What does the loop function do in a DAW?

The loop function in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is designed to enhance the workflow for musicians and producers by allowing a specific section of audio or MIDI tracks to repeat continuously. When the playback reaches the end of the defined loop area, it automatically jumps back to the beginning, creating a seamless repetition of that segment. This is particularly useful for composing and arranging music, as it enables users to easily test musical ideas or work on particular sections without having to manually restart playback each time.

The other choices refer to different functions within a DAW: duplicating audio tracks involves creating copies of existing tracks; compressing audio files relates to reducing their dynamic range or file size; and modifying pitch involves altering the frequency of the audio signal. Each of these actions serves distinct purposes in music production, but the core ability to loop playback specifically supports repetitive and iterative work in music creation.