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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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    Distributed Processing With Digital Performer

    MIDI Networking

    Unlike Logic, DP doesn't have any sort of distributed processing scheme, but by using additional Macs in your DP setup, with a network connection between them, you can achieve a similar result. Here's how it's done.

    Techniques Mar 2007
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    EVOC20 Vocoding

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    We attempt to demystify the EVOC20 vocoder plug-in and suggest ways in which it could be useful in all kinds of music, not just as a tool to produce silly robot noises!

    Techniques Mar 2007
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    Setting Up PT Preferences

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    It takes five minutes to set up your Pro Tools Preferences, but getting them right can smooth your workflow and even allow you to run more tracks from your hard drive.

    Techniques Mar 2007
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    Hacking Remote Files In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    If Remote support has not been added for your favourite MIDI controller, consider doing it yourself.

    Techniques Mar 2007
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    Designing Cubase Synth Pads

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Creating your own synth patches is one way to add a unique element to your music projects. We look at how you can get started designing your own pad sounds using the VST Instruments supplied with Cubase.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Designing Cubase Synth Pads | Audio Files

    Hear For Yourself

    Creating your own synth patches is one way to add a unique element to your music projects. This month we look at how can you can get started designing your own pad sounds using the VST Instruments supplied with Cubase.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Integrating MIDI Hardware with Ableton Live

    Live Notes & Technique

    This month, we look at how to connect, control and record hardware MIDI instruments using Live.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Pitch Correction with Logic

    Logic Notes & Technique

    Automatic tuning is synonymous with many things, good and bad. We take a look at Logic's Pitch Correction tool and then examine what Auto-Tune can add.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Using Intel Mac Audio Hardware with DP 5

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    We update you on changes to new Macs' built-in audio hardware, then take a look at how Bundles can help users of older and current Macs alike to easily reconfigure their audio I/O.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Q. How do I adjust Velocity values of drum sounds in Cubase?

    I'm using Cubase and have I just bought the BFD plug in. I've programmed in all the MIDI notes for the...

    Sound Advice Feb 2007
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    Using Fades & Crossfades

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    If you edit audio in Pro Tools, you need to know about fades and crossfades. As well as being vital editing tools, they can also be used in surprisingly creative ways...

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Exploring Audiosnap in Sonar 6

    Sonar Notes & Technique

    One of the biggest new additions in Sonar 6, Audiosnap, is a powerful time-stretching audio toolkit promising better-quality stretching and enhanced controllability. This month we'll explain the basics of using the new tools, following up next month with some real-world applications.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Sony Vegas 7

    Multitrack Audio & Video Editor [Windows]

    If your needs tend more towards looping and video editing than MIDI, Sony's distinctive multitrack recording package could be just what you're looking for.

    Reviews Feb 2007
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    Using Reason Live: Part 3

    Live Looping With Dr:Rex

    This month we look at a Combinator building project that allows you to mix and manipulate loops on the fly.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Track Presets

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Track Presets might not add anything to the sonic possibilities offered within Cubase 4 but Steinberg have been very keen to blow this particular marketing trumpet. So just what can Track Presets do for you?

    Techniques Jan 2007
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    Using Racks In Ableton Live

    Live Tips & Techniques

    We look at how the new Instrument and Effects Racks in Live 6 stretch the creative possibilities for combining and controlling multiple devices and plug-ins.

    Techniques Jan 2007
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    Using Waveburner: Part 2 | Mastering Your CD

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    This month we discuss in-depth features in Waveburner and look at some of the included plug-ins that can be used to polish up a mastering project.

    Techniques Jan 2007
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    Magix Samplitude 9

    DAW Software [Windows]

    Over the last few years, Magix's Sequoia and Samplitude have quietly been establishing a name for themselves in the mastering and recording communities, and the new version 9 of Samplitude looks set to win plenty more friends.

    Reviews Jan 2007
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    Choosing Channel Strip Plug-ins

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The trend among plug-in designers is to integrate commonly used processes such as EQ and compression into a single plug-in. It saves on insert slots, but do channel strips offer any other benefits, and which ones stand out from the crowd?

    Techniques Jan 2007
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    Audio Editing Secrets In Digital Performer 5

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    You'll soon be wondering how you ever managed without the audio editing tricks and shortcuts offered by this month's essential DP workshop.

    Techniques Jan 2007
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    McDSP Classic Pack

    Pro Tools Plug-ins

    McDSP's compression and EQ designs offer a huge amount of control with the potential for accurate emulation of vintage devices. Throw in a tape-modelling suite and a powerful multi-band compressor, and you have the Classic Pack.

    Reviews Jan 2007

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