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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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    MIDI Tracks & Keyboard Functions

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We look at how to use the facilities available to Cubase's MIDI tracks to recreate certain master keyboard functions.

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Tempo Maps For Pre-Recorded Audio

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Sometimes the click can steal the life from a session, so why not start with a live performance?

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    AUPitch: Better Pitch-shifting?

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    The new Tiger AUPitch plug-in promises better pitch-shifting performance, but does it deliver in practice?

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Stem Mixing In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Mixing and automating complicated projects can be made simpler if you use 'stems'. What are they and how do you do it? Read on...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Digital Performer Notes

    News & Tips

    Click with a new metronome, tune up a pitch correction problem and stop that annoying whistling. In short, catch up with the latest from MOTU's wonderful world of Digital Performer...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Using Pitch Automation in Digital Performer v4.6

    Workshop

    Move over Auto-Tune: Digital Performer v4.6's new Pitch Automation features are fully integrated into the program and provide considerable power over all aspects of pitch. We explain how they work and take you through some practical examples.

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Maintenance Updates; Plug-ins

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    This month brings news of further maintenance updates to Pro Tools, plus some intriguing plug-in launches...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Using Pro Tools' Strip Silence Function

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The Strip Silence window in Pro Tools allows you to automate complex edits that would take hours to do by hand. Find out how...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    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
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    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
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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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    Cubase Preferences

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Preferences could be the key to more predictable behaviour and smoother operation — for Cubase, at least!

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Using The Built-In EQ In Cubase SX/SL

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Although there are many third-party equaliser plug-ins available, the EQ built into Cubase SX and SL is both functional and convenient, and has the unique advantage of being closely integrated with the Mixer, Inspector and Channel Settings windows.

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    You'd be surprised at the things you can do without opening a menu in Pro Tools. And if there's no shortcut for the command you need, why not create your own?

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Fine-tuning Automation In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Comprehensive automation is one of Logic's most powerful facets, allowing micro-management of all the settings in your mix.

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Optimising Performance Efficiency In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    Knowing how to squeeze the very best performance and efficiency out of your DP setup can let you work more quickly and increase your creative options, whether you own a G3 iMac or the latest G5. For all you need, read on...

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    OS X Tiger • Pro Tools 6.9 Bug-fixing

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    It's update frenzy this month, as Digidesign deal with the move to OS X Tiger and iron out more of the bugs in Pro Tools 6.9.

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    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
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    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
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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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