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

    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
  • link

    Customising Reaper's Appearance

    Cockos Reaper: Tips & Techniques

    Did you know you can embed parameter control knobs and some plug‑in GUIs into Reaper’s project and mixer tracks? We reveal how...

    Techniques Jun 2023
  • link

    Reaper: Feedback Loops

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    In allowing you to create feedback loops, Reaper gives you access to a world of creative effects.

    Techniques May 2023
  • link

    Reaper: Feedback Loops | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These four audio examples illustrate the ideas discussed in the Reaper workshop in SOS May 2023.

    Techniques May 2023
  • link

    Reaper: Speedy Podcast Editing

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    With a bit of fine‑tuning, Reaper can help you edit long podcasts at pace!

    Techniques Jan 2023
  • link

    Reaper: Which Plug-ins Make A Difference?

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Why not use Reaper to find out what difference your 'character' plug-ins are really making?

    Techniques Mar 2020
  • link

    How To Comp Multitracks Using Reaper

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Tricks

    Reaper's multichannel WAV support makes comping multitracks a breeze.

    Techniques Feb 2020
  • link

    Reaper: Auto-ducking Talkback

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Create an auto-ducking talkback facility using Reaper’s ReaGate plug-in.

    Techniques Oct 2018
  • link

    Set Up Reaper's MIDI Editor For Drums

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s MIDI Editor can be customised to make programming your drum parts easier. We explain how...

    Techniques May 2018
  • link

    Reaper: Total Recall With Track Templates

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s Track Templates facility allows you to store and recall far more than a list of insert plug-ins!

    Techniques Jan 2018
  • link

    Spectral Editing In Reaper

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    We help you get to grips with Reaper’s new spectral-editing functions.

    Techniques Dec 2017
  • link

    Power Arranging In Reaper

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s Region Playlists make it easy to sketch out new song structures or rework existing tracks.

    Techniques Oct 2017
  • link

    Reaper: Creating A Custom Channel Strip

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Create a custom channel strip, complete with controls, in Reaper’s Mixer.

    Techniques Sep 2017
  • link

    Reaper Keeper

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Here’s how to ensure your Reaper projects will still be accessible a year from now — or even a decade.

    Techniques May 2017
  • link

    Vocal Alignment In Reaper

    Cockos Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s Stretch Markers feature intelligent linking, which can ease the burden of manual vocal alignment.

    Techniques Apr 2017
  • link

    Reaper: VCAs, Grouping and Linking

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    How do Reaper 5’s new VCA Faders complement the existing group and linking facilities?

    Techniques Jan 2017
  • link

    Custom Menus & Toolbars In Reaper

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    What you don’t like about Reaper, you can probably change!

    Techniques Aug 2016
  • link

    Tape Effects In Reaper

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    How to recreate open-reel tape trickery in Reaper.

    Techniques Jun 2016
  • link

    Reaper: Getting In Trim

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s automation lacks a relative trim mode, but now you can add your own.

    Techniques May 2016
  • link

    Reaper Subprojects

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper 5.11’s new Subprojects facility opens up entirely new ways of working.

    Techniques Apr 2016
  • link

    Automate Anything With Reaper's Custom Actions

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Reaper’s Custom Actions facility allows you to automate pretty much anything. We show you how...

    Techniques Mar 2016

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - DAWs