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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 1 - 21 of 23 items
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    Cakewalk Sonar 5

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows]

    The new version 5 sees Cakewalk's Sonar becoming a more complete production package than ever, with the addition of new synths, a convolution reverb, 64-bit support and Roland's celebrated Variphrase vocal processing technology.

    Reviews Dec 2005
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    Improved MIDI Functions In Sonar 5

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk have strengthened the MIDI side of Sonar 5 considerably, in recognition of the rise of software synths that benefit from enhanced MIDI controllability. We run through some of the new features and suggest how you might want to use them...

    Techniques Dec 2005
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    Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows]

    With Sonar Home Studio, Cakewalk have made the core features of their flagship sequencing application available at a bargain price.

    Reviews Nov 2005
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    Sonar Notes

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    When the version number's most significant digit increments, you know something big is going to happen — what's inside Version 5?

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    Sonar's Dreamstation Soft Synth

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This modest little soft synth has been bundled with Sonar since version 1.0 and is very kind to your CPU resources, yet many Sonar users are still unaware of just how much you can squeeze out of it. We present some evidence.

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    Sonar: Audio Engine Tune-Up

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar technology takes over Cakewalk's entire product line, from low to high end, while the Studio and Producer editions get an audio engine tune-up. Read all about it...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Dynamics Control In Sonar 4

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Both Sonar Producer Edition and Studio Edition offer several choices for dynamics processing. How do you pick the right one for the job?

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Cakewalk Sonar 4.

    Increasing Your Screen Space

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    More screen space without having to buy a second monitor — just one of the Sonar nuggets we've got for you this month...

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Sonar 4 loop envelopes.

    Loop Construction In Sonar 4

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar 4 offers excellent loop editing facilities, and here we're going to show you how to use them.

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    64-bit Info, Updates & Tips

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This month more about 64-bit computing and details of a Mackie control-surface update for Sonar users — and we offer handy tips on taming mute tools and MIDI notes.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Making The Most Of EQ In Sonar v4

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    When is an EQ not just an EQ? When it's the Sonar v4 Producer Edition Sonitus EQ and you use it for some of the amazing processing tricks we're about to explain!

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Sonar LE, Utilities & More...

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar LE appears, we find a utility that lets you zoom with a mouse wheel, and Project 5 slightly changes direction...

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    Creating Easier Drum Parts In Sonar 4

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Producing great drum parts can be quicker, easier, and more fun with the dedicated facilities Sonar 4 provides. We explain.

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    Cakewalk Z3TA+ Unleashed...

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk go global, and release a new soft synth.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Exploring Sonar 4's TTS1 Synth

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    The TTS1 soft synth bundled with Sonar 4 has many hidden talents — but you have to know where to find them. Read on...

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Sonar: Studio or Producer?

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    It's time to address the Studio versus Producer question, as well as looking into a new Sonar remote-control option.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Composite Vocal Recording (In Sonar 4)

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    The audio sequencing facilities we have at our disposal these days make it easier than ever before to produce world-class vocal recordings by taking the best parts from a series of takes and producing a composite from them. Here's how to do the job in Sonar 4.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Sonar: Going 64-bit

    Sonar Notes

    A quick look at the Project 5 update and news of Sonar's rewrite for 64-bit processors.

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Pre-producing Live Loops in Sonar

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk's Sonar makes an ideal pre-production tool for creating loops you can use in Ableton's Live sequencer. We explore some of the possibilities of the partnership.

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Sonar Metering Options

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar offers lots of useful metering options you may not even be aware of, so this month we run through them and why you might want to use them, as well as getting clever with colours and explaining how to make your screen setup a hint more transparent...

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Sonar: Hands-free Recording & Other Tips

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This month, find your way around projects, undertake hands-free recording, configure an external MP3 encoder and create pseudo-Track Folders for MIDI.

    Techniques Feb 2005

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