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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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    Digital Performer 7: Guitar Greats

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    DP7 includes enticing new features ideal for guitarists. Heres a quick-start guide to the best of them.

    Techniques Dec 2009
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    Digital Performer: Alternative Versions

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    When you need to tweak or re-work a track to produce alternative versions, DP has features that make it easy.

    Techniques Nov 2009
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    Digital Performer: Cleaning Up Noisy Tracks

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Digital Performer has a great range of features to help you avoid and clean up noise in your recordings.

    Techniques Oct 2009
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    Using Time Formats In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Digital Performers time-display and grid features are the key to several cool techniques, including instant glitch effects.

    Techniques Sep 2009
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    Customising Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Save time and make Digital Performer work just how you like it, with easy custom templates and preferences tweaks.

    Techniques Aug 2009
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    Multitrack Comping in Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Comping multitrack audio neednt be a headache with new features in Digital Performer 6.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Effective Selecting & Locating In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    The ability to move around your project quickly and easily, making fast and accurate selections for editing, can take much of the pain out of music production. We round up some of the best power-user shortcuts.

    Techniques Jun 2009
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    CD Burning With Digital Performer 6

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    MOTU's Digital Performer 6 hugely simplifies the task of CD burning, while at the same time allowing more complex burning tasks to be undertaken. We talk you through the options.

    Techniques May 2009
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    File-format Troubleshooting In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    We present a DP-users guide to troubleshooting audio files and formats, and pass on tips for when the unthinkable happens...

    Techniques Mar 2009
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    Guitar Recording Methods In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Achieving exactly the recorded guitar tone youre after is easier than its ever been, with the facilities on offer in a DAW package such as Digital Performer...

    Techniques Feb 2009
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    Digital Performer 6: More New Features

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Version 6 of DP comes with improved hosting of Audio Unit plug-ins — but what does that mean for the MAS format? We consider the issues, and bring you a guide to DP's new bundled convolution reverb, ProVerb.

    Techniques Jan 2009
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