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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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    Improving Audio MIDI Setup

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    Digital Performer version 7.1 has been out for a while, but we're still feeling the love for some of its new features...

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    Follow Actions

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We explore a cunning workaround to enhance Ableton Live's already powerful 'Follow Actions' feature.

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    A Logical Reason

    Logic and reason dont just form the basis of rational thought — they also make for inspired composition...

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    Resolving Hard Drive Problems

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Does Pro Tools sometimes take an unwarranted dislike to one of your hard drives? Here's how to deal with it, and how to let non-admin users join the Pro Tools party.

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    Parameter Modulation

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Use parameter modulation to create clearer mixes.

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    EQing With Multi-band Compressor

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    When is a multi-band compressor not a compressor? When it's an equaliser!

    Techniques Oct 2010
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    Sonar | Crazy Vocal Effects

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar can help you produce great normal vocals — but it can also do all kinds of crazy things to your voice...

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Multitrack Batch Export In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    In Cubase 5, Steinberg introduced some powerful batch-export options, which have removed many project archiving and transfer frustrations.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Live | MIDI Control

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We look at how Live handles control surfaces, and offer some tips for configuring and using them.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Logic | Visual Basics

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    If you ever intend to make music to complement visuals, youll need to know the basics of working with video content in Logic Pro.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Acoustica Mixcraft 5

    DAW For Windows

    Acoustica's affordable DAW has acquired some significant new features, including video support, score editing and a fully fledged mixer. But has it retained its trademark ease of use?

    Reviews Sep 2010
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    Classic Stereo-widening

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    When you need to really open up your mix, it's time to employ some classic stereo widening tricks. We show you how to implement them in Pro Tools.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Non-stop Recording

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Use Reaper to create an always-on recorder that captures all the inspiration, but none of the chit-chat.

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Reason | Using Your Own Samples

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    If youve never used your own samples in Reason, heres how...

    Techniques Sep 2010
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    Logical Editor

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Administration is a bore, but Cubase 5's Project Logical Editor can take the hard work out of keeping your projects tidy.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Live Side-chain Compression

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    We explore some side-chaining techniques using Live 8s Compressor.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Logic Import: Recycle & Re-use

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    We show you how to easily re-use elements of older projects with Logics powerful import capabilities.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Plug-in Hygiene

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Keeping your Pro Tools plug-ins up to date is vital if you want to maintain a reliable system — and now there's a helpful utility that will do it for you.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Reaper: Creating Multi-Band Processors

    Reaper Notes & Techniques

    Our very first Reaper workshop explains how to use band-splitting to create your own multi-band processors.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Reaper Notes: Multi-Band | Files

    SOS August 2010: Split & Polish

    Here are effects chain files for some of the multi-band processing setups described in our SOS August 2010 Reaper workshop.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Reason 5 Rundown

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    The SOS spotlight falls on the new toys offered by Reason 5 and Record 1.5.

    Techniques Aug 2010

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