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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 - 18 of 18 items
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    MIDI Controllers

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Even a handful of knobs and sliders on a MIDI master keyboard are enough to give you hands-on control of your Cubase mix.

    Techniques Dec 2010
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    Level Meters

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Knowing how to interpret and act on Cubase's level meters can help you to make better mixes.

    Techniques Nov 2010
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    Steinberg Nuendo 5

    DAW Software For Mac & PC

    With Steinberg continuing to focus on features for audio post-production, is Nuendo still a relevant option for those working strictly in music?

    Reviews Oct 2010
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    Project Templates

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Creating your own project templates is one of those useful housekeeping jobs you can do when you’re in a less creative mood.

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    Multitrack Batch Export In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    In Cubase 5, Steinberg introduced some powerful batch-export options, which have removed many project archiving and transfer frustrations.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Logical Editor

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Administration is a bore, but Cubase 5's Project Logical Editor can take the hard work out of keeping your projects tidy.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Cubase: Musical Cues For Video

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Just how do you write musical cues to match the length of a video in Cubase?

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Cubase: DIY Vocal Rider

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    Waves ground-breaking Vocal Rider plug-in takes the pain out of vocal level-automation, but if your budget cant stretch that far, you can get part of the way there using nothing more than Cubase 5s built-in processors.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Cubase: DIY Vocal Rider | Audio & Project Files

    Hear For Yourself

    Audio files in our SoundCloud player, with downloadable high-res WAVs for your convenience.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Dance Music Filter Effects with Cubase 5

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    Filter sweeps and rhythmic filter effects are a key element in dance music — and theyre easy to create with Cubase 5s bundled plug-ins...

    Techniques May 2010
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    Dance Music Filter Effects with Cubase 5 | Audio

    Audio Examples from Cubase Techniques May 2010

    These files accompany the Cubase Technique Filter Sweeps workshop for SOS May 2010 (...

    Techniques May 2010
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    Using Cubase's Chorder Plug-in

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    We show you how to coax a more convincing performance from your VST instruments using Cubases Chorder plug-in.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Using Cubase's Chorder | Audio

    Hear For Yourself

    Audio Examples From Cubase Techniques April 2010

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Cubeat Detective

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    Unlike other DAWs, Cubase has no dedicated support for phase-locked timing correction of multitrack drums. But with a little imagination, it is possible...

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    Building Your Own Multi-articulation Instrument

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Last month, we introduced Cubases VST Expression facility. Now its time to build your own multi-articulation instrument.

    Techniques Feb 2010
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    Cubase: Multi-articulation | Audio

    Audio Examples From Cubase Techniques February 2010

    This accompanies the Cubase Technique VST Expression workshop for SOS February 2010 (...

    Techniques Feb 2010
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    VST Expression

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    VST Expression, introduced in Cubase 5, enables you to extract the best from multi-articulation sample libraries.

    Techniques Jan 2010
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    Cubase: VST Expression | Audio

    Audio Examples From Cubase Techniques January 2010

    This contains the three separate files to accompany the SOS January 2010 Cubase Technique workshop (...

    Techniques Jan 2010
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