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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 - 12 of 12 items

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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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    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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    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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    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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    Cubase: Timewarp

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right. With your hands on your hips, you bring your knees in tight. But it's the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane. Let's do the time-warp again?

    Techniques Aug 2004
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    Cubase's Key Editor

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The Key Editor is a seemingly straightforward MIDI editor, yet under its surface lie a number of features that can really speed up your editing tasks. We explain, as well as reporting on the new version 2.2 Cubase update.

    Techniques Jul 2004
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    Cubase: Synchronisation Options

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you get that sync'ing feeling when using Cubase in conjunction with external hardware devices, you may need to know more about its synchronisation options. We explain what's what.

    Techniques Jun 2004
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    Using Plug-ins In A Surround Mix

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Continuing our exploration of surround sound in Cubase SX 2, this month we turn to using stereo and multi-channel plug-ins in a surround mix.

    Techniques May 2004
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    Multi-channel Architecture

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    As more musicians and audio engineers begin to explore the potential of surround sound in project studios, we take a look at Cubase SX 2's revised multi-channel architecture, which gives it advanced surround capabilities.

    Techniques Apr 2004
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    Cubase Signal Routing

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    While Cubase's graphical environment makes the application easy to use, it's not always clear exactly where signals are being routed. This month, we open the virtual bonnet and take a look at signal routing in the VST 2.3 audio engine used in both Cubase SX and Nuendo 2

    Techniques Mar 2004
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    Importing & Editing Sample CD Loops In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase Notes offers a quick guide to speedy importing and editing of audio CD loops in SX.

    Techniques Feb 2004
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    Easy Cubase Tempo Changes

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Until its recent update, Cubase SX did not have all the specific tools needed for easy tempo changes when, for example, working to picture — but a close look at the tools it does have reveals ways of getting the job done for those who haven't yet upgraded.

    Techniques Jan 2004
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