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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 1 - 21 of 168 items
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    Cakewalk: Export Stems With Control Bar

    Cakewalk By BandLab Tips & Tricks

    Cakewalk's new Control Bar takes all the pain out of exporting stems.

    Techniques Nov 2019
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    Cakewalk: Sonitus Plug-in Suite

    Cakewalk Tips & Techniques

    We continue our exploration of Cakewalk's oft–overlooked Sonitus plug-in suite.

    Techniques Sep 2019
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    Cakewalk: Sonitus Effects

    Cakewalk Tips & Techniques

    They may be old, but the Sonitus effects bundled with Cakewalk are surprisingly powerful.

    Techniques Jul 2019
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    Cakewalk: Customisable Workspace

    Cakewalk / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Change the look and feel of Cakewalk to suit your workflow.

    Techniques Jun 2019
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    Cakewalk: Ripple Effect

    Cakewalk / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Find out how to get the most out of Cakewalk's ripple edit modes.

    Techniques May 2019
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    Cakewalk: Plug-in Management

    Cakewalk by BandLab Tips & Techniques

    Here's how to tidy up your plug-in menu in Cakewalk.

    Techniques Apr 2019
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    Cakewalk: REX Files

    Cakewalk By BandLab Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk has some powerful tools for working with REX clips.

    Techniques Mar 2019
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    Cakewalk: Mastering A Seamless Album

    Cakewalk/Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk has all the tools you need to put together a seamless DJ‑style album.

    Techniques Feb 2019
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    Cakewalk By Bandlab: TTS-1 Synth

    Cakewalk / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    TTS‑1 is over 14 years old, still on version 1.00 and comes bundled free with BandLab. Yet to dismiss it would be a mistake, because the TTS‑1 has a number of really useful mobile-friendly features.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    New Time-stretching In Cakewalk By Bandlab

    Sonar / Cakewalk Tips & Techniques

    Zplane’s advanced time-stretching and pitch-shifting algorithms are now available in Cakewalk.

    Techniques Dec 2018
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    Become A Cakewalk Power User

    Cakewalk By Bandlab / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Become a Cakewalk power user with these handy hints.

    Techniques Oct 2018
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    Cakewalk: Automation Station

    Cakewalk By Bandlab / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    There’s more to Cakewalk’s automation than just moving faders!

    Techniques Sep 2018
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    Cakewalk: Creating Multi Plug-in FX Chains

    Cakewalk By Bandlab / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Save time and screen space by combining multiple plug-ins into FX Chains in Cakewalk.

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Cakewalk by Bandlab

    Sonar/Cakewalk By Bandlab Tips & Techniques

    Sonar is dead, long live Cakewalk by Bandlab! We run through some of its top features.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Sonar: Ticket To Wide

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Increase the stereo width of your tracks with Mid-Sides processing in Sonar.

    Techniques Jun 2018
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    Sonar: The Human Touch

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Add a human element to your drum parts with Sonar’s various quantising options.

    Techniques May 2018
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    Chopping Up Loops In Sonar

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We show you the many ways you can chop up and manipulate loops in Sonar.

    Techniques Apr 2018
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    Sonar: Back To The Features

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We show you some of Sonar’s lesser-known functionality beginning with the DSP menu...

    Techniques Mar 2018
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    Transferring Sonar Projects To A New DAW

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to transfer your projects from Sonar to a new DAW.

    Techniques Feb 2018
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    Using Groove Clips In Sonar

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Get the most out of Groove Clips in Sonar.

    Techniques Jan 2018
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    Craft The Perfect Sonar Mix

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Craft the perfect mix in Sonar with these handy hints.

    Techniques Dec 2017

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