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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 64 - 84 of 98 items
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    Spectral Correction With Samplitude

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Among Samplitude Pro X’s unique features is spectral editing in the main project window. Here’s how it works.

    Techniques May 2013
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    Spectral Correction With Samplitude | Media

    Video Files

    Video tutorial to accompany this month's article.

    Techniques May 2013
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    Prep School

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Optimise your vocal tracks in Sonar X2 before you start mixing.

    Techniques May 2013
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    Studio One Audioloops & Musicloops

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Explore and learn to use Studio One 2’s Audioloop and Musicloop formats.

    Techniques May 2013
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    All Mixed Up

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase 7’s Mix Console is far more capable than its predecessors, but can be daunting to newcomers. We show you how to configure it to your needs.

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    This Year’s Model

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Try some guitar-amp modelling with Live, a couple of plug-ins and a bit of know-how.

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    Off The Beaten Track

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Logic’s Ultrabeat is more than just a drum machine — so get creative with it and ‘glitch up’ your dance tracks!

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    A Project Shared...

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Now you can get your music to the outside world without ever leaving Pro Tools!

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    The Dark Side

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Explore the secret paths to modulation on the dusty reverse of Reason’s cheery fascia...

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    Take Control

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar X2 replaces Track Layers with Take Lanes, which come with far more flexibility...

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    Stereo Guitar

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Take a walk on the wide side with these Studio One stereo guitar techniques.

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    Stereo Guitar | Audio Files

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Audio Files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Apr 2013
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    Pad World

    Cubase Tips & Technique

    Steinberg’s Padshop can be used to create excellent rhythmic effects.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Pad World | Media

    Cubase Notes | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    The Joy Of EXS

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Often overlooked, EXS24 is a very valuable feature of Logic. So why and how should we be using it?

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Transfer Windows

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools 10 has some new ways to help you move material to and from other systems — including older Pro Tools rigs.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Win By Default

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Some time spent customising your defaults in Reaper could save you hours in the future...

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Synth Showdown

    Reason Tips & Technique

    Now that Rack Extensions are here, there are lots of Reason synths on offer — but which are the best?

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Making Moves

    Samplitude Tips & Technique

    As well as conventional track-based automation, Samplitude Pro X has a sophisticated Object automation system.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Stem Sell

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Make use of the many benefits of stem mixing in Studio One.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    EK1G9Vj9jjE.jpg

    Making Moves | Media

    Samplitude Tips & Technique

    Video tutorials to accompany the article.

    Techniques Mar 2013

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