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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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    Screen 1. Recording multiple takes down the timeline is a quick and safe way to work, especially if you’re playing in the band as well as running the session.

    Comping Takes In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We consider three different approaches to running a tracking session and comping takes in Reason.

    Techniques Jul 2021
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    Reason+ & The Algoritm FM Synth

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Introducing Reason+ and the Algoritm FM synth.

    Techniques May 2021
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    Multitrack Recording In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason is more than capable of traditional multitrack recording. So here we consider how you might run a full tracking project.

    Techniques Mar 2021
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    Reason Mixer: Adding Analogue Warmth

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We explore a couple of ways to add analogue warmth with the Reason Mixer.

    Techniques Jan 2021
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    The Echo: Reason's Versatile Delay

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We delve deep into The Echo, Reason’s versatile delay effect.

    Techniques Nov 2020
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    Using MIDI Controllers With Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason has two completely different systems for configuring MIDI sources. We unpick some of the confusion around this to find the best ways to sequence and play Reason from external devices.

    Techniques Sep 2020
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    Reason: Using The MIDI Out Rack

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We look at what you can do with Reason's new MIDI Out Rack device.

    Techniques Jul 2020
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    Reason: Using BeatMap Player

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    No rhythm? No problem! Reason's new BeatMap device has got you covered...

    Techniques May 2020
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    Using Reason Plug-in Within Ableton Live

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to use Reason as a plug-in within Ableton Live.

    Techniques Feb 2020
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    Reason: Plug & Play

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    With Reason now available as a plug-in, there's plenty to get to grips with for new and old users alike.

    Techniques Dec 2019
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    Reason's Monotone Synth

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We get to grips with Reason's versatile new monosynth.

    Techniques Nov 2019
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    Reason's Rytmik Drum Machine

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    We explore Reason 10.4's new drum machine, Rytmik.

    Techniques Oct 2019
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    How To Run Reason With Modular Synths

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to get Reason and your hardware or software modular synths speaking the same language.

    Techniques Aug 2019
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    Modular I/O In Reason

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to connect audio, MIDI and CV between Reason and your virtual modular.

    Techniques Jul 2019
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    Reason: External Clocking

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to keep Reason in sync with the outside world.

    Techniques May 2019
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    Reason: Hardware MIDI Integration

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason may be a self-contained studio, but it can still play nicely with others.

    Techniques Apr 2019
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    Reason: Complex-1 Modular

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Propellerhead's new instrument is a modular within your modular.

    Techniques Mar 2019
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    Multi-lane Editing In Reason

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Multi‑lane editing is the secret to working with MIDI notes and drum layers in context within Reason.

    Techniques Feb 2019
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    Reason: New Tricks

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    The latest juicy Reason 10.2 update serves up a generous scoop of workflow smoothers.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Reason: The Automation Situation

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Most of the music tech software and gear we use has some concept of recording and reproducing parameter changes. We take a tour of Reason’s extensive automation facilities.

    Techniques Nov 2018
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    Reason: Connecting Multi-channel Gate Sequencers

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    How to connect multi-channel gate sequencers like Lectric Panda’s CVPT to any instrument or plug-in in Reason.

    Techniques Sep 2018

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