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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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    Studio One: Mai Tai's Modulation Matrix

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Take advantage of Studio One’s versatile modulation features to make your synth parts more expressive.

    Techniques Nov 2017
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    Tempo Mapping With Melodyne In Studio One

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Thanks to ARA, Studio One users have direct access to Melodyne’s amazing tempo-manipulation tools.

    Techniques Oct 2017
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    Studio One: Strings & Things

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We help you get the best from PreSonus’s new Symphonic Orchestra instrument for Studio One.

    Techniques Sep 2017
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    Studio One 3.5 Features

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    The new Studio One v3.5 upgrade is short on gimmicks and long on real improvements. Here’s what’s new.

    Techniques Aug 2017
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    Studio One: Tracks And Channels

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    What’s the difference between a track and a channel? In Studio One, this is not a trick question...

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Studio One: Making Arrangements

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Harness the power of Studio One’s Arranger track and Scratch Pads to reshape your material.

    Techniques Jun 2017
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    Studio One: Adding Stereo Width To Guitars

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Add artificial stereo width to guitars in your Studio One mixes.

    Techniques Apr 2017
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    Studio One: Console Shaper

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Console emulation is all the rage, and it’s now built into Studio One. We explore what it offers...

    Techniques Mar 2017
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    Studio One: Using Repeater

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One’s Repeater is no ordinary delay. For a start, it works on note data rather than audio!

    Techniques Feb 2017
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    Studio One: Mai Tai Timbral Variation

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Learn to subtly vary the tone of Studio One’s headline soft synth, and you’ll add interest to your sounds.

    Techniques Jan 2017
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    Studio One: Managing Large Sessions

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Managing large sessions in any DAW can be tricky. Fortunately, Studio One has the tools to help.

    Techniques Dec 2016
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    Studio One & Notion Integration

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One has no notation features of its own, but it now forms a perfect pair with PreSonus’s dedicated Notion application.

    Techniques Nov 2016
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    Surround Mixing In Studio One

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One doesn’t officially support surround mixing — but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible!

    Techniques Oct 2016
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    Seamless Mixing & Mastering In Studio One's Project Page

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One’s unique Project page lets you move seamlessly between mixing and mastering.

    Techniques Sep 2016
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    Cue Mix Options In Studio One

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Give your musicians the right cue mixes in Studio One, and you’ll make a huge difference to their performances.

    Techniques Aug 2016
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    Level Automation In Studio One

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One offers the full gamut of automation features — but which ones are appropriate to your needs?

    Techniques Jul 2016
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    Track Grouping In Studio One

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Understanding the way track grouping works will help keep your Studio One projects under control.

    Techniques Jun 2016
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    Studio One 3.2 Update

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    It may look like a humble point upgrade, but Studio One v3.2 brings with it some significant innovations.

    Techniques May 2016
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    Studio One’s Layers & Versions

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Keep on top of fast-moving sessions with Studio One’s Layers and Versions.

    Techniques Apr 2016
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    PreSonus StudioLive CS18AI

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    More than just a live-sound mix controller, PreSonus’s StudioLive CS18AI offers hands-on control over Studio One.

    Techniques Mar 2016
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    Circular Panning In Studio One

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One’s macro controls can be used to create a convincing 2D panning effect.

    Techniques Feb 2016

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