You are here

DAW Software

A DAW, which stands for Digital Audio Workstation, is a software tool that enables users to capture, modify, and create audio content. It is utilised in various contexts such as music production, sound design, game audio, film and TV post-production, and podcasting.

Primary uses of a DAW

The primary purposes of contemporary Digital Audio Workstation software comprise: 

Recording: All DAWs enable users to capture audio from different sources like microphones, instruments, and MIDI controllers using an Audio Interface connected to the computer.

Editing:  DAWs enable users to cut, copy, paste, and rearrange sections of audio files. They also provide a range of tools for improving the quality of audio, including noise reduction, EQ, and compression.

Mixing: Digital Audio Workstations enable users to blend various audio tracks, modifying volumes, positioning, and adding effects to produce a unified end result.

Mastering: Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) provide features like loudness normalisation and EQ adjustments to ensure the final audio meets industry standards.

Advantages of utilising a Digital Audio Workstation

Efficiency: DAWs enable users to efficiently record, edit, and produce audio with ease, cutting down on time and effort when compared to traditional analogue techniques.

Flexibility: DAWs offer a wide range of tools and features that allow users to customise their audio production process and achieve the desired results.

Collaboration: Numerous DAWs provide tools that enable users to work together and collaborate on projects from different locations, simplifying the process of collaborating on audio projects such as podcasts and song creation.

Portability: Digital Audio Workstations are compatible with different devices such as desktop computers (Mac/PC) , laptops and tablets, allowing users to work on audio projects conveniently from any location.

There are many popular software DAWs, some of which come built into the Operating System of your favourite computer, such as Apple GarageBand on Macs. Sound On Sound regularly covers all the top brands in its monthly DAW Masterclasses. From Steinberg Cubase and Avid Pro Tools, PreSonus Studio One and Apple Logic Pro, MOTU Digital Performer to Ableton Live, Reason Studios Reason and Cockos Reaper, you'll find how-to techniques and tips for all of these and other DAWs collected under the sections shown above.

  • link

    Apple Logic Pro 10.3

    Digital Audio Workstation For Mac OS

    Offline effects and new playlist functionality are just two of the highlights of Apple’s latest Logic update.

    Reviews Jun 2017
  • link

    Audio Evolution Mobile Studio

    DAW/Sequencer For iOS & Android

    While we have a large number of DAW/sequencers to choose from in the desktop world, mobile music producers are perhaps less well served. Enter AEMS...

    Reviews May 2017
  • link

    Bitwig Studio 2

    Music Production Software

    Bitwig Studio 2 blurs the lines between sequencer, synthesizer and DAW, with an advanced and very flexible modulation system.

    Reviews May 2017
  • link

    Apple GarageBand For iOS 2.2

    DAW App For iOS

    GarageBand For iOS continues to impress as it becomes more sophisticated; and while you likely won’t finish a full production with this app, it’s becoming an increasingly good sketchpad — especially with the increased Logic interoperability.

    Reviews Mar 2017
  • link

    Steinberg Cubase Pro 9

    Music Production Software

    The latest update to Cubase sees Steinberg’s DAW embrace single-window working and integrated sampling.

    Reviews Mar 2017
  • link

    Steinberg Cubasis 2

    DAW App For iOS

    Steinberg update Cubasis 2 with real-time time-stretching and a “carefully redesigned user interface”, which amounts to a flatter, cleaner design that’s a little crisper and more pleasing to the eye than previous versions.

    Reviews Jan 2017
  • link

    Magix Samplitude Pro X3

    Digital Audio Workstation [Windows]

    With clever new tempo-mapping features and low-level Melodyne integration, time and pitch are now putty in the hands of Samplitude users!

    Reviews Jan 2017
  • link

    Propellerhead Reason 9

    Music Production Software

    Propellerhead’s latest Reason update adds features you never knew you wanted — but which you might find indispensible.

    Reviews Sep 2016
  • link

    Apple GarageBand 2.1

    DAW App For iOS

    GarageBand 2.1 now  supports the iPad Pro, but also has new features to benefit all users. When you start a new Song, you now have the option to use Tracks (as before) or the new Live Loops.

    Reviews Apr 2016
  • link

    Steinberg Cubase 8.5

    Digital Audio Workstation Software

    The latest Cubase update connects Steinberg’s DAW to the cloud, but also brings plenty of improvements for earthbound users.

    Reviews Apr 2016
  • link

    Bitwig Studio 1.35

    DAW Software For Mac OS, Windows & Linux

    Bitwig Studio might be the newest kid on the DAW block — but it’s growing fast!

    Reviews Mar 2016
  • link

    Acoustica Mixcraft Pro Studio 7

    Music Production Software For Windows

    If you’re looking for a PC music creation environment that’s affordable, powerful and easy to use, Acoustica’s Mixcraft 7 ticks all the boxes.

    Reviews Mar 2016
  • link

    MOTU Digital Performer 9

    Music Production Software For Mac OS & Windows

    MOTU’s sequencing software has been around longer than some SOS readers. Do the improvements in the latest version keep it bang up to date?

    Reviews Feb 2016
  • link

    Avid Pro Tools 12.3

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Mac OS & Windows

    The new features promised in Pro Tools 12 are finally starting to arrive. Can Avid persuade existing users that it’s time to start paying annual fees?

    Reviews Jan 2016
  • link

    Steinberg Nuendo 7

    Digital Audio Workstation [Mac OS/Windows]

    Nuendo 7 inherits all the new features Steinberg debuted in Cubase 8, and adds sophisticated functionality for producing audio for film, TV and games.

    Reviews Dec 2015
  • link

    Ableton Push 2

    Hardware Controller For Live

    Ableton have released major new versions of their two flagship products, Live and Push. Live 9.5 is free to owners of Live 9. Meanwhile, and more importantly, there is a new Push controller. 

    Reviews Dec 2015
  • link

    PreSonus Studio One 3

    Digital Audio Workstation For Mac OS & Windows

    A major update to PreSonus’s cross–platform DAW sees Studio One take some popular feature concepts to new levels.

    Reviews Sep 2015
  • link

    Harrison Mixbus 3

    Music Production Software For Mac OS X, Windows & Linux

    Harrison’s Mixbus offers large–format console sound at a budget price, and the addition of MIDI and third–party plug–in support broaden its appeal considerably.

    Reviews Sep 2015
  • link

    Tracktion 6

    Music Production Software [OS X, Windows, Linux]

    After a number of years in the wilderness, Tracktion is back with its second major update in just over 12 months.

    Reviews Aug 2015
  • link

    Magix Samplitude Pro X2

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Windows

    Magix’s powerful Windows DAW gets another raft of new features in a comprehensive update.

    Reviews Jun 2015
  • link

    Cakewalk Sonar Platinum

    Music Production Software For Windows

    Cakewalk are the first major DAW developer to move to a monthly payment model. And Sonar ‘membership’ provides plenty of goodies.

    Reviews May 2015

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - DAW Software