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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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    Sonar MIDI Transform Tool

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Stretch, shrink and manipulate MIDI data with Sonar’s new Transform tool.

    Techniques Aug 2017
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    Studio One 3.5 Features

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    The new Studio One v3.5 upgrade is short on gimmicks and long on real improvements. Here’s what’s new.

    Techniques Aug 2017
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    Bass Guitar Recording In Logic Pro X

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Re-sculpt your bass guitar recordings with DI simulation, insert effects and part doubling in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Aug 2017
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    Using Cubase On Stage

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase’s natural home may be the recording studio, but you can also use it for on-stage improvisation.

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Amp & Cabinet FX In Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show you why Live’s Amp and Cabinet effects aren’t just for guitarists.

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Pro Tools: Which Audio Interface?

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Which audio interface is right for you and your Pro Tools system?

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    X0X-style Step Sequencing In Reason

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    A new Rack Extension, Grid64g, adds X0X-style step sequencing to Reason instruments.

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Sonar's MIDI Track Pane

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar’s new MIDI Track Pane makes automation easy!

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Studio One: Tracks And Channels

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    What’s the difference between a track and a channel? In Studio One, this is not a trick question...

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Logic: Vintage Bass

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Craft a vintage bass guitar sound using Logic Pro X’s built-in amp modelling plug-ins.

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Cubase Pro: Frequency EQ

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase 9 Pro’s Frequency EQ plug-in can do everything from gentle tone shaping to delicate mid-sides surgery.

    Techniques Jun 2017
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    Live: Clip Shop

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We look at how audio clips can be repurposed in Ableton Live.

    Techniques Jun 2017
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    REX Machine

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Kong is more than just a drum machine: it’s Reason’s secret weapon for dynamic performance with loops and breaks.

    Techniques Jun 2017
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    Using Sonitus Modulator In Sonar

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Get the best out of Sonar’s surprisingly powerful Sonitus Modulator plug-in.

    Techniques Jun 2017
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    Studio One: Making Arrangements

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Harness the power of Studio One’s Arranger track and Scratch Pads to reshape your material.

    Techniques Jun 2017
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    Cubase 9: Retrologue 2's Audio Input

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase 9 makes side-chain audio inputs possible for VST 3 instruments, the first being Retrologue 2.

    Techniques May 2017
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    Ableton Live: Repeat After Me

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to use Live’s delays as a replacement for reverb and as an effect in their own right.

    Techniques May 2017
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    Selection-based Processing In Logic Pro 10.3

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    With Selection-based Processing in Logic Pro 10.3, adding effects to audio clips is now easier than ever.

    Techniques May 2017
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    Pro Tools Most Wanted Features

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools users have requested five feature additions above all others. But can you work around their absence?

    Techniques May 2017
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    Reaper Keeper

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Here’s how to ensure your Reaper projects will still be accessible a year from now — or even a decade.

    Techniques May 2017
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    Sonar: The Matrix Reloaded

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Find out how Sonar’s enhanced Matrix View can help speed up your workflow.

    Techniques May 2017

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