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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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    Version Therapy

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Explore Reaper's most useful new and improved features in Version 4.6.1

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    The A‑Team

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We get our heads round one of Reason's new sample‑based Rack Extensions, A‑List Acoustic Guitarist.

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    Layer Take

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Use Sonar X3's Take Lanes feature to build up multi-layered performances.

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    Compress Gang

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We look at how to get the most out of Live's compressors.

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    On The Bounce | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.
    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Bitwig Studio

    Music Production Software [Mac OS, Windows, Linux]

    Is Bitwig Studio's fresh take on clip-based music production different enough to tempt users away from established rivals?

    Reviews Jun 2014
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    On The Bounce

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Bouncing Cubase's MIDI and VSTi parts down to audio opens up a whole new world of processing possibilities.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Work Smarter

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We make your life easier with tips on how to work more efficiently with Live.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    A Touch Of Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Play Logic from your iPad with Touch Instruments.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Paths Of Glory

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We explain how to properly configure your Pro Tools audio inputs, outputs and buses.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    7.1 Steps To (Reason) Heaven

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We look at what's new in Reason 7.1 and check out the Synchronous Rack Extension.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Vari Well, Then

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Recreating tape‑speed effects in Sonar X3.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Stretcher Cases

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One supports many varieties of time‑stretching.

    Techniques Jun 2014
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    Kick It Up

    Cubase Tips and Technique

    Got a drum loop with a great groove but a less-than-great kick sound? Let's beef it up...

    Techniques May 2014
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    Project & Survive

    Digital Performer Tips and Techniques

    Understanding DP's projects and sequences can help you develop, archive and protect your hard work!

    Techniques May 2014
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    Good Vibrations

    Ableton Live Tips and Techniques

    We look at Live's unusual Collision instrument and associated Corpus effect.

    Techniques May 2014
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    Totally Retro

    Logic Pro Tips and Technique

    Create killer sounds with Logic Pro X's Retro Synth.

    Techniques May 2014
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    Starting Points

    Pro Tools Tips and Technique

    Familiarise yourself with some basic concepts, and you'll be up and running with Pro Tools in no time.

    Techniques May 2014
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    Dynamic Racks

    Reason Tips and Technique

    We round up the pick of Reason's Rack Extension dynamics processors.

    Techniques May 2014
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    Making Sends

    Sonar Tips and Technique

    Get creative with sends and buses in Sonar X3.

    Techniques May 2014
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    Sets On Fire

    Studio One Tips and Technique

    Studio One's Sound Sets are the perfect vehicle for sharing samples and sounds.

    Techniques May 2014

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