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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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    Using Avid Pro Compressor

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    Positive Preferences In Pro Tools

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    How To Optimise Pro Tools Preferences

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    Pro Tools: Losing Time

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    We look at the different options for adding and removing time at the start of a Pro Tools session.

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    Pro Tools: Multi-select Menus

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    Multi-select menus are one of many subtle but invaluable improvements that Avid have made to the Pro Tools user interface.

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    MIDI Editing In Pro Tools

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    Pro Tools' MIDI implementation still has a bad reputation, but the reality is now very different.

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    Pro Tools: Voice Choices

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    Understanding the voice count of your Pro Tools system can avoid nasty surprises on large projects.

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    Pro Tools: Alternative Playback Modes

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    Making Tracks In Pro Tools

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    Pro Tools: New Bundled Plug-ins

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    Pro Tools: First Among EQs

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    The stock EQIII plug‑in may be old, but it still has a few neat tricks up its sleeve.

    Techniques Dec 2018
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    Recent Updates In Pro Tools

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    Avid’s new ‘little and often’ update strategy is delivering some really useful improvements. We look over the most recent.

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    Pro Tools: The Benefits Of An Extended Keyboard

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    To get the most from Pro Tools, you need an extended keyboard — and here’s why.

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    Pro Tools: Importing Mix Projects From Other DAWs

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    A little planning can help you get up and running quickly with mix projects transferred from other DAWs.

    Techniques Sep 2018
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    Using Multi-mono Plug-ins In Pro Tools

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    Mono plug-ins in Pro Tools can be used on stereo and surround tracks. We explain why this is useful!

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Pro Tools: Playlist Perils

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    Playlists in Pro Tools are usually invaluable, but once in a while, they can trip you up.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Pro Tools: Creating Stems

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    We offer a relatively painless way to create stems from a large Pro Tools mix.

    Techniques Jun 2018
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    Pro Tools: A Clip For A Clip

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    The need to substitute one clip for another arises frequently, and Pro Tools is ready to help out.

    Techniques May 2018
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    Monitor Controls In Pro Tools Mixer

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    Some of the most important features of a hardware console are found in its master section. Here’s how to add them to the Pro Tools mixer.

    Techniques Apr 2018

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