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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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    ProChannel Flexibility

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Previously a hard-wired channel strip, ProChannel is now an 'open' plug-in host offering unprecedented effects order flexibility — which can make a huge difference to your sound...

    Techniques Mar 2012
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    Multitrack Comping

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase’s new comping facilities allow you to assemble the perfect multitrack recording from several takes.

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Auto Filter

    Ableton Live Notes

    Live’s outwardly simple Auto Filter has a lot more to it than you might think...

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Layering Using Environment

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Lift the bonnet on Logic’s Environment and open up some complex layering possibilities.

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Keyboard Editing Shortcuts

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools lets you edit audio from the keyboard, without even touching the mouse. Here’s how.

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    WALTER: Customisation In Reaper

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Customise your controls and layouts in Reaper, with our beginner’s guide to the WALTER interface engine.

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Reason 6: Alligator, Gates

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason 6 has upped its game on the gating front, adding per-channel gates and the snappy new Alligator...

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Flanger Management

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Take Sonar back to the ’60s with this vintage-style tape-flanging effect!

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Keyboard Shortcuts

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Mastering keyboard shortcuts makes Cubase easier to use and is good for your health!

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    MachFive 3

    Digital Performer Notes

    Get up and running with MOTU’s MachFive 3, an ideal software sampler partner for Digital Performer.

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Ableton Live: Grain Delay

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We demonstrate that there’s more to Live’s Grain Delay than bizarre effects.

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Vinyl Effect

    Logic Notes

    Take it slow with Logic Pro, as you get to grips with this vinyl effect...

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Vinyl Effect | Media

    Logic Notes

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Editing Using The Keyboard

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Save time and protect yourself from RSI by learning to edit audio in Pro Tools from the QWERTY keyboard.

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    ReaVerb: Part 2

    Reaper Notes

    Record your own impulse responses with Reaper’s ReaVerb. • Read Part 1

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Reason 6 New Features

    Reason Notes

    We continue our exploration of the new features and functions in Reason 6.

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Phase Switching

    Sonar Notes

    Have some phase‑switching fun in Sonar X1!

    Techniques Jan 2012

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