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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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    Pro Tools & Melodyne Essential

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Melodyne Essential now comes bundled with Pro Tools 2020.11, so let's explore what it offers.

    Techniques Mar 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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    Studio One: Shortcuts To Efficient Workflows

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We look at how to improve our workflow with the magic use of key commands, also known as hot‑keys or keyboard shortcuts.

    Techniques Mar 2021
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    Cubase 11: The Multiband Squasher | Audio

    Hear For Yourself

    Audio files to accompany our Cubase workshop.

    Techniques Mar 2021
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    Digital Performer: Bounce To Disk Options

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    In DP 10.1, MOTU significantly expanded Bounce‑to‑Disk with the addition of real‑time, multi‑output, and track‑by‑track bouncing.

    Techniques Feb 2021
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    Ableton Live: Using Effects

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We show how to insert, combine and modulate effects in both Session and Arrangement views within Ableton Live.

    Techniques Feb 2021
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    Logic Pro X: Exploring Remix FX

    Apple Logic Pro X Tips & Techniques

    We explore Remix FX, which brings together many of the real‑time audio processing tools available in Logic under a new streamlined single interface.

    Techniques Feb 2021
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    Pro Tools: Bus & Group Compression

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We explore Bus and Group compression.

    Techniques Feb 2021
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    Cubase: Creating Risers & Impacts | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    Audio files on this page accompany our February 2021 Cubase workshop.

    Techniques Feb 2021
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    Studio One: The Show Page

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Tricks

    The Show Page is designed for live performance, and combines the roles of virtual instrument host, mixer and backing‑track player.

    Techniques Feb 2021
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    Logic Pro & External Hardware

    Apple Logic Pro X Tips & Techniques

    It’s not always obvious in Logic Pro X how to go about incorporating hardware into your workflow; we show you how.

    Techniques Jan 2021
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    Pro Tools: Ableton Link & Record Arm

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We explore Ableton Link, record arm options and other new features from the 2020.9 update.

    Techniques Jan 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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    Scoring With Studio One 5.1

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Version 5.1 recently dropped and it includes score printing and more besides. We explore the new features in the Score Editor.

    Techniques Jan 2021
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    Cubase: String Theory Part 2

    Steinberg Cubase Pro Tips & Techniques

    Last month we ‘faked’ some string‑arrangements. Now it’s time to add a human touch.

    Techniques Dec 2020
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    Digital Performer: Working With Clips

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    One of the most significant features introduced in DP 10 was the Clips window, and in the 10.1 release, MOTU made it even more powerful.

    Techniques Dec 2020
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    Live: Session View

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Live’s Session view abandons the timeline and allows you to simply trigger individual looping or one‑shot clips of any length.

    Techniques Dec 2020
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    Logic Pro: The Step Sequencer

    Apple Logic Pro X Tips & Techniques

    Finally, Logic Pro X catches up with, and in many ways improves upon, the step sequencers in other DAWs.

    Techniques Dec 2020
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    Dropbox logo

    Q. What’s The Best Way To Share Audio With A Collaborator?

    Could you recommend a platform that allows me to share musical ideas with my friends, so we can eventually form songs/compositions?

    Sound Advice Dec 2020
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    Studio One: Exploring Analog Delay

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Analog Delay has been a stock Studio One plug‑in since the beginning, pumping out cool vintage echoes with its previously vanilla GUI, but with v5 it received a bit of an interface upgrade.

    Techniques Dec 2020
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    Cubase: String Theory Part 2 Audio

    Audio Examples: Hear For Yourself

    The following Audio examples accompany our Cubase: String Theory Part 2 workshop article.

    Techniques Dec 2020

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