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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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    Steinberg Cubase 4

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows/Mac OS X]

    The new version of Cubase is all about big ideas, including a completely new way of working with tracks, plug-ins and virtual instruments.

    Reviews Dec 2006
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    Simultaneous Multitrack Audio Exports & Flexible Routing

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Limitations to Cubase's audio routing and audio export facilities have always been frustrating, and are still present even in Cubase v4. Thankfully, there are some free or inexpensive third-party solutions...

    Techniques Dec 2006
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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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    Audio Editing Essentials In DP5

    Digital Performer Tips & Technique

    We take a look at a variety of audio-related techniques, from the staples of soundbite editing to DP5's new Soundbite Volume feature.

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Quick Punch & Track Punch

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools offers punch-in features designed to make it work like a tape machine - except that you can change your mind later about where, when and what to drop in...

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Using Reason Live: Part 2

    Live Electronic Performance

    In the second part in our series, we're exploring ways to use Reason in a live electronica performance, laptop DJ set or jam session.

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Cakewalk Sonar 6

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows]

    Another major upgrade for Cakewalk's DAW software adds powerful new features, and provides hands-on control at a touch.

    Reviews Dec 2006
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    Warping 101 In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Technique

    It's back to basics for this month's Live workshop, with an overview of Live's time-warping technology.

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Tempo & Timing

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase's Tempo Editor offers some powerful ways to manipulate tempo and time signatures in your Projects. This month we take a detailed look at these features.

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Ableton Live 6

    Looping & Composition Software [Mac OS X/Windows]

    Ableton's Live revolutionised user interface design in music software, and with every update, the company have striven to retain its ergonomic appeal whilst adding some very sophisticated new features.

    Reviews Nov 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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    Using DP5's Improved Metronome Click

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    The subject of clicks might not seem terribly interesting — but it's surprising how much difference a well-chosen timing reference can make to the recording of your musical performances.

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Choosing & Using Enhancement Plug-ins

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    In this month's Pro Tools workshop, we concentrate on the top and bottom of the frequency spectrum, looking at plug-ins that claim to enhance treble and bass. How do they work, how should you use them, and most importantly, which ones are the best?

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Using Reason Live: Part 1

    Replacing A Live Keyboard Rig

    In the first part of a mini-series on using Reason live, we look at how the Combinator and MIDI remote control can replace a live keyboard rig.

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Customisation Options In Sonar 6

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sonar seems to get more customisable with every version, and the newly released Sonar 6 is no exception, allowing you to tweak various aspects of appearance and operation until the program looks and feels just the way you want it.

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Processing Acoustic Guitars

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The acoustic guitar has its place in almost every style of contemporary music. So how can you use the processing tools of SX to help find the right place in your mix for all that strumming and picking?

    Techniques Oct 2006
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    Digidesign DV Toolkit 2

    Post-Production Tools For Pro Tools LE

    If you want to do serious post-production work in Pro Tools but you can't stretch to an HD system, Digi's new DV Toolkit 2 could be the answer.

    Reviews Oct 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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    DP 5.1 Universal Binary for Intel Macs

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    MOTU have released DP 5.1, a Universal Binary version of Digital Performer that allows owners of Intel Macs to finally make the most of the application on their new machines. But while this is a crucial piece of the jigsaw in enabling DP's use on the Intel platform, it's going to be a while before you can recreate a fully loaded G4 or G5 setup. Here's the low-down...

    Techniques Oct 2006
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    Using Region Groups In Pro Tools 7

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The new Region groups feature in Pro Tools 7 enables us to work with multiple Regions as though they were a single object. In this month's workshop we also take a look at two new training resources from Digidesign.

    Techniques Oct 2006
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    Working With Video In Sonar 5

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    As video becomes more accessible, Cakewalk have taken notice, adding a lot of video-friendly features to Sonar 5. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to combine the worlds of audio and video within the program.

    Techniques Oct 2006

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