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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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    Affordable Synchronisation For Multiple DAWs

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    In sound for picture, there's often a need to lock multiple Pro Tools rigs together. We uncover a neat way to obtain professional sync facilities for a fraction of the price of conventional systems.

    Techniques Oct 2007
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    DIY Effects In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Reason 4 may be nearly upon us, but there's still plenty of experimenting to be done in version 3 - creating your own effects devices, for example...

    Techniques Oct 2007
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    Object-oriented Editing In Sonar

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Working directly with 'objects', such as MIDI or audio clips of any length from a few milliseconds upwards, opens up a non-linear approach that can provide creative opportunities and also save you CPU resources.

    Techniques Oct 2007
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    Audio Editing In Logic's Arrange Window

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    It's now possible to carry out most of your audio editing exclusively in one Logic window. We take a look at the improved Arrange window functionality and discover how it can transform your editing experience.

    Techniques Oct 2007
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    Audio Regions & CD Creation in Digital Performer: Part 2

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    DP's native Sound Designer II audio format can carry region information within files. That fact may not sound especially significant — but with the help of our guide you can use it to help you compile and burn CDs quickly and easily.

    Techniques Sep 2007
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    Time-stretching

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase is packed with as much functionality as Doctor Who's TARDIS for bending the laws of time, and while the basics are easy, it pays to explore a little deeper.

    Techniques Sep 2007
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    Cueing & Crossfading In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    Whether you're looking into performing with Live on stage, or laying down fast arrangements in the studio, the place to start is the mixer's cue-mixing and crossfading features.

    Techniques Sep 2007
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    Using Multi-channel & Multitimbral Plug-ins

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Making the most of your virtual instruments in Logic can involve some complex Environment trickery, but the results are rewarding.

    Techniques Sep 2007
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    Ignition Pack 2

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    If you've time enough to install it all, the extra software bundled with new Pro Tools systems has a lot to offer — particularly if you have the Pro version of Digidesign's Ignition Pack 2.

    Techniques Sep 2007
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    MIDI Dynamics | Audio

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Controlling your synth's dynamics using MIDI, rather than audio plug-ins, can offer you greater flexibility and good results. Here's how you do it.

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    MIDI Dynamics

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Controlling your synth's dynamics using MIDI, rather than audio plug-ins, can offer you greater flexibility and good results. Here's how you do it.

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    Preparing Tracks For CD Burning

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    This month, a look at how some of DP's features can be used to co-ordinate multiple finished tracks prior to burning an album or EP.

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    Using REX Files In Logic

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    You might consider the REX file to be just another format on the list of audio import options, but it can actually be used to achieve some very creative results. We take a look at what's possible.

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    Managing Inputs & Outputs

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Ever found yourself struggling to remember what you have connected to Input 7, or which effect is on Bus 3-4? Five minutes' work in the I/O Setup window will end your confusion forever...

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    Reason: Making The Most Of The Mixer

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    We go back to basics this month, with an in-depth look at how you can get the best out of Reason's Remix mixer.

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    Sonar: Features To Help With Songwriting

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    DAW software is optimised for helping you record your songs and add lots of production polish, but don't forget that programs like Sonar can also help in the songwriting process, offering features that could make it easier to capture inspiration when it strikes.

    Techniques Aug 2007
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    Redmatica Keymap

    Sample & Instrument Editor For EXS24

    The latest utility from Redmatica is targeted at Logic users wanting to get the most from the programs built-in soft sampler.

    Reviews Aug 2007
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    Surround Sound From Stereo

    Upmixing Plug-ins For Pro Tools

    More and more material needs to be delivered in surround formats, but what if you dont have the time or the budget for a 5.1 remix? We test the current crop of unwrap plug-ins that can create a surround master from a stereo mix.

    Reviews Aug 2007
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    Working With Multiple Takes

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Love it or loathe it, computer-based recording has made compiling the perfect performance a whole lot easier than with that pesky tape. We look at 'comping' techniques in Cubase 4.

    Techniques Jul 2007
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    Creative Clip Launching In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    Clip Launch modes and Follow Actions are two of the most powerful and creative feature sets for composing and performing with Live, but they're also among the least well known. Let's investigate...

    Techniques Jul 2007
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    Working With Video In Logic

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Working to moving images in Logic is now easier than ever, given its improved editing tools and Global Track functionality. We explore how these features can enhance workflow and offer some tips for making the most of your audio-visual experience.

    Techniques Jul 2007

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