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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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    Vocal Processing

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Having done your best to capture a high-quality recording of your vocals, how best do you go about processing them so they work in your mix?

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Linked Channels

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you want to group tracks in Cubase, Group channels aren't always the best option. We explore what you can and can't do with the Link Channels function.

    Techniques Nov 2008
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    Aligning Kick & Bass Parts

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Kick drums and bass instruments underpin most contemporary popular music, and it sometimes pays to tweak performances so they work better together.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Multitrack Export Revisited

    Exploring Cubase 4.1's Audio Input Routing

    Cubase's new routing options enable you to export multiple audio tracks in one go: we take you step by step through the process.

    Techniques Sep 2008
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    Loop Management: SoundFrame & MediaBay

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    For some, the jury is still out on Steinberg's ambitious SoundFrame and MediaBay concepts, but for certain tasks they can definitely be useful — getting your loop library organised, for example...

    Techniques Aug 2008
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    Spector Synth

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Our recent explorations of the new software synthesizers introduced in Cubase 4 conclude with a tour around Spector...

    Techniques Jul 2008
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    Spector Synth | Audio Files

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Here are the URL links to the audio examples that accompany and enhance the July 2008 Cubase Notes article.

    Techniques Jul 2008
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    Making More Of The Mystic Synth

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We dive deeper than the presets to discover what you can do with Cubase 4's most complex bundled soft synth.

    Techniques Jun 2008
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    Making More Of The Mystic Synth | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Links to the Mystic Synth audio examples that accompany June 2008's Cubase Notes.

    Techniques Jun 2008
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    Audio Slicing

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The tools for audio slicing were overhauled in Cubase 4.1. Find out how to get the best from them.

    Techniques May 2008
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    Building Bass Sounds With Prologue

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    There's more to Prologue than its presets — and it doesn't take long to create some excellent and unique patches.

    Techniques Apr 2008
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    Mix Management

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Crafting the perfect mix is a difficult task, but often all you need is a bit of organisation to make things quicker, easier and more rewarding.

    Techniques Mar 2008
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    Side-chaining

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase 4.1 brings a wealth of new features: we explore what you can do with the new side-chaining function.

    Techniques Feb 2008
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