You are here

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.

  • link
    Ableton Live 12 clip launching production live performance DAW update

    Ableton Live 12 now available

    Popular DAW gets major upgrade

    Following their preview of its new features towards the end of 2023, Ableton have announced that Live 12 is now available to download.

    News
  • link
    Ableton Live 12 clip launching production live performance DAW update

    Ableton to launch Live 12

    New MIDI tools, devices, sound packs & more

    Live 12 introduces a set of new features designed to spark musical creativity, including new MIDI tools that help to generate unexpected ideas and a range of improvements that allow users to work more intuitively.

    News
  • link

    Ableton Live Drift Synthesizer

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Float away with Live 11.3’s new synth...

    Techniques Jun 2023
  • link

    Ableton Live: Session & Arrangement Views

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Bridge the gap between Live’s Session and Arrangement views.

    Techniques Feb 2023
  • link

    Live: Repurposing Included Audio & MIDI Content

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to get more from Live’s included content.

    Techniques Aug 2022
  • link

    Ableton Live: MIDI From Audio

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We generate MIDI from audio, and look at what’s new in Live 11.1.

    Techniques Jun 2022
  • link

    Device Racks In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    What can Live’s Device Racks do for you?

    Techniques Apr 2022
  • link

    Customising Sound Libraries In Ableton Live 11

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to put your own stamp on Live 11’s new sonic content.

    Techniques Feb 2022
  • link

    Live 11 Audio & MIDI Effects

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We dig deeper into the audio and MIDI effects included with Live 11.

    Techniques Dec 2021
  • link

    Ableton Live: MIDI Inversion

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Introduce some creative weirdness with MIDI inversion.

    Techniques Oct 2021
  • link

    Ableton Live: Getting Creative With Take Lanes

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Live 11’s new Take Lanes make creating a composite from alternative takes (comping) much easier for both MIDI and audio tracks.

    Techniques Aug 2021
  • link
    Ableton Live Lite 11

    Live Lite 11 launched

    Now with MPE!

    Ableton have released a major update to their entry-level DAW, adding new effects, MPE compatibility, and more.

    News
  • link

    Live 11 Session View

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We explore what’s new in Live 11’s Session View...

    Techniques Jun 2021
  • link

    Ableton Live: A Different Approach To Arranging

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show you a different approach to arranging in Live.

    Techniques Apr 2021
  • link
    Ableton Live 11 Beginner's Guide

    Ableton Live 11 Beginner's Guide

    New video course added to SOS Tutorials

    Comprehensive video course on Ableton Live 11, one of the most popular and unique digital audio workstations for electronic musicians, is available from SOS Tutorials.

    News
  • link

    Live 11 now available

    Ableton DAW goes on sale today

    The latest version of Ableton's DAW has just gone on sale. Click to read our exclusive review!

    News
  • link

    Ableton Live: Using Effects

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show how to insert, combine and modulate effects in both Session and Arrangement views within Ableton Live.

    Techniques Feb 2021
  • link

    Live: Session View

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Live’s Session view abandons the timeline and allows you to simply trigger individual looping or one‑shot clips of any length.

    Techniques Dec 2020
  • link
    Ableton Live 11

    Ableton Live 11 revealed

    Latest version adds instruments, MPE support and more

    Latest version adds new instruments, extensive MPE support, and enhanced audio and MIDI editing features.

    News
  • link

    Ableton Quick Start

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Moving to Live from another DAW? We've got you covered...

    Techniques Oct 2020
  • link

    MIDI Control Change In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Max For Live's versatile MIDI CC devices open up a world of creative control.

    Techniques Aug 2020

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - DAWs