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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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    Using Time Formats In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Digital Performers time-display and grid features are the key to several cool techniques, including instant glitch effects.

    Techniques Sep 2009
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    Logic: Working With The Transform Window

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Complex tasks of all kinds can be done quickly and easily with Logics Transform window.

    Techniques Sep 2009
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    Missing Files

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    What to do when Pro Tools reports that files have gone missing? Find out in this month's invaluable assortment of tips and tricks.

    Techniques Sep 2009
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    Running Reason And Ableton Live Together

    Reason Notes / Ableton Live Notes

    Reason and Ableton Live work well together — we offer some tips on running the two programs in parallel.

    Techniques Sep 2009
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    Sonar: Making A Virtual Drum Room

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sampled drums lacking realism? Synthesize stereo room mics to add authentic ambience with Sonars built-in effects.

    Techniques Sep 2009
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    Pitch Perfect With VariAudio

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    In VariAudio, Cubase 5 users have a sophisticated pitch-correction tool.

    Techniques Aug 2009
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    Customising Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Save time and make Digital Performer work just how you like it, with easy custom templates and preferences tweaks.

    Techniques Aug 2009
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    XT Software EnergyXT 2.5 Plus

    Portable DAW Software [Mac OS/Windows/ Linux]

    The idea of a truly portable DAW application has obvious appeal, especially when that application costs as little as EnergyXT. But can you really carry everything you need to make music on a USB Flash drive?

    Reviews Aug 2009
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    Logic's Master Blasters: Part 2

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Part 2: We turn to Logics dynamics processing in our quest for a polished master.

    Techniques Aug 2009
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    Troubleshooting Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Newcomers and power users alike need to know how to make things right when their Pro Tools Sessions run into trouble.

    Techniques Aug 2009
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    Cockos Reaper 3

    Digital Audio Workstation Software [Mac/PC]

    The latest major update to Reaper brings with it a complete overhaul of MIDI functionality, improved automation, and much, much more.

    Reviews Aug 2009
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    Sonar: Bigger Beats

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Get a big, produced sound from Sonars classic analogue drumbox samples.

    Techniques Aug 2009
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    Quick Controls

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    With even a basic hardware MIDI controller, Quick Controls make writing automation in Cubase much more convenient.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Quick Controls | Track Presets | Media Files

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Download a ZIP file of the Track Presets that accompany July 2009's Cubase Notes workshop on Quick Controls automation.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Multitrack Comping in Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Comping multitrack audio neednt be a headache with new features in Digital Performer 6.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Ableton Live: Warping Revisited

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    Warping has changed entirely in Live 8. We show you how to get the most out of the new system.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Logic's Master Blasters

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Part 1: Use Logics EQ and SubBass plug-ins to give some mastering polish to your mixes.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    MOTU BPM

    Virtual Groovebox [Mac/PC]

    MOTUs BPM takes some obvious cues from Akais MPC range — but can a groovebox work in software?

    Reviews Jul 2009
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    Tips For Beginners

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We continue our newcomer's guide to Pro Tools with a selection of techniques that every user should know.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Sonar: Stereo Tools

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    If youre interested in M/S (Mid/Side) recording or stereo image tweaks, Sonars Channel Tools could be your best friend.

    Techniques Jul 2009
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    Funky Guitar Processing

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you want something to spice up rhythm-guitar loops to use in your funk and dance tracks, Cubase has just the Tonic

    Techniques Jun 2009

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