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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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    Steinberg Nuendo 7

    Digital Audio Workstation [Mac OS/Windows]

    Nuendo 7 inherits all the new features Steinberg debuted in Cubase 8, and adds sophisticated functionality for producing audio for film, TV and games.

    Reviews Dec 2015
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    Backup To The Future

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Your Cubase project is recorded, mixed and mastered... but is it secure?

    Techniques Dec 2015
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    Space Race

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Efficient management of Cubase’s Workspaces can be a great help when you need to work quickly.

    Techniques Nov 2015
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    Services Rendered

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Whether archiving projects, creating stems or saving CPU resources, Cubase 8’s Render In Place feature has you covered.

    Techniques Oct 2015
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    Reverb Rating | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Cubase Pro 8 gives you four different reverb plug-ins to choose from, but which one should you be using?

    Techniques Sep 2015
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    Reverb Rating

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase Pro 8 gives you four different reverb plug-ins to choose from, but which one should you be using?

    Techniques Sep 2015
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    Double Bass

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Use Cubase’s new VST Bass Amp to recreate the sound of Royal Blood’s doubled electric bass.

    Techniques Aug 2015
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    Double Bass | Media

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Aug 2015
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    Plug-in Pruning

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Take some of the work out of your workflow, with Cubase 8 Pro’s Plug-in Manager.

    Techniques Jul 2015
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    Inversion Therapy

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase 8 can help you experiment with different chords and voicings to fake a good performance.

    Techniques Jun 2015
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    Strike A Chord

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Stuck in a songwriting rut? Cubase’s Chord Pads and Chord Assistant can help you out.

    Techniques May 2015
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    Spot The Reverb | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Apr 2015
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    Spot The Reverb

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Use your Cubase reverbs as spot effects.

    Techniques Apr 2015
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    Steinberg Cubase iC Pro

    Cubase Controller App For iOS & Android

    Cubase iC Pro is a remote app that can control Cubase from either an iPhone, iPad, or Android-based device.

    Reviews Apr 2015
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    Steinberg Cubase Pro 8

    Digital Audio Workstation Software

    Cubase 8 combines powerful tools from Nuendo with new features such as VCA faders and the ability to render audio in place.

    Reviews Mar 2015
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    Mash The System | Media

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Feb 2015
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    Mash The System

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Add DJ–style effects to your Cubase projects with LoopMash FX.

    Techniques Feb 2015
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    Behringer BCR2000 control surface.

    Hardware-controlled Channel Strip In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Here's how to set up your own hardware–controlled channel strip in Cubase.

    Techniques Jan 2015
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