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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 64 - 84 of 97 items

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    Unlink Timeline & Edit Selections

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The point of Pro Tools' option to unlink the timeline and edit selections isn't obvious, but there are situations in which it can be a lifesaver.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Reason / Record: Stereo Vision

    Reason Notes & Technques

    We show you how familiar devices can be manipulated to create stereo effects in Reason and Record.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Sonar: AudioSnap Tips

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    AudioSnap always had potential, but never quite fulfilled its promise. However, those of you now taking a second look will like what they see.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Using Cubase's Chorder Plug-in

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    We show you how to coax a more convincing performance from your VST instruments using Cubases Chorder plug-in.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Using Cubase's Chorder | Audio

    Hear For Yourself

    Audio Examples From Cubase Techniques April 2010

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    New Tools In Digital Performer 7.1

    Digital Performer Notes

    DP 7.1 is a small update that adds a couple of big new features, including an easy system for saving effect chains.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Max For Live

    New dimensions for Ableton Live

    The introduction of MaxMSP adds an entirely new dimension to Live. We take a look at whats already been created in the three months since its release.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Logic Pro: Getting The Most Out Of Sculpture

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Put your own stamp on synthesized sounds with Logic Pro's powerful sound-modelling system, Sculpture.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    AIR Plug-ins

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We conclude our tour of the new PT8 AIR plug-ins with neat tricks for filtered rhythmic gating, creating kick and snare tracks from a stereo drum mix, and widening electric guitars.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Comping Tips in Reason and Record

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    The ability to quickly create and compare alternative takes is very useful. We look at how its done in Reason and Record.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Sonar: Up & Drumming

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Put together quick and easy drum tracks with Sonar 8.5s Session Drummer 3.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Presonus Studio One Pro

    Digital Audio Workstation Software[Mac & PC]

    Most of us are already committed to a DAW package. But if we were offered an alternative that was affordable, simple to use and ultra-reliable, would we switch? Presonus certainly hope so...

    Reviews Apr 2010
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    Cubeat Detective

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    Unlike other DAWs, Cubase has no dedicated support for phase-locked timing correction of multitrack drums. But with a little imagination, it is possible...

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    MOTU Digital Performer 7

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Mac OS

    The latest version of MOTUs Mac sequencer has guitarists firmly in its sights, but there are plenty of general improvements too.

    Reviews Mar 2010
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    Image Line FL Studio 9

    DAW Software For Windows

    Image Lines popular sequencing package has evolved from a specialist tool into a DAW application with universal appeal.

    Reviews Mar 2010
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    Ableton: Sound Design

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    We look at a different use for Lives celebrated time-stretching engine.

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    Logic: Breaking Beats

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Quickly and easily slice, rearrange and process breakbeats using some of the new facilities in Logic 9.

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    AIR Plug-ins

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Avid-Digidesign's Pro Tools 8 comes bundled with a new suite of AIR plug-ins, some of which are more powerful than they appear. We expose their hidden depths...

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    Creating Unusual Effects In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Reasons flexible sound-design environment opens up the possibility of unusual and exotic effects treatments.

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    Sonar: Recording Solo Performers

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Last issue, we covered methods for recording a solo artist. This time Craig Anderton covers editing and comping.

    Techniques Mar 2010
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    Building Your Own Multi-articulation Instrument

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Last month, we introduced Cubases VST Expression facility. Now its time to build your own multi-articulation instrument.

    Techniques Feb 2010

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