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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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    Mixing Live Recordings In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Mixing live band recordings within Logic presents a unique set of challenges, so we show you how to get great results with the minimum hassle.

    Techniques Dec 2005
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    ESX24 Sample Manager

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    More tips and news from the world of Apple Logic.

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    Using Hardware Controllers With Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Not everyone can afford to invest in a dedicated high-spec hardware controller such as Logic Control. However, you can use even the most humble of MIDI devices to control your mixer, software synths, and plug-ins instead.

    Techniques Nov 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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    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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    Multiple Firewire Interfaces in Logic

    Logic Notes

    If you need to run multiple Firewire audio interfaces, you'll want to upgrade to the latest Tiger version of Logic. Read on...

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Apple Logic Express

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Mac OS X]

    Buying the Express version of Apple's Logic will save you a cool £500 over the full-blown Pro edition — and you'll still get a mighty powerful sequencer...

    Reviews Aug 2005
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    Logic v7.1 Stability Issues

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at some of the stability problems still lurking in v7.1 under Tiger, and also reveal a couple of extra plug-ins tucked away in the new OS upgrade.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Recording Electric Guitars In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Find out how to record a great electric guitar sound into Logic, and which of the plug-ins have the most impact at the mixdown stage...

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Test-driving Logic Pro v7.1

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Following on from our preview last month, we test-drive the new Logic Pro v7.1. Does it finally deliver what v7 promised?

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    Better Vocals In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Getting great recorded vocals can seem like rocket science, especially with all the complicated editing and processing tools that Logic now provides. So here we'll be giving you the advice you need to produce that big commercial sound.

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    What Does Logic v7.1 Offer?

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    After months of speculation Apple have finally announced the release of the first major Logic 7 upgrade, but what can users expect from version 7.1?

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Better Acoustic Guitar Recording In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We explain how you can mock up a live acoustic guitar sound from a DI'd recording, using Logic's built-in plug-ins.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Logic's Catch & Link Modes

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Combining Logic's Catch and Link modes can greatly increase the usefulness of multi-window Screensets, but it is not always clear, especially to new users, how the various options work.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Logic: Using Sidechains

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Sidechains are usually associated with effects processing, but they are also available in many of Logic's internal soft synths. So what can you do with them?

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Logic: Using Transformer Objects

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Learn how you can quickly program Transformer objects to mimic Ableton Live's useful 'user scales' feature, thus keeping transposed MIDI parts in key.

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Locking Logic Sequences To A Live Take

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Although rather time-consuming, this technique for locking your sequencer to a live take is often the best.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Logic: Synchronising Sequences To Live Audio

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Synchronising sequences in Logic to live audio tracks can really help give your music the edge, but what's the best way of doing this? We look at the options, and weigh up their pros and cons.

    Techniques Jan 2005
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