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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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    Sonar: Freq Show

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Get acquainted with Sonar’s many EQ options.

    Techniques Jan 2016
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    Patch Notes

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Get creative with Sonar’s new Universal Routing Technology...

    Techniques Dec 2015
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    Cakewalk Sonar Platinum

    Music Production Software For Windows

    Cakewalk are the first major DAW developer to move to a monthly payment model. And Sonar ‘membership’ provides plenty of goodies.

    Reviews May 2015
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    Take A Browse

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Find what you're looking for faster with Sonar X3's new Browser.

    Techniques Mar 2014
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    Cakewalk Sonar X3 Producer

    Music Production Software For Windows

    As well as improving Sonar itself, Cakewalk have brought in some heavy-hitting third-party content. Does X3 have what it takes to tempt buyers away from other recording software?

    Reviews Jan 2014
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    Comp Together

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Craft the perfect take using Sonar X3's new Track Lanes.

    Techniques Nov 2013
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    Fix It In The R-Mix | Media

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Sep 2013
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    Cakewalk Sonar X2.

    Cakewalk Sonar X2

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Windows

    Cakewalk’s programmers seem to be constantly pedalling the upgrade cycle! We find out what’s new and exciting in the latest Sonar X2...

    Reviews Jan 2013
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    2 Unlimited

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    You don’t have to give up Session Drummer 2’s content when you move up to 64-bit Sonar X1.

    Techniques Aug 2012
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    Up To The Wire

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Thanks to Sonar 64-bit operation, the 14-year-old ReWire protocol is back in the limelight!

    Techniques Jul 2012
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    Pitch Invasion

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Love it or hate it, ‘hard’ pitch correction is still a much used technique — and it’s simple with Sonar’s V-Vocal.

    Techniques Jun 2012
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    Expansions For Sonar X1

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    The Pro Channel is a highlight of Cakewalk’s Sonar X1 Producer — and some new add-ons make it even more powerful.

    Techniques May 2012
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    Active Controller Technology (ACT)

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Dust off that hardware controller and make it your best friend in the studio, with this simple way of using Sonar's Active Controller Technology.

    Techniques Apr 2012
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    ProChannel Flexibility

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Previously a hard-wired channel strip, ProChannel is now an 'open' plug-in host offering unprecedented effects order flexibility — which can make a huge difference to your sound...

    Techniques Mar 2012
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    Flanger Management

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Take Sonar back to the ’60s with this vintage-style tape-flanging effect!

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    FX Chains

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Create virtual multi-effects with Sonar X1e's FX Chains 2.0

    Techniques Dec 2011
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    Quantise Drums With AudioSnap Pool

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    If you’d like to make your quantised drums a little more human, dive into Sonar’s AudioSnap pool.

    Techniques Nov 2011
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    Pitch Transposition In Sonar X1

    Sonar Notes

    Understand the pitch-changing options in Sonar X1 for better results with your audio.

    Techniques Oct 2011
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    Stretch Drum Loops Smoothly

    Sonar X1

    Use Sonar X1 to slow down your drum loops drastically — and retain fidelity!

    Techniques Sep 2011
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    Multi-band Processing & Distortion

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Multi-band processing in Sonar needn’t stop at compression: using the same approach on distortion is easy and effective.

    Techniques Aug 2011
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    Guitar Rig 4 Plug-in

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Why settle for harsh amp-simulator tones? Find out how to produce a more organic sound using Sonar X1’s Guitar Rig 4 LE plug-in.

    Techniques Jul 2011

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