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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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    Reason: Connecting Multi-channel Gate Sequencers

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    How to connect multi-channel gate sequencers like Lectric Panda’s CVPT to any instrument or plug-in in Reason.

    Techniques Sep 2018
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    Cakewalk: Automation Station

    Cakewalk By Bandlab / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    There’s more to Cakewalk’s automation than just moving faders!

    Techniques Sep 2018
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    Studio One: Song To Song & DAW To DAW Imports

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One v4 makes it easy to transfer material between Songs, and even to or from other DAWs. Let's explore how...

    Techniques Sep 2018
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    Cakewalk: Creating Multi Plug-in FX Chains

    Cakewalk By Bandlab / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Save time and screen space by combining multiple plug-ins into FX Chains in Cakewalk.

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Macros: Time-saving Workflow Wins In Cubase

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    As these vocal examples demonstrate, Cubase’s Macros enable you to streamline your workflow significantly and save yourself considerable time.

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Max For Live: Creative Convolution

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Max For Live’s take on convolution reverb is a versatile sound design tool.

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Logic Pro X : Phat FX

    Apple Logic Pro X Tips & Techniques

    Apple have reinvented Camel Audio’s CamelPhat as the flexible Phat FX in Logic Pro 10.4. We see what it can do.

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Using Multi-mono Plug-ins In Pro Tools

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Mono plug-ins in Pro Tools can be used on stereo and surround tracks. We explain why this is useful!

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Reason: Trans Eurorack Express

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Noise Engineering’s modules have made the leap from Eurorack to Reason rack. We investigate...

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Patterns & Impact XT In Studio One 4

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    New features in Studio One 4 make it even easier to add interest to sequenced patterns.

    Techniques Aug 2018
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    Cakewalk by Bandlab

    Sonar/Cakewalk By Bandlab Tips & Techniques

    Sonar is dead, long live Cakewalk by Bandlab! We run through some of its top features.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Creative Crossfades In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We see how crossfades can be used creatively and cosmetically in Live.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Logic Pro X: Time-stretching To The Project Tempo

    Apple Logic Pro X Tips & Techniques

    Logic’s new Smart Tempo features can be useful when using third-party loops in your productions.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Pro Tools: Playlist Perils

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Playlists in Pro Tools are usually invaluable, but once in a while, they can trip you up.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Reason 10.1 101

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    The latest version of Reason introduces new Player devices and a big update for flagship synth Europa.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Studio One: 'Heroes' Effects With FX Chains

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Inspired by Tony Visconti’s famous gated room mic technique on 'Heroes', we look at how Studio One’s FX Chains can be used to set up complex dynamic effects.

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Cubase Vocals: Stacking Different Compressors

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Compressing dynamic vocal parts can be tricky with one compressor — so why not try using two?

    Techniques Jul 2018
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    Cubase: Flux Capacity

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Looking for a new synth? Check out Cubase’s latest bundled one first!

    Techniques Jun 2018
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    New Packs In Live 10

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We catch up with the new Packs in Live 10.

    Techniques Jun 2018
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    Using ChromaVerb In Logic

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    Unlock the secrets of Logic Pro’s new ChromaVerb algorithmic reverb.

    Techniques Jun 2018
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    Pro Tools: Creating Stems

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We offer a relatively painless way to create stems from a large Pro Tools mix.

    Techniques Jun 2018

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