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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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    Magix ACID Pro Next

    Loop-based Production Software For Windows

    ACID Pro is the original loop-based remixing program, and the Next version opens up new possibilities thanks to the intriguing Stem Maker.

    Reviews Aug 2019
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    Magix Acid Pro 8

    Music Production Software For Windows

    After almost a decade in the wilderness, the original loop-based sequencer is back. But is Acid still the best?

    Reviews Jul 2018
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    Magix Samplitude Pro X3

    Digital Audio Workstation [Windows]

    With clever new tempo-mapping features and low-level Melodyne integration, time and pitch are now putty in the hands of Samplitude users!

    Reviews Jan 2017
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    Going Loopy With Samplitude Pro X2

    Samplitude Pro Tips & Techniques

    Want to incorporate loops into your Samplitude Pro X2 projects? We show you how.

    Techniques Oct 2016
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    Elastic Audio In Samplitude Pro X

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Samplitude’s Elastic Audio editor can be used for pitch correction, harmony generation, and more besides!

    Techniques Aug 2016
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    Bus & VCA Routing In Samplitude Pro

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Samplitude Pro X2’s aux buses, submix buses and VCAs add up to a powerful and flexible routing system.

    Techniques May 2016
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    Magix Samplitude Pro X2

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Windows

    Magix’s powerful Windows DAW gets another raft of new features in a comprehensive update.

    Reviews Jun 2015
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    Samplitude: Assigning Multitimbral VIs To Separate Mixer Channels

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Multitimbral virtual instruments can address multiple mixer channels in Samplitude. Here’s how.

    Techniques Jul 2013
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    Spectral Correction With Samplitude

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Among Samplitude Pro X’s unique features is spectral editing in the main project window. Here’s how it works.

    Techniques May 2013
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    Spectral Correction With Samplitude | Media

    Video Files

    Video tutorial to accompany this month's article.

    Techniques May 2013
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    Making Moves

    Samplitude Tips & Technique

    As well as conventional track-based automation, Samplitude Pro X has a sophisticated Object automation system.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Making Moves | Media

    Samplitude Tips & Technique

    Video tutorials to accompany the article.

    Techniques Mar 2013
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    Comp Together

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Samplitude Pro X has several powerful tools for compiling the perfect performance from multiple takes.

    Techniques Dec 2012
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    Comp Together | Media

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Video tutorials to accompany the article.

    Techniques Dec 2012
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    Do The Splits

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    If your drumming needs a little help from technology, Samplitude Pro X has the tools to fix timing.

    Techniques Oct 2012
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    Do The Splits | Media

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Video tutorials to accompany the article.

    Techniques Oct 2012
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    Off Grid

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    When your audio parts change tempo or time signature, Samplitude can still map them out in bars and beats.

    Techniques Aug 2012
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    Object FX

    Magix Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    We explain how to get the best from Samplitude’s unique object-based effects.

    Techniques Jun 2012
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    Object FX | Media

    Samplitude Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Jun 2012
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    Magix Samplitude Pro X

    Digital Audio Workstation Software

    Can its new look and feel, 64-bit code base and killer feature-set help Magix's heavyweight DAW muscle its way to a bigger market share?

    Reviews Apr 2012
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    Magix Samplitude Pro 11

    DAW Software[Windows]

    With the latest version of their unique object oriented DAW, Magix are targeting both mastering and recording engineers.

    Reviews Oct 2010

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