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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 43 - 63 of 68 items

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    Duck Down

    Ducking At Mixdown in Cubase

    Learn how to avoid frequency clashes in your mix, with our tutorial on advanced ducking techniques in Cubase.

    Techniques May 2009
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    Ducking At Mixdown

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Learn how to avoid frequency clashes in your mix, with our tutorial on advanced ducking techniques in Cubase.

    Techniques May 2009
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    CD Burning With Digital Performer 6

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    MOTU's Digital Performer 6 hugely simplifies the task of CD burning, while at the same time allowing more complex burning tasks to be undertaken. We talk you through the options.

    Techniques May 2009
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    Advanced Mixing In Logic Pro 8: Part 2

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    We offer a second set of tips to enhance your corrective and creative mixing skills.

    Techniques May 2009
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    Specifying & Buying Your First System

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Tempted to invest in a Pro Tools rig but don't know where to begin? You need our handy guide to choosing a system.

    Techniques May 2009
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    Make A Modular Synth In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Not only can Reason's Thor synth be used as an effects unit for other signals, it can also act as a hub for combining instruments and devices into true modular synth structures.

    Techniques May 2009
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    Advanced Vocal Compression

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We explore some of the advanced parallel compression techniques used by top mix engineer Michael Brauer — and how you can recreate them using Cubase.

    Techniques Apr 2009
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    Cubase: Advanced Vocal Compression — Audio Files

    Hear For Yourself

    We explore some of the advanced parallel compression techniques used by top mix engineer Michael Brauer — and how you can recreate them using Cubase.

    Techniques Apr 2009
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    Building A Beatbox In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    We show you how to make Live emulate an MPC-style workflow for composing rhythm tracks.

    Techniques Apr 2009
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    Advanced Mixing In Logic Pro 8: Part 1

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    A professional producer and mixer passes on his favourite Logic mixing methods, starting this month at the bottom, with tips for bass and drums.

    Techniques Apr 2009
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    Track Comping

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    One of the major new features in Pro Tools 8 is a system for easily assembling 'comp' tracks from multiple takes. We explain how it all works.

    Techniques Apr 2009
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    Sonar: Integrating External Hardware With Your DAW

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Is it time to lighten the load on your CPU and put that outboard signal processing hardware to work inside your DAW? We explain how...

    Techniques Apr 2009
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    File-format Troubleshooting In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    We present a DP-users guide to troubleshooting audio files and formats, and pass on tips for when the unthinkable happens...

    Techniques Mar 2009
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    Dynamic Mixing In Logic 8

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Apple Logic 8s mixer is endlessly configurable, and knowing how to make its flexibility work for you will result in faster and easier mixing.

    Techniques Mar 2009
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    MIDI & Score Editors

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    At the heart of Digidesign's drive to turn Pro Tools into a serious tool for music creation are the MIDI and Score editors in Pro Tools 8. We explain how to get the best from these new heavyweights.

    Techniques Mar 2009
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    Reason: Parallel Compression

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    If you want the impact of heavily compressed drums but dont want to sacrifice your dynamics, parallel compression is the way to go. This month we explore the best ways to achieve this effect in Reason.

    Techniques Mar 2009
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    Using REX Files in Sonar 8

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sonar has more facilities than the average DAW for exploiting REX files to their best advantage. We guide you through where to find those facilities and how to put them to use.

    Techniques Mar 2009
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    Cubase: How To Create Drum Maps

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Many Cubase users also own high-quality drum virtual instruments and sample libraries that aren't mapped to the GM standard. Fortunately, you can create your own dedicated drum maps.

    Techniques Feb 2009
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    Cubase 4 Example Drum Maps | Media

    Download DRM Files

    Here are the files that accompany SOS February 2009's Cubase 4 workshop on Drum Maps.

    Techniques Feb 2009
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    Guitar Recording Methods In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Achieving exactly the recorded guitar tone youre after is easier than its ever been, with the facilities on offer in a DAW package such as Digital Performer...

    Techniques Feb 2009
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    Ableton Live: Real-time Clip Modulation

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    We return to the subject of Clip Envelopes, and discover how its possible to work around a Live limitation and record MIDI controller data into Clips in real time.

    Techniques Feb 2009

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