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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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    Image Line FL Studio 21.2 DAW production software update

    FL Studio 21.2 now available

    New Stem Separation function & cloud service

    Users of FL Studio can now extract drums, drums, bass, instruments and vocals from an audio file, and access a huge range of content on a new cloud-based platform.

    News
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    n-Track Studio 10 Mac Windows iOS Android DAW recording production software

    n-Track Studio 10 DAW now available

    New sampling & effects capabilities

    Focusing on user-feedback, n-Track Studio 10 DAW implements a range of powerful new features which they say represent a game-changing experience for musicians and producers.

    News
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    Bitwig Studio 5.1 DAW update electronic music production semi modular synthesis software

    Bitwig Studio 5.1 beta now available

    New filters, waveshapers & more

    The latest version of Bitwig Studio introduces ten new modules and a pair of new FX containers, as well as implementing a variety of improvements to the software’s mixer and audio editing functionality.

    News
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    Cockos Reaper 7 DAW update

    Cockos launch Reaper 7

    New Track Lanes & Swipe Comping features

    The latest version of Reaper delivers a number of major new features and user interface enhancements, along with a huge selection of behind-the-scenes fixes and improvements.

    News
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    Logic Pro: Creating Effects Macros

    Apple Logic Pro: Tips & Techniques

    Logic’s Smart Controls allow you to create hands‑on effects macros.

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    Pro Tools: Metering Options

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools’ metering options can help you stay on top of your levels.

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    Reaper: Using Tracks’ Internal Channels

    Reaper: Tips & Tricks

    Any Reaper track can have up to 64 channels, and even in stereo mix projects that opens up a vast world of routing possibilities.

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    Reason Objekt Synthesizer

    Physical Modelling Synthesizer

    Reason’s new Objekt synth takes physical modelling in a new direction.

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    Studio One: Using Bend Markers

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Bend Markers let you manipulate your audio timing with ease.

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    Cubase: Exploring The Project Logical Editor

    Steinberg Cubase: Tips & Tricks

    Embrace the power of Cubase’s Project Logical Editor, and you can become a workflow ninja!

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    DAWproject file format Bitwig PreSonus Studio One share projects

    Bitwig and PreSonus’ new DAWproject format

    Transfer project files between DAWs

    Bitwig and PreSonus have announced a new project file format that allows users of different DAWs to share session files.

    News
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    PreSonus Studio One 6.5 DAW update surround Dolby Atmos immersive audio support

    Studio One 6.5 has arrived

    DAW gains surround & immersive support

    The headline feature of Studio One 6.5 is something which many users have been waiting for: support for immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos.

    News
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    Avid Pro Tools Sketch non-linear clip-based song loop creation tool

    Avid release Pro Tools Sketch

    New feature introduced in 2023.9 update

    Avid have announced the release of Pro Tools Sketch, a new non-linear, clip-based creation window in Pro Tools that is also available as a free iPad app.

    News
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    FL Studio 21.1 Fruity Loops Studio Producer Signature Python scripting Declipper Chorus plug-ins

    Image Line update FL Studio

    Python-based scripting & new plug-ins

    The latest version of Image Line's FL Studio introduces a range of the community's most requested features alongside a selection of new plug-ins.

    News
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    Clip Gain

    The Secret To Smooth Vocal Control

    Most DAWs give you the power to control the volume of recorded audio on a per‑clip level — and with this power comes immense creative potential!

    Techniques Sep 2023
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    Cubase: MIDI Logical Editor

    Steinberg Cubase: Tips & Tricks

    When it comes to MIDI editing, Cubase’s MIDI Logical Editor can do magic!

    Techniques Sep 2023
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    Logic Pro: Editing Drum Timings

    Apple Logic Pro: Tips & Techniques

    Now that your drums are organised, it’s time to whip them into shape!

    Techniques Sep 2023
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    Pro Tools: Alternatives To Bouncing Audio

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    Bouncing a mix isn’t the only way to get your audio out of Pro Tools.

    Techniques Sep 2023
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    Studio One: Exploring Quantisation Features

    Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Clean up your MIDI with Studio One’s comprehensive quantise options.

    Techniques Sep 2023
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    Avid Pro Tools Media Composer sold purchased acquired STG

    Avid to be acquired by STG

    Company valued at approximately $1.4 billion

    Avid have entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired in an all-cash transaction by an affiliate of private equity firm STG.

    News
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    David Mellor

    Gain Staging - Episode 3 | Podcast

    Preparation for your mix

    In this third episode David continues looking at preamps, outlines the use of VU meters, and explains the benefits of balancing a track prior to mixing.

    Techniques Aug 2023

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