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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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    Cubase 2.01 Update & Rewire Tips

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We look at how you can get the most out of Cubase and Reason using Rewire, and report on the release of the significant, yet seemingly insignificant, Cubase SX 2.01 revision.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Snazzier Snares In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Get better snare drum sounds with these nifty processing tricks.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Pro Tools HD Accel Card

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    HD Accel is the latest processor card for Pro Tools HD TDM systems. We investigate, and try to clear up some of the confusion surrounding the release.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Propellerhead Reason v2.5

    Virtual Studio [Mac & PC]

    The success story that is the Reason software studio continues to unfold with the release of v2.5, which adds a slew of sophisticated effects and processing devices — all free to registered users.

    Reviews Dec 2003
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    Flexible Busing In Sonar 3

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Extremely flexible busing and assignable effects controls are just two of the extra features brought to Sonar by the 3.0 upgrade and explored here.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    DP4 and FXpansion's VST-to-AU Adapter

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    A whole world of free, inexpensive or just plain great VST plug-ins opens up for DP 4 users who also run FXpansion's indispensable VST to AU Adapter. We check out how it works and round up some DP news and tips to boot.

    Techniques Dec 2003
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    Q. How do I make the JV1080's patch names come up in Logic?

    I'm having trouble getting my Roland JV1080 to work well with Emagic Logic Audio. When I change MIDI channel in Logic the sound disappears, or I can't get the sounds that I want to stay put. How can I get Logic and the JV to synchronise?

    Sound Advice Dec 2003
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    Using Cubase Drum Maps

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We report on Steinberg using Nuendo to record a three-day music festival, and look at how a Cubase Drum Map can assist you in finding and working with all the one-shot drum and percussion sounds in your studio.

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Steinberg Cubase SX 2

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [PC & Mac OS X]

    This first major revision to Steinberg's Cubase SX incorporates the newly developed audio engine from Nuendo 2, new features for media composers, and classic features from Cubase VST. Does it all add up to a substantial improvement over version 1?

    Reviews Nov 2003
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    Image Line FL Studio

    Loop-based Sequencer For Windows

    Fruity Loops has built itself quite a cult following in dance music circles. The latest version comes with a new name, FL Studio, as well as some interesting new virtual instruments and proper audio recording features.

    Reviews Nov 2003
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    Kick Drum Processing Tips Using Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Is the sound of your kick drum letting the rest of your mix down? If so, find out how to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with this bass-drum processing workshop.

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    OS X Performer

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    DP 4.1 is here at last, with significant increases in stability and efficiency, as well as support for Apple's Audio Unit plug-in standard. So is Digital Performer finally ready for the big time in OS X?

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Making The Most Of D-Verb In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Since Pro Tools 6, there's been some additions to the set of built-in plug-ins. This month we look at how to get the most out of the D-Verb reverb.

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Exploring Sonar v3

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar's version number has just been incremented by a Significant Digit, so it's time for some exploration of what this new release means to Sonar aficionados.

    Techniques Nov 2003
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    Cubase SX Drum Editor

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The Drum Editor has been a part of Cubase for over 10 years now, and here we investigate its latest incarnation within Cubase SX, as well as bringing you news of a major update to Steinberg's popular sequencing software.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Using Logic's Built-in Synths

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Logic has a number of simple synths built in, and they're surprisingly useful if you know what you're doing, so here's some advice on getting the best out of each one. Plus there's a bumper crop of sequencing tips to make your sessions faster and more productive.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    DP & Waves Plug-ins

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    The news that Waves' range of quality plug-ins is now available for DP adds to the activity in an already interesting month for Digital Performer users — despite a delay in the release of 4.1.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Using ReWire In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools 6.1 adds ReWire support for both TDM and LE users. Here's a look at what it is, how it works, and how to get the best out of it.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Sonar: MIDI Plug-ins/effects

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    There's more to plug-ins than audio, as we discover when digging deep into the world of MIDI plug-ins and effects.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Using Your Sequencer's Filter Plug-ins

    Masterclass

    Filters are at the heart of many of the weirder sequencer plug-ins, so here we check out what each one has to offer, and how you can obtain weird and wonderful sounds for your mixes.

    Techniques Oct 2003
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    Q. Can I make my computer perform better with Reason?

    I have an oldish Mac with only 128MB of RAM, and would like to know how I can squeeze the most out of it with Propellerhead's Reason.

    Sound Advice Oct 2003

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