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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 88 items
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    Using Pro Tools' Keyboard Commands Focus

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Most people find that learning keyboard commands for their DAW enables them to get things done faster, and for the advanced user, Pro Tools has a special mode which turns the entire QWERTY keyboard into a bank of one-press shortcuts.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Pro Tools Plug-in News

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We bring you all the latest news from the Digidesign universe...

    Techniques May 2005
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    Troubleshooting Your Pro Tools System

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Whatever computer recording system you use, the chances are it's going to fall over sooner or later, and Pro Tools is no exception. So before you call the technical support line, take a look at Sound On Sound's guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common faults.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Better Vocal Sounds In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We look at a range of techniques you can try to help you produce a better vocal sound for your project.

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Pro Tools: Tick-based Audio Tracks

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    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?

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Pro Tools Shuffle Mode

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    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.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Pro Tools 6.7: New MIDI Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

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

    Techniques Jan 2005
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    Pro Tools Help Books

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    There's an outbreak of literary criticism in this month's column, as we take a look at some of the Pro Tools books currently doing the rounds.

    Techniques Dec 2004
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    MIDI Sequencing In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    While Pro Tools is widely known for its dominance in the field of computer-based audio recording, little is made of the fact that it also features fully fledged MIDI sequencing facilities.

    Techniques Oct 2004
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    Using Samplecell Libraries In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Digidesign's Samplecell products once had a huge army of users, many of whom still have well-loved sample libraries stranded in this format. We look at the options available to continue using these sample patches in Pro Tools.

    Techniques Sep 2004
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    Handy Pro Tools Tips

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We feature a bumper crop of handy tips in this month's guide to all that's good in Pro Tools...

    Techniques Aug 2004
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    Pro Tools v6.4 Update

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    PT version 6.4 comes with some surprising and long-awaited new features.

    Techniques Jul 2004
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    Moving Pro Tools Projects

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    A common occasion for grief in Pro Tools is when moving projects from one system to another. Here are some tips to help you keep your hair.

    Techniques Jun 2004
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    Controlling Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    You don't need a Pro Control to get some hands-on control of Pro Tools. You don't even need one of the 'supported' MIDI control surfaces: pretty much anything with knobs on will do. Read on...

    Techniques May 2004
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    Pro Tools Plug-ins & Rewire • Gated Effects • Bouncing

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Public service time in Pro Tools Notes this month as we respond to user queries on recording via plug-ins and Rewire, creating gated effects, and bouncing.

    Techniques Apr 2004
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    Calibrating Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Many users probably never venture into Pro Tools's Calibration Mode, but you could be compromising the sound quality of your Pro Tools rig and external gear if you don't think about lining up your analogue connections correctly.

    Techniques Feb 2004
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    Pro Tools Effects, Plug-in Converter & More...

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We've rounded up some free effects and other goodies. On the news front, there's word of a VST-to-RTAS plug-in converter from FXpansion.

    Techniques Jan 2004
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    Pro Tools HD Accel Card

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    HD Accel is the latest processor card for Pro Tools HD TDM systems. We investigate, and try to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the release.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Making The Most Of D-Verb In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Since Pro Tools 6, there's been some additions to the set of built-in plug-ins. This month we look at how to get the most out of the D-Verb reverb.

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Using ReWire In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools 6.1 adds ReWire support for both TDM and LE users. Here's a look at what it is, how it works, and how to get the best out of it.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Pro Tools: Extracting Tempo/Timing From A Recording

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Last month we looked at using Pro Tools' Beat Detective tool for chopping up and quantising drum recordings. Now it's time to explore the other side of the coin: extracting and using the tempo and timing of a recording.

    Techniques Sep 2003

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