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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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    Bass Guitar Recording In Logic Pro X

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Re-sculpt your bass guitar recordings with DI simulation, insert effects and part doubling in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Aug 2017
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    Logic: Vintage Bass

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Craft a vintage bass guitar sound using Logic Pro X’s built-in amp modelling plug-ins.

    Techniques Jul 2017
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    Selection-based Processing In Logic Pro 10.3

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    With Selection-based Processing in Logic Pro 10.3, adding effects to audio clips is now easier than ever.

    Techniques May 2017
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    Track Alternatives in Logic 10.3

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    We explore the new Track Alternatives feature added to the recent Logic Pro 10.3 update.

    Techniques Apr 2017
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    Wonky Beats In Logic

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    Programme wonky drum beats by using different grid divisions and quantisation settings.

    Techniques Mar 2017
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    Sampling in Logic Pro X

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Logic Pro X sports extensive sampling tools. Here’s how to use them effectively.

    Techniques Feb 2017
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    Templates in Logic Pro

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Set yourself up for success with custom templates in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Jan 2017
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    Designing Kicks In Logic Pro X

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Design and manipulate your own kick drums from scratch using Ultrabeat and Alchemy in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Dec 2016
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    Logic Pro X: Six More Tips & Tricks

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Flex your Logic Pro X muscles with half a dozen more tips and tricks.

    Techniques Nov 2016
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    Logic Pro X: Six Tips & Tricks

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We offer six Logic Pro X tips and tricks that you might not know about.

    Techniques Oct 2016
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    Logic: Editing Cues In The Tempo List

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Don’t let tempo changes cost you extra time in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Sep 2016
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    Logic: Scale Quantise & MIDI Transposition

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Easily play and write in any key with Logic Pro’s MIDI tools.

    Techniques Aug 2016
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    Logic: Quantisation

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Tighten up your timing without sounding robotic, using Logic’s quantisation features.

    Techniques Jul 2016
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    Using Logic Pro X's Step Editor

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Program drums and automate effects faster with Logic’s Step Editor.

    Techniques Jun 2016
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    Logic Pro 10.2.1

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    With integration for Music Memos, new batch processing tools and expanded multithreading support, the Logic Pro 10.2.1 update gives you more power than ever.

    Techniques May 2016
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    Alchemy In LPX

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We explore the additive synthesis capabilities of Alchemy in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Apr 2016
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    Logic: Compression Sessions | Media

    Hear For Yourself!

    The Compressor plug-in got a new interface in Logic Pro’s 10.1 update, and there’s more to it than meets the eye. Listen to the audio files.

    Techniques Mar 2016
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    Logic : Compression Sessions

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    The Compressor plug-in got a new interface in Logic Pro’s 10.1 update, and there’s more to it than meets the eye.

    Techniques Mar 2016
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    Organ Cloner

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Explore Alchemy’s oscillators, envelopes, modulation mapping and effects to create a classic house organ patch in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Feb 2016
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    Going For Gold

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    In our second workshop on Logic Pro X’s Alchemy synth, we look at its creative sample-manipulation capabilities.

    Techniques Jan 2016
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    A Kind Of Magic: Alchemy

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Originally developed by Camel Audio, Alchemy is the most exciting new virtual instrument to be bundled with Logic for a long time. It is one of the most feature–packed synthesizers on the market, and includes many different synthesis types...

    Techniques Dec 2015

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