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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.

Displaying 64 - 84 of 110 items
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    Monster Tracks

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The first step to setting up a Pro Tools session is to understand what its different track types are for.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Bus Lanes

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Understanding the role of buses in the Pro Tools mixer opens up powerful routing possibilities.

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    Paths Of Glory

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We explain how to properly configure your Pro Tools audio inputs, outputs and buses.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Starting Points

    Pro Tools Tips and Technique

    Familiarise yourself with some basic concepts, and you'll be up and running with Pro Tools in no time.

    Techniques May 2014
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    Angelic Hosts

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We look at ways to open up your Pro Tools plug‑in world through VST hosting.

    Techniques Apr 2014
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    Making WAVs

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools often turns up its nose at corrupt WAV files. Here's how to bring them into line.

    Techniques Mar 2014
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    Free For All

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We introduce some of the best free plug-ins for Pro Tools 11.

    Techniques Feb 2014
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    Sides Splitting | Media

    Learn to set up M/S matrixing in Pro Tools and you open up a world of creative processing possibilities.

    Techniques Jan 2014
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    Sides Splitting

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Learn to set up M/S matrixing in Pro Tools and you open up a world of creative processing possibilities.

    Techniques Jan 2014
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    Eleventh Heaven

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Now that Pro Tools 11 has been available for a while, is it living up to its promise?

    Techniques Dec 2013
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    Pain-free PT

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    If you rely on Pro Tools, it's worth taking steps to avoid RSI.

    Techniques Nov 2013
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    Change Of PACE

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Freed from the limitations of working within a web browser, the new iLok License Manager also offers a much improved user interface.

    Techniques Oct 2013
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    Settings Down

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Keeping track of your Pro Tools plug-in settings can make your life so much easier.

    Techniques Jul 2013
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    Forging Links

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Sometimes Pro Tools needs a helping hand with finding files and collecting them together.

    Techniques Jun 2013
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    Missing Links

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    When Pro Tools loses track of the media files used in a session, you need to turn detective...

    Techniques May 2013
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    A Project Shared...

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Now you can get your music to the outside world without ever leaving Pro Tools!

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    Transfer Windows

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools 10 has some new ways to help you move material to and from other systems — including older Pro Tools rigs.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Outboard Bound

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools can integrate external hardware into its mixer, and even compensate for the delay that this introduces.

    Techniques Feb 2013
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    Future Shock

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Find out what the Pro Tools 11 world will hold for your hardware setup.

    Techniques Jan 2013
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    Gracious Saving

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    You can back up a Pro Tools session like any other file, but will it still be readable in 10 years’ time? Here’s how to make sure.

    Techniques Dec 2012
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    Starting Points

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools’ template system, and its undocumented Track Presets feature, can help your sessions get moving faster.

    Techniques Nov 2012

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