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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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    Echo

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Straight and vintage delays, ADT, psychedelia, glitch... Is there anything Reason's Echo device can't do?

    Techniques Apr 2012
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    The Echo

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason 6's fabulous new device, The Echo, makes the creation of sophisticated delay-based effects child's play.

    Techniques Mar 2012
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    Reason 6: Alligator, Gates

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason 6 has upped its game on the gating front, adding per-channel gates and the snappy new Alligator...

    Techniques Feb 2012
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    Reason 6 New Features

    Reason Notes

    We continue our exploration of the new features and functions in Reason 6.

    Techniques Jan 2012
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    Mix Tricks For Reason 6

    Reason Tips & Techniques

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

    Techniques Dec 2011
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    Reason 6

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Version 6 is a new dawn for Reason users. This month, we offer some essential techniques for getting up to speed with it.

    Techniques Oct 2011
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    Reason 6

    Reason Notes

    Reason 6 is probably the biggest update in the program’s history. We give you the lowdown...

    Techniques Sep 2011
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    Missing DAW Features: Track Folders, Fader & Mix Groups, Markers, Track Freezing

    Reason/Record Tips & Techniques

    We work around the missing DAW features in Reason and Record.

    Techniques Aug 2011
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    Neptune Pitch Correction, Part 2

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    In part two of our short series, we dive deeper into Neptune, the pitch correction device that keeps on giving.• Read Part 1.

    Techniques Jul 2011
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    Neptune Pitch Correction

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    Wetsuits on, as we dive into Record’s new pitch‑correction device, Neptune. • Read Part 2

    Techniques Jun 2011
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    Modulation Mayhem

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Reason's flexible routing is at the heart of this month's exploration of synth modulation.

    Techniques May 2011
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    Drum Instruments

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Discover how to tackle Reason's over-sized gorilla of a drum instrument.

    Techniques Feb 2011
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    Introducing Dr OctoRex

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Get some 8-way sample action with Reason's new loop player!

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Block

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Make light work of song arranging with Reason's new Blocks feature.

    Techniques Dec 2010
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    Time & Tempo Flexibility

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We bring you up to speed on tempo flexibility and Reason 5's new transport bar.

    Techniques Nov 2010
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    Reason 5 Rundown

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    The SOS spotlight falls on the new toys offered by Reason 5 and Record 1.5.

    Techniques Aug 2010
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    Reason/Record: Tooling Up

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    The Tool window is the key to some nifty sequencer manipulation in Propellerhead's Reason and Record.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Building A Multi-Band Compressor In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Reason doesnt have a dedicated multi-band compressor, but that doesnt mean you cant build your own.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Reason / Record: Stereo Vision

    Reason Notes & Technques

    We show you how familiar devices can be manipulated to create stereo effects in Reason and Record.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Comping Tips in Reason and Record

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    The ability to quickly create and compare alternative takes is very useful. We look at how its done in Reason and Record.

    Techniques Apr 2010
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    Creating Unusual Effects In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Reasons flexible sound-design environment opens up the possibility of unusual and exotic effects treatments.

    Techniques Mar 2010

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