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.

  • link

    New Packs In Live 10

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We catch up with the new Packs in Live 10.

    Techniques Jun 2018
  • link

    Using ChromaVerb In Logic

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    Unlock the secrets of Logic Pro’s new ChromaVerb algorithmic reverb.

    Techniques Jun 2018
  • link

    Pro Tools: Creating Stems

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

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

    Techniques Jun 2018
  • link

    Sonar: Ticket To Wide

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Increase the stereo width of your tracks with Mid-Sides processing in Sonar.

    Techniques Jun 2018
  • link

    Studio One: Future-proof Your Song Archives

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Archiving your Studio One Songs in a future-proof format could save your life in years to come.

    Techniques Jun 2018
  • link

    Cubase: Optimising Electric Bass

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    When it comes to mixing bass, sometimes more is more, and Cubase has all the tools you need...

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Wavetable: Ableton's New Synth

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Take our crash course on Live 10’s new Wavetable synth.

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Logic's Smart Tempo: Part 1

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    With Smart Tempo in Logic Pro 10.4, you need no longer record to a click.

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Pro Tools: A Clip For A Clip

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

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

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Set Up Reaper's MIDI Editor For Drums

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s MIDI Editor can be customised to make programming your drum parts easier. We explain how...

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Reason's Radical Piano

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    We get to grips with Reason’s aptly named Radical Piano.

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Sonar: The Human Touch

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Add a human element to your drum parts with Sonar’s various quantising options.

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Studio One: Template Efficiency

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Learning how to use Studio One’s templates can make a massive difference to your efficiency.

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Using Groove Agent SE4

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Can Cubase’s Groove Agent SE4 take care of all your virtual drummer needs?

    Techniques Apr 2018
  • link

    Digital Performer: Pitch Craft

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    We explore DP’s tools for applying pitch-correction, harmony generation, pitch-quantising and pitch effects to vocal tracks.

    Techniques Apr 2018
  • link

    MIDI Capture & Multi-clip Editing In Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We explore Live 10’s new MIDI Capture and Multi-Clip editing features.

    Techniques Apr 2018
  • link

    Logic Pro: Vocal Processing With Track Stacks

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    We serve up some fresh ideas for vocal processing using Track Stacks in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Apr 2018
  • link

    Monitor Controls In Pro Tools Mixer

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    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
  • link

    Reason: Boost Productivity With Templates

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Cut to the chase with Reason templates.

    Techniques Apr 2018
  • link

    Chopping Up Loops In Sonar

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We show you the many ways you can chop up and manipulate loops in Sonar.

    Techniques Apr 2018
  • link

    Cubase’s Track Versions

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you like to explore different versions of a song (or just have difficulty making your mind up!) Cubase’s Track Versions have a lot to offer.

    Techniques Mar 2018

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - DAWs