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DAWs

A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is a software program that allows users to record, edit, and produce audio files. It is used in many different settings, including music production, sound design, game audio, film and TV post-production, and podcasting.

Main Functions of a DAW

The main functions of modern-day Digital Audio Workstation software include:

Recording: DAWs allow users to record audio from a variety of sources, such as microphones, instruments, and MIDI controllers.

Editing: DAWs allow users to edit audio files by cutting, copying, pasting, and rearranging sections of audio. They also offer a variety of tools for cleaning up and enhancing audio, such as noise reduction, EQ, and compression.

Mixing: DAWs allow users to mix multiple audio tracks together, adjusting levels, panning, and applying effects to create a cohesive final product.

Mastering: DAWs offer tools and features for mastering audio, such as loudness normalization and EQ adjustments to ensure that the final audio product meets industry standards.

Main Benefits of using a DAW

Some of the main benefits of using a DAW include:

  • Efficiency: DAWs allow users to quickly and easily record, edit, and produce audio, saving time and effort compared to traditional analog methods.
  • Flexibility: DAWs offer a wide range of tools and features that allow users to customize their audio production process and achieve the desired results.
  • Collaboration: Many DAWs offer features that allow users to collaborate together and work on projects remotely, making it easier to work with others on audio projects like podcasts and song ideation.
  • Portability: DAWs can be used on a variety of devices, including computers, laptops, and tablets, making it easier to work on audio projects from anywhere.

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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    Bitwig Studio Spectral Suite effects processing add-on plug-in

    Bitwig release Spectral Suite add-on

    DAW gains spectral processing tools

    Spectral Suite includes four spectral audio effects devices which offer users of Bitwig Studio a new level of mixing and sound design functionality.

    News
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    Soundation Beatmaker online collaborative sequencer sampler DAW

    Soundation launch Beatmaker

    Collaborative online production platform

    Beatmaker from Soundation is a new online sequencer and sampler which allows users to collaborate in real time via their internet browser.

    News
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    Cubase: Creating Vocal Doubles & Harmonies | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These audio examples illustrate the key ideas discussed in the SOS October 2022 Cubase workshop.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    Cubase: Creating Vocal Doubles & Harmonies

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Want to generate vocal doubles or harmonies based on a lead vocal? Cubase 12 has all the tools you will need.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    MIDI Polyphonic Expression In Digital Performer

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    We dive into DP’s extensive MPE capabilities.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    Logic Pro: Naming Tracks, Buses & Regions

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    Using custom names for tracks, buses and regions will help organise your Logic Pro sessions.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    Pro Tools: Solo Modes

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Is it time you ventured beyond the default solo modes?

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    Studio One: Presence XT

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One's virtual instrument Presence XT comes with a huge array of sounds, and many ways to mangle them.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    PreSonus Studio One 6 DAW software upgrade update

    PreSonus release Studio One 6

    Introduces customisable user interface and new template options

    The latest version of Studio One introduces a host of new features and enhancements, including new Smart Templates, advanced mixer functions and a customisable user interface. 

    News
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    Avid Pro Tools 2022.9 update DAW ARA Melodyne support

    Pro Tools 2022.9 released

    Introduces ARA and Aux I/O

    The latest Pro Tools update introduces ARA integration with Celemony's Melodyne along with Aux I/O, a new feature that allows Mac users to use multiple I/O sources simultaneously.

    News
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    Audacity 3.2 Update free audio editing software

    Audacity 3.2 released

    Real-time effects and non-destructive editing capabilities

    Audacity's latest update brings a host of features that see the software take a step towards becoming a fully fledged DAW.

    News
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    Audiomovers Omnibus

    Audiomovers launch Omnibus

    Offering seamless audio routing options for Mac

    Exclusive to Mac, Omnibus allows audio routing between applications and can combine multiple audio sources into a virtual input.

    News
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    Prepping Vocals In Cubase

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The latest iteration of VariAudio includes all the tools you need to get vocals in shape for mixing.

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    Logic Mixer Modes

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    Logic’s Mixer Modes help you navigate even the most complex projects.

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    Pro Tools: Using Sends

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Getting the most from aux sends requires you to understand how they work!

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    Reason: Exploring BV‑X Multimode Vocoder

    Reason Studios Reason Tips & Techniques

    A new Rack Extension could be all the vocoder you’ll ever need.

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    Studio One: Melodyne Essential

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Included with Studio One Professional, Melodyne Essential has (almost) all the time‑ and pitch‑correction power you’ll ever need!

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    Prepping Vocals In Cubase | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These audio files accompany September 2022's Cubase workshop.

    Techniques Sep 2022
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    Tracktion Waveform Free DAW software

    Tracktion Waveform Free updated

    Free DAW software gains new features

    Tracktion have released a major update for Waveform Free, the free version of their Waveform DAW software.

    News
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    Harrison Mixbus32C 8.1 DAW update

    Harrison Mixbus 32C updated

    Introduces Mixer Scenes and improves Clip & Cue Launching

    Harrison have released the latest update to their Mixbus 32C DAW software, introducing some new features as well as offering improvements and fixes.

    News
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    Avid Pro Tools Artist

    DAW Software

    Is the most affordable version of Avid’s DAW still a serious music production tool?

    Reviews Aug 2022

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