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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.

Displaying 190 - 210 of 243 items

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    Pitch Correction with Logic

    Logic Notes & Technique

    Automatic tuning is synonymous with many things, good and bad. We take a look at Logic's Pitch Correction tool and then examine what Auto-Tune can add.

    Techniques Feb 2007
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    Using Waveburner: Part 2 | Mastering Your CD

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    This month we discuss in-depth features in Waveburner and look at some of the included plug-ins that can be used to polish up a mastering project.

    Techniques Jan 2007
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    Using Waveburner: Part 1

    The Basics

    Waveburner is bundled free with Logic Pro and offers some significant power in the mastering department. We take a look at the hidden jewel in Apple's crown.

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Pitch & Tempo Manipulation In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    You can now update Logic's creaky old pitch and tempo manipulation routines with third-party algorithms from names such as Serato, Izotope, and Celemony. We compare the options to find out whether these upgrades are worth it.

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Networking Macs: Using Nodes In Logic

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Logic allows you to multiply the processing power of your studio system by networking multiple computers together. But how well does this actually work in practice?

    Techniques Oct 2006
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    Remixing Techniques In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Everything you need to know to create precise and original remixes using this premier MIDI+Audio sequencer!

    Techniques Sep 2006
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    Logic: Getting Started With Surround Sound

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    The facilities for surround sound in Logic Pro v7 are often overlooked, so here we take a peek at how to get going.

    Techniques Aug 2006
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    Logic: Editing Chords & Signatures With Global Tracks

    Logic Tips & Tricks

    The Global Tracks can not only display chords, key/time signatures, and transpose values — they also let you edit them easily.

    Techniques Jul 2006
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    Using Logic's Global Markers

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Markers have always been available in Logic, but the new Global Tracks feature (introduced in version 7) makes them much easier to use and manipulate than in earlier versions.

    Techniques Jun 2006
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    Logic: Tempo-Matching With Global Tracks

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Global Tracks let you manipulate the bars and beats of your Song to match freely-played MIDI or audio recordings. Find out how to tempo-match...

    Techniques May 2006
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    What's New In Logic v7.2

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Although the new version of Logic is billed just as a Universal Binary crossgrade, it does more than simply allow the sequencer to run on the new Intel-based Macs. Read on...

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Creating A Drum Editor In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Some users of Steinberg's Cubase complain that Logic has no specialised drum editor. Little do they know that Logic lets you build your own.

    Techniques Mar 2006
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    Mastering In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    More tips on mastering your tracks this month, specifically for those musicians who find themselves limited to using Logic's own bundled plug-ins.

    Techniques Feb 2006
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    Mastering In Logic: 1

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We look at how to combine your hardware and the software-processing within Logic for mastering purposes.

    Techniques Jan 2006
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    Mixing Live Recordings In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Mixing live band recordings within Logic presents a unique set of challenges, so we show you how to get great results with the minimum hassle.

    Techniques Dec 2005
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    ESX24 Sample Manager

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    More tips and news from the world of Apple Logic.

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    Using Hardware Controllers With Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Not everyone can afford to invest in a dedicated high-spec hardware controller such as Logic Control. However, you can use even the most humble of MIDI devices to control your mixer, software synths, and plug-ins instead.

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    AUPitch: Better Pitch-shifting?

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    The new Tiger AUPitch plug-in promises better pitch-shifting performance, but does it deliver in practice?

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Stem Mixing In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Mixing and automating complicated projects can be made simpler if you use 'stems'. What are they and how do you do it? Read on...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Fine-tuning Automation In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Comprehensive automation is one of Logic's most powerful facets, allowing micro-management of all the settings in your mix.

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Multiple Firewire Interfaces in Logic

    Logic Notes

    If you need to run multiple Firewire audio interfaces, you'll want to upgrade to the latest Tiger version of Logic. Read on...

    Techniques Sep 2005

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