Summing
Definition
The mathematical process of combining multiple audio signals into fewer channels, such as mixing multiple tracks down to a stereo output. All major DAWs perform summing identically using IEEE 754 double-precision floating-point arithmetic.
Context
A persistent myth in audio production holds that different DAWs “sound different” due to their summing engines. Null Test comparisons have consistently demonstrated that when given identical input, all major DAWs produce bit-identical output. Any perceived differences are attributable to plugin processing, panning laws, or gain staging rather than the summing algorithm itself.