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.

Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 items
  • link

    Tuning Drum Loops In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Can't quite get your Reason rhythm section kicking with the rest of the track? If you've never considered tuning your drum samples and loops to help create a tight and harmonious mix, now may be the time to try it...

    Techniques Dec 2005
  • link

    ReBirth & Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    ReBirth is dead. Long live ReBirth! We discuss the decision to discontinue this pioneering software and discover how Reason users can keep its spirit alive.

    Techniques Nov 2005
  • link

    Mastering Reason 3 Mixes

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason 3 has several new tools for pumping up final mixes and creating that 'finished product' sound.

    Techniques Nov 2005
  • link

    Beta-testing Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Propellerheads have always had a rather unusual approach to beta-testing, routinely involving thousands of registered users. We talk to the Props about how it's done.

    Techniques Oct 2005
  • link

    Reason Mixing Masterclass

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason mixes can sound superbly fat and punchy, thanks to the array of tools the software puts at your disposal. We adapt some traditional mixing know-how to the Reason platform and offer device-specific tips to help you improve your mixes.

    Techniques Oct 2005
  • link

    Reason Notes

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We report on a new release of Reason that fixes some bugs but also ups the system requirements for running the software, and examine the problem of achieving 'exclusive' drum assignments in the NNXT super sample-player.

    Techniques Sep 2005
  • link

    Making Your Own Reason Refill

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    If you've never made a Refill from your Reason creations, now may be the time to give it a go. It's an easy process that can offer various benefits.

    Techniques Sep 2005
  • link

    Electromechanical Refill Updated

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    On the menu: Tiger tussles with Reload, Propellerhead's Akai sample-management software, the excellent free Electromechanical Refill gets an update, and quick tips.

    Techniques Aug 2005
  • link

    Using The Malström Synth In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    The Malström device can certainly be used as a conventional synth, but behind its slightly bizarre green front panel lies a powerful graintable sound engine begging to be exploited to the full. We show you how...

    Techniques Aug 2005
  • link

    Solving Reason Problems With Combinator

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    The new Combinator device can solve Reason problems you didn't even realise you had. We elaborate, as well as offering news and tips...

    Techniques Jul 2005
  • link

    Building Combinator Effects In Reason 3

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason's Combinator device isn't all about creating new sound sources and storing live setups — it also provides the means to build new and imaginative effects units.

    Techniques Jul 2005
  • link

    Audio Input For Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    With some clever programming, an Italian software house have created a program that claims to add an audio input to Reason. We take a sneak peek, as well as bringing you essential Reason news and quick tips.

    Techniques Jun 2005
  • link

    Building Combinator Patches in Reason 3

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    The most exciting addition to the new version of Reason is arguably the Combinator device, which greatly expands the flexibility and programming potential of everything in the Reason rack. We guide you through the creation of a Combinator patch to get you started with this great new device.

    Techniques Jun 2005
  • link

    Reason: New Refills & Tips

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    This month: new Refills and tweaking techniques for Reason v3, plus the usual haul of time-saving tips.

    Techniques May 2005
  • link

    Propellerhead Reason v3

    Virtual Electronic Studio [Mac OS X/PC]

    Astonishingly, Reason is now over four years old! Version 3 adds performance-enhancing features and mastering facilities, losing only Mac OS 9 support on the way. We bring you the first UK review of the full release version.

    Reviews May 2005
  • link

    Reason: Getting More Out Of V2.5

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We've got a lot to look forward to with the imminent release of Reason v3, but there's still a world of exploration available in v2.5 — so don't stop creating while you're waiting.

    Techniques Apr 2005
  • link

    Reason: RV7000 Advanced Reverb

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    This month we present a closer look at the RV7000 Advanced Reverb, plus a handful of effect-related hints and tips.

    Techniques Mar 2005
  • link

    Reasons To Be Cheerful: v3

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Version 3 of Reason is officially on the way, adding some high-spec new devices and improved operational features.

    Techniques Feb 2005
  • link

    Reason: Arpeggiators & Cool Techniques

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    There are more clever tips and techniques than you can shake a stick at in this month's Reason Notes, kicking off with yet another fun way to fake an arpeggiator effect...

    Techniques Jan 2005
Subscribe to RSS - DAWs