DAW Software

FL Studio has always been popular with those seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-use alternative to the 'big name' sequencers. The latest version adds a new drum sequencing tool, high-quality time-stretching and video support.

Learn how you can quickly program Transformer objects to mimic Ableton Live's useful 'user scales' feature, thus keeping transposed MIDI parts in key.

Smooth your audio edits, create soundbites from beats, find out about tempo analysis and get the run-down on why you need the DP 4.52 update...

We take a closer look at one of the more understated improvements introduced in the version 6.7 upgrade. What are tick-based audio tracks, how do they work, and what can you do with them?

This month we present a closer look at the RV7000 Advanced Reverb, plus a handful of effect-related hints and tips.

Sonar offers lots of useful metering options you may not even be aware of, so this month we run through them and why you might want to use them, as well as getting clever with colours and explaining how to make your screen setup a hint more transparent...

Returning to Steinberg Cubase's Mixer window again, we explore ways to make it more manageable when working with Projects that contain a large number of channels.

Although rather time-consuming, this technique for locking your sequencer to a live take is often the best.

The new Beat Detection Engine in Digital Performer 4.5 gives you much greater control over audio quantising and tempo manipulation. We explain how...

The migration to OS X has caused major upheavals for both software manufacturers and musicians, but Mark Of The Unicorn's long-established Digital Performer sequencer is better than ever.

Pro Tools was originally designed as an audio editor, and it still has some very powerful tools for quick and accurate editing. This month we explain the mysteries of Shuffle mode, and looks at the ways in which key commands and memory locations can speed up your editing.

Version 3 of Reason is officially on the way, adding some high-spec new devices and improved operational features.

This month, find your way around projects, undertake hands-free recording, configure an external MP3 encoder and create pseudo-Track Folders for MIDI.

Cubase SX has a wide selection of real-time MIDI effects that can often substitute for the more processor-hungry audio effects, as well as opening up other creative possibilities.

Synchronising sequences in Logic to live audio tracks can really help give your music the edge, but what's the best way of doing this? We look at the options, and weigh up their pros and cons.

DP 4.5 delivers new features that promise to fundamentally change the way users work, as well as offering smaller but crucial enhancements to existing features.

Our new columnist provides the detailed lowdown on a new version of Pro Tools...

We present everything you ever wanted to know about SysEx (System Exclusive) but were afraid to ask, plus the whys and wherefores of Sonar 4's cool new Freeze functions...

The latest version of Cakewalk's flagship sequencer brings it into the world of surround sound, makes it easy to work with folder tracks and multiple takes, and adds one of the most comprehensive Freeze functions available on any DAW.

There are more clever tips and techniques than you can shake a stick at in this month's Reason Notes, kicking off with yet another fun way to fake an arpeggiator effect...

We take a look behind the behaviour of Cubase's most common mixing controls, to show the many options beneath the seemingly simple surface.