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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.

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    Customising Multi Instruments

    Logic Notes

    Paul White looks at how to customise Multi Instruments for a faster and more creative sequencing experience.

    Techniques Dec 2000
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    Logical Edit Function: Part 1

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    This month's Cubase tips column focuses on one of the sequencer's most powerful but under-used features, the Logical Edit function. Paul Sellars begins a two-part explanation of its operation.

    Techniques Dec 2000
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    Arpeggiator Tips

    Logic Notes

    In the first of our new regular software columns based on the leading sequencer packages, Paul White gets Logic Notes off to a flying start with some invaluable hints and tips.

    Techniques Nov 2000
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    Scale Correction

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The music production software we now use has become so sophisticated that valuable features and techniques can often go unused simply through unfamiliarity. With this in mind, SOS has added new regular monthly columns dedicated to making the most of the leading programs. In this inaugural Cubase Notes, Martin Walker explains the use of the Scale Correction feature.

    Techniques Nov 2000
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    Using Key Commands In Emagic's Logic

    Tips & Tricks

    Computer-based MIDI + Audio sequencers have been popular for several years now, but some people have never been entirely happy using a digital rodent to control their main recording hardware. John Walden looks for ways out of the mouse trap by using key commands in Emagic's Logic.

    Techniques Jun 2000
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    PC Solutions For MIDI Musicians

    Tips & Tricks

    Martin Walker looks at hardware and software solutions available for those who just want to use their PC for MIDI sequencing.

    Sound Advice May 2000
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    Minimising MIDI & Audio Timing Problems In Computer Sequencers

    Tips & Tricks

    Although MIDI + Audio sequencing packages on both Mac and PC are becoming ever more powerful, 'the timing was tighter on my Atari' is still a common complaint. Paul White looks at ways of tightening it up, with additional PC information by Martin Walker.

    Techniques Mar 2000
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    Using Mixermaps In Steinberg's Cubase Sequencer

    Tips & Tricks

    The facility to construct sophiticated arrangements of virtual faders, knobs and buttons, and use them to control studio equipment via MIDI, is one of Cubase's most powerful features — but also one of its most under-used. Paul Sellars explains how to make Mixermaps work for you.

    Techniques Dec 1999
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    Sonic Foundry Vegas Pro

    Multitrack PC Editing System

    Sonic Foundry have a reputation for innovative PC audio software, but their range has not included a true multitrack recording package — until now.

    Reviews Nov 1999
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    Peavey/Cakewalk StudioMix

    Digital Recording Station

    Offering an integrated MIDI + Audio sequencer and hardware controller with motorised faders, StudioMix mimics some of the features of high-end digital audio workstations — but at under £800, how good can it be?

    Reviews May 1999
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    Using Sample Loops With Logic Audio

    Tips & Techniques

    Paul White and Paul Joyner explain how to import samples directly to your Mac from an audio CD with Logic Audio — a technique which can be adapted for use with most popular MIDI + Audio sequencers.

    Techniques Feb 1999
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    Digidesign Pro Tools 3.4

    DAW Software

    If the best things in life are free, then perhaps Pro Tools 3.4 is one of them — Digidesign are now giving away this version of their Mac audio recording and editing software. Mike Collins looks a gift horse in the mouth.

    Reviews Sep 1998
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    SADiE 3

    DAW

    Any Digital Audio Workstation that was first introduced in 1992, and which is still not only going strong today, but benefiting from major software updates, must be doing something right. Martin Walker takes a long hard look at SADiE.

    Reviews Apr 1998
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    MOTU Digital Performer v2.11

    DAW

    Nearly two years after everybody else jumped on the Power Mac bandwagon, Mark Of The Unicorn have finally come on board with their flagship sequencer, which will now record and play back audio without the need for external hardware. Has it been worth the wait? Derek Johnson finds out.

    Reviews Mar 1998
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    Introduction To Cubase: Part 1

    Structure Of Cubase & The 'Arrange' Window

    Simon Millward kicks off a new series designed to give beginners a solid grounding in the use of Steinberg's flagship software package.

    Techniques Sep 1995

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