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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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    Transient Shaping With Sonar 8's TS64

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    There's more to dynamics than compression and expansion, and now transient shaping is part of Sonar 8, courtesy of the TS64 Transient Shaper plug-in.

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Sonar: Creating Loop-based Music

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sonar was one of the first DAWs to take looping seriously — which means that you'll find plenty of tools for making loop-based music easier.

    Techniques Nov 2008
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    Bass Guitar Recording With Sonar

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sonar includes many effects that are useful for bass guitars, and also offers bass-friendly features that help speed up the recording process.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Console Tips & Customising In Sonar

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    When it comes to the Sonar mixing console, you don't have to simply take what you're given, because there are lots of ways of making it fit your working methods. We explain how, and pass on some handy shortcuts along the way.

    Techniques Aug 2008
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    Sonar: Audio Editing Techniques

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Why take two digital audio programs into the studio, when you can optimise Sonar to do many of the common tasks you'd expect to need a dedicated audio editor for?

    Techniques Jul 2008
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    Creating A Rhythm Track In Sonar

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    A walk through the process of composing and processing a drum track highlights how to use various Sonar features and useful shortcuts - some of which you may not have come across before.

    Techniques Jun 2008
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    Customising Sonar To Fit The Way You Work

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Did you know that you can make Sonar fit your working methods like a glove, via its many customisation options? Here's our guide to just a few of the most useful.

    Techniques May 2008
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    Customising Sonar's SFZ Files

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Understanding how to program SFZ files opens up lots of ways to better exploit what Sonar's bundled soft synths have to offer. Don't panic: it's easier than you might think...

    Techniques Apr 2008
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    Using Sonar's z3ta+ Synth as an Effects Processor

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    When is a soft synth not just a soft synth? When it's also an effects processor...

    Techniques Mar 2008
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    Using Side-chains in Sonar 7's Plug-ins

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Side-chain inputs on software processors can open up a whole new world of control possibilities — and now Sonar 7's plug-ins have this facility. We show you some ways of using it in your music.

    Techniques Feb 2008
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    Introducing Sonar 7's Step Sequencer

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    One of the new features added in the Sonar 7 update is a very flexible step sequencer. We investigate its features and suggest some ways to make the most of it.

    Techniques Jan 2008
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