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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.

Displaying 148 - 168 of 256 items

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    Automation

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Sharpen your pointers for a crash course on drawing automation in Logic.

    Techniques Jul 2011
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    Compressor Circuits

    Apple Logic Tips & Tecniques

    The different circuit types available in Logic’s Compressor are well worth a closer look — but what are they based on, and what do they actually do?

    Techniques Jun 2011
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    RAM Busters

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Logic Pro users can run into problems when using RAM-hungry features and plug-ins. So how do you beat the memory trap?

    Techniques May 2011
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    Route Manoeuvres

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Expand your monitoring options with clever routing in Logic Pro.

    Techniques Apr 2011
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    Visual Mixing Aids

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    When mixing, it doesn't hurt to double-check what you're hearing with judicious use of Logic's visual metering toolbox.

    Techniques Mar 2011
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    Join The Dots

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Ever thought of asking 'real' musicians to play your arrangements? Then get to grips with Logic's Score editor.

    Techniques Feb 2011
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    Stereo Width

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Logic's processing tools can be used to manipulate stereo width, adding interest to your mixes.

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Apple Logic: Back To Basics

    Logic Notes

    Whether you're an experienced or a novice Logic user, going back to the beginning might show you a thing or two.

    Techniques Dec 2010
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    Dubstep Secrets

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Create a dubstep bass sound using the ES2 synthesizer and Logic's effects.

    Techniques Nov 2010
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    Dubstep Secrets | Media

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Nov 2010
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    Logic | Visual Basics

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    If you ever intend to make music to complement visuals, youll need to know the basics of working with video content in Logic Pro.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Logic Import: Recycle & Re-use

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    We show you how to easily re-use elements of older projects with Logics powerful import capabilities.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Perfect Vocals in Logic

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    With recent revisions to the Take feature, Logic Pro 9 now has all the tools you need to craft the perfect vocal track.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Apple Logic: Pedal Power

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    You can get the amp and stomp-box collection youve always wanted now that Logic offers Pedalboard and Amp Designer.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Apple Logic: Building An Arpreggiator

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Everyone loves an arpeggiator, and building one in Logic is not only easier than you might think, but also helps you hone your Environment skills...

    Techniques May 2010
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    Logic Pro: Getting The Most Out Of Sculpture

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Put your own stamp on synthesized sounds with Logic Pro's powerful sound-modelling system, Sculpture.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Logic: Breaking Beats

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Quickly and easily slice, rearrange and process breakbeats using some of the new facilities in Logic 9.

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    Exporting Logic Multitrack Files

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    There are sure to be times when you need to export multitrack Logic files to other platforms. We explain the options.

    Techniques Feb 2010
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    Logic: Audio Output Formats

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    For every destination you might have for your mix, theres a correct audio output format. We explain the options.

    Techniques Jan 2010
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    Logic: Using Flex Time On Multitracked Drums

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Part 2 focuses on using the magic of Flex Time for easier quantising of multitracked drums.

    Techniques Dec 2009
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    Logic | Using Flex Time on Vocals

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Part 1: Try out Logic 9s show-stopper addition, Flex Time, which lets you manipulate audio timing as never before.

    Techniques Nov 2009

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