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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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    Cubase Mixer Controls

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We take a look behind the behaviour of Cubase's most common mixing controls, to show the many options beneath the seemingly simple surface.

    Techniques Dec 2004
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    Logic: Live-style Tricks With Touch Tracks

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Have you ever coveted the real-time functions of Ableton's Live? In which case, you will be interested to know how you can simulate some aspects of Live in Logic using the Touch Tracks object?

    Techniques Dec 2004
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    Using Digital Performer With Ableton Live

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    We explain how to use DP effectively with Ableton's Live and offer a brief preview of MOTU's latest big update to Digital Performer, version 4.5.

    Techniques Dec 2004
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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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    Reason: Substituting Sounds In REX Loops

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Ever loved the feel of a REX loop but disliked the drum sounds? Using Reason, you can steal the feel and substitute sounds of your choice... We show you how.

    Techniques Dec 2004
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    Sonar v4: Workflow Improvements

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Not every new feature of Sonar 4 is a headline-grabber — there are many new facilities and tweaks to existing features that you might not initially notice, but which could make a big difference to your workflow.

    Techniques Dec 2004
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    Cubase: SX Embracer, Tonic & Monologue Plug-ins

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We take a closer look at the Embracer, Tonic and Monologue plug-ins that come supplied with Cubase SX.

    Techniques Nov 2004
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    Marquee Tool Tips in Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Once you find out all the things you can do with the Marquee tool, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it, so we offer some advice on how to put it to work in your projects.

    Techniques Nov 2004
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    Digital Performer: Audio Pitch & Tempo Manipulation

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    A guide to DP's options for audio pitch and tempo manipulation is on the agenda for this month's instalment of Performer Notes.

    Techniques Nov 2004
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    Reason: Alternatives To 4/4 Time

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason seems firmly fixed in a 4/4 time signature — but clever use of the Redrum and Matrix pattern-based devices allows you to explore more unusual signatures. Here we explain how, as well as bringing you the essential news and tips.

    Techniques Nov 2004
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    Organising Tracks & Plug-ins In Sonar

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Organise your tracks with Sonar 4's Track Folder feature, nudge them into place with sample accuracy, and reclaim older plug-ins for use in newer versions of Sonar.

    Techniques Nov 2004
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    Cubase SX3 Preview; Range Selection

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    This month we provide an exclusive preview of the new version of Cubase — SX 3 — and offer advice on how to get the most out of Cubase's Range Selection tool.

    Techniques Oct 2004
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    Logic: Dynamics Processing With Reverb/Delay

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Learn how to combine dynamics processing with delay and reverb to breathe life into your mixes.

    Techniques Oct 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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    Reason: Using Mackie Tracktion Sequencer As A Rewire Host

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Mackie's Tracktion sequencer makes an ideal budget Rewire host for adding audio recording and plug-in capabilities to your Reason setup, as we explain...

    Techniques Oct 2004
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    How To Remote Control Sonar Effects

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We explain how to use the handy Scrub tool, how to customise your track view, and detail the procedure for setting up remote control of Sonar effects parameters.

    Techniques Oct 2004
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    Cubase's MIDI Device Manager

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase SX's MIDI Device Manager provides a way of choosing patches and banks on your external MIDI hardware by name rather than by number. We look at how to create your own MIDI Patch Name Scripts to make this possible.

    Techniques Sep 2004
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    Layering Sounds In Logic's Virtual Instruments

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Layering hardware sound modules to create new sounds is a simple matter, but things are not nearly as easy when you are working with virtual instruments in Logic. Here are a few useful workarounds...

    Techniques Sep 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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    Instant Track Creation In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We explore an advanced technique for creating 'instant' tracks using Propellerhead's Reason software.

    Techniques Sep 2004
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    Using Storm With Sonar

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We bring you yet more Sonar stratagems, including further adventures in envelope copying, some handy track tricks, and advice on using Arturia's Storm with Sonar.

    Techniques Sep 2004

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