You are here

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.

  • link

    Using Outboard Gear

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Recording and mixing with outboard gear in Cubase 6.

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    Device Racks

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Explore some creative uses for Live’s Device Racks.

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    Ultrabeat Syncing

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Ultrabeat isn't just a drum machine: it's great for tempo-synced effects.

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    Pitch-correction Plug-ins

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pitch-correction plug-ins are the key to the current trend for weird vocal effects. Here’s how to achieve them in Pro Tools.

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    ReaVerb, Part 1

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    In the first of a two-part series on using impulse responses in Reaper’s ReaVerb, we look at the basics: selecting, loading and editing. • Read Part 1

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    ReaVerb, Part 1 | Media

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    Mix Tricks For Reason 6

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason’s new mixer has useful features you may not have noticed...

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    FX Chains

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Create virtual multi-effects with Sonar X1e's FX Chains 2.0

    Techniques Dec 2011
  • link

    Presonus Studio One 2.0

    Recording, Mixing & Mastering Software [Mac/PC]

    Version 2 of Studio One offers unprecedented levels of integration with third-party software — or, in other words, built-in Melodyne!

    Reviews Dec 2011
  • link

    Liven Up Your Drum Loops, Part 3

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Mangling your old drum loops is easy with Cubase 6’s LoopMash 2 plug-in. • Read Part 1 • Read Part 2

    Techniques Nov 2011
  • link

    Apps For Controlling Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We round up the best iPad apps for controlling Live.

    Techniques Nov 2011
  • link

    Direction Mixer

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    The Direction Mixer in Logic Pro not only helps reposition stereo audio, but can also decode M/S recordings.

    Techniques Nov 2011
  • link

    Mac OS Finder

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    For those with a large collection of audio files to manage, we look at two applications that bridge the gap between Pro Tools and the Mac’s Finder.

    Techniques Nov 2011
  • link

    Snap Function

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Venture beyond Reaper’s default Snap settings to discover a world of techniques to speed up your workflow.

    Techniques Nov 2011
  • link

    Propellerhead Reason 6

    Music Creation Software

    By merging their flagship application with its sibling, Record, Propellerhead have created something users have demanded for years: Reason with built-in audio recording.

    Reviews Nov 2011
  • link

    Quantise Drums With AudioSnap Pool

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    If you’d like to make your quantised drums a little more human, dive into Sonar’s AudioSnap pool.

    Techniques Nov 2011
  • link

    Liven Up Your Drum Loops, Part 2

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We introduce even more ways to spice up your drum loops in Cubase. • Read Part 1 • Read Part 3

    Techniques Oct 2011
  • link

    Using Software Synths & Samplers

    MOTU Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    This month, how to use software synths and samplers effectively in your DP projects.

    Techniques Oct 2011
  • link

    Live Lessons

    Ableton Live Notes

    We show you how to document your projects, sets and custom devices with Live’s Lessons facility.

    Techniques Oct 2011
  • link

    Space Cadet

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Cure those conflicting frequencies and create some space with Logic’s Match EQ.

    Techniques Oct 2011
  • link

    Pro Tools 9 — What's New?

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    New to Pro Tools 9? Here’s how to get the best from all the features that were HD‑only until now!

    Techniques Oct 2011

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - DAWs