_BAND_DBFS, LOW_MID_BAND_DBFS, MID_BAND_DBFS, HIGH_MID_BAND_DBFS, HIGHS_BAND_DBFS, AIR_BAND_DBFS

EBU R128 Loudness Audit (Full Track / Real-Time)

Performs ITU-R BS.1770-4 / EBU R128 integrated loudness, loudness range (LRA), short-term/momentary peak LUFS, sample peak, and crest factor.

daw-cli analyze loudness --track 1 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_LOUDNESS
• Options: --track <uint32>
• Output Fields: TRACK_ID, INTEGRATED_LUFS, SHORT_TERM_MAX_LUFS, MOMENTARY_MAX_LUFS, LRA_LU, CREST_FACTOR_DB, SAMPLE_PEAK_DBFS, TRUE_PEAK_DBTP

True-Peak Inter-Sample Clipping Audit

Performs 4x oversampled true-peak analysis to detect inter-sample clipping events and safety margin status ($0.0\text{ dBTP}$ threshold).

daw-cli analyze true-peak --track 1 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_TRUE_PEAK
• Options: --track <uint32>
• Output Fields: TRACK_ID, MAX_TRUE_PEAK_DBTP, TOTAL_CLIPPING_EVENTS, SAFETY_STATUS (SAFE_NORMAL, VIOLATION_DANGER)

Mid/Side Stereo Width Audit

Measures Mid RMS ($0.5(L+R)$), Side RMS ($0.5(L-R)$), Mid-to-Side ratio in dB, stereo width percentage, and mono fold-down cancellation loss in dB.

daw-cli analyze stereo-width --track 1 [--format json|tsv|kv|pretty]

• Success Symbol: ANALYSIS_STEREO_WIDTH
• Options: --track <uint32>
• Output Fields: TRACK_ID, MID_RMS_DBFS, SIDE_RMS_DBFS, MS_RATIO_DB, STEREO_WIDTH_PCT, MONO_FOLD_LOSS_DB

Common Workflows

Workflow A: Setting Up a 4-Track Drum Session

# 1. Verify DAW application connection
daw-cli status

# 2. Batch-create drum tracks
daw-cli track create-batch --names "Kick,Snare,HiHat,Tom" --type audio

# 3. Clean up track names and apply instrument colors
daw-cli track sanitize-names
daw-cli track auto-color

# 4. Gain stage all drum tracks to -18 dB RMS headroom
daw-cli prep gain-stage --track 1..4 --target-rms -18.0

Workflow B: Applying and Distributing an EQ Plugin Chain

# 1. Search for available EQ plugins
daw-cli plugin list --filter "EQ" --category effect --format json

# 2. Add EQ plugin to slot 0 of Vocal Lead (Track 1)
daw-cli plugin add --track 1 --name "FabFilter Pro-Q 3" --slot 0

# 3. Copy EQ plugin from Track 1 slot 0 to Backing Vocals (Tracks 2..5)
daw-cli plugin copy --from-track 1 --slot 0 --to-tracks 2..5 --overwrite

Workflow C: Submix Bus & Sidechain Setup

# 1. Route drum tracks 1..4 into Drums Bus (Track 10)
daw-cli route folder --track 1..4 --to 10

# 2. Add post-fader send from Snare (Track 2) to Reverb Aux (Track 14) at -12 dB
daw-cli route send --from 2 --to 14 --db -12.0 --tap post

# 3. Link Kick (Track 1) as sidechain trigger to Synth Bass (Track 9) slot 0
daw-cli route sidechain --source 1 --to-track 9 --slot 0 --db 0.0

# 4. Inspect session routing topology
daw-cli route list --format tsv

Workflow D: Acoustic Guitar & Vocal Masking Audit and Resonant Notch Fix

# 1. Analyze frequency masking between Vocal (Track 1) and Acoustic Guitar (Track 2)
daw-cli analyze masking --track 1 --vs 2

# 2. Detect harsh resonant peaks and Q-factors on Acoustic Guitar
daw-cli analyze resonance --track 2

# 3. Evaluate multi-mic phase alignment between Top Snare (Track 3) and Bottom Snare (Track 4)
daw-cli analyze phase-align --track 3 --vs 4

# 4. Perform offline windowed LUFS & True-Peak telemetry on Master Output (Track 10)
daw-cli analyze window --track 10 --start 1.1.0 --dur 4.0.0

Common Mistakes

1. Plugin Name Case Sensitivity: daw-cli plugin add --name requires an exact case-sensitive match. plugin add --name "fabfilter pro-q 3" will fail with 72 ENTITY_NOT_FOUND. Always run plugin list --filter "FabFilter" first to copy the exact name string.

2. Forgetting --overwrite on Occupied Plugin Slots: Copying plugins (plugin copy or plugin copy-chain) to tracks with existing plugins in target slots without --overwrite will fail with error 74 RESOURCE_BUSY_USER_TOUCH.

3. Not Checking status Before Issuing Commands: Attempting to execute commands when Stratawright is closed returns error 71 DAW_NOT_RUNNING. Always run daw-cli status first to confirm connectivity.

4. Missing Comparison Target for Pairwise Analysis: Commands like daw-cli analyze masking and daw-cli analyze phase-align require --vs <target_track_id>. Omitting --vs returns error 70 INVALID_ARGS.