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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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    Pre-producing Live Loops in Sonar

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk's Sonar makes an ideal pre-production tool for creating loops you can use in Ableton's Live sequencer. We explore some of the possibilities of the partnership.

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Sony Acid Pro 5

    Audio & MIDI Loop Sequencer [PC]

    Version 5 of Acid Pro is the first major upgrade under the Sony Media Software badge, and has taken two years to arrive. Does it keep pace with other manufacturers' loop-sequencing packages?

    Reviews Apr 2005
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    Creating Cubase Device Panels

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Device Panels were introduced in Cubase SX 3 to enable the creation of on-screen interfaces for controlling MIDI devices. Here we look at how you can create one to control plug-ins.

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Image Line FL Studio 5

    PC Virtual Studio Software

    FL Studio has always been popular with those seeking a cost-effective, easy-to-use alternative to the 'big name' sequencers. The latest version adds a new drum sequencing tool, high-quality time-stretching and video support.

    Reviews Mar 2005
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    Logic: Using Transformer Objects

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Learn how you can quickly program Transformer objects to mimic Ableton Live's useful 'user scales' feature, thus keeping transposed MIDI parts in key.

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Digital Performer: Create Soundbites From Beats

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    Smooth your audio edits, create soundbites from beats, find out about tempo analysis and get the run-down on why you need the DP 4.52 update...

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Pro Tools: Tick-based Audio Tracks

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We take a closer look at one of the more understated improvements introduced in the version 6.7 upgrade. What are tick-based audio tracks, how do they work, and what can you do with them?

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Reason: RV7000 Advanced Reverb

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    This month we present a closer look at the RV7000 Advanced Reverb, plus a handful of effect-related hints and tips.

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Sonar Metering Options

    Cakewalk Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar offers lots of useful metering options you may not even be aware of, so this month we run through them and why you might want to use them, as well as getting clever with colours and explaining how to make your screen setup a hint more transparent...

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Multi-Channel Projects In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Returning to Steinberg Cubase's Mixer window again, we explore ways to make it more manageable when working with Projects that contain a large number of channels.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Locking Logic Sequences To A Live Take

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Although rather time-consuming, this technique for locking your sequencer to a live take is often the best.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Beat Detection In MOTU DP 4.5

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    The new Beat Detection Engine in Digital Performer 4.5 gives you much greater control over audio quantising and tempo manipulation. We explain how...

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    MOTU Digital Performer 4.5

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Mac OS X]

    The migration to OS X has caused major upheavals for both software manufacturers and musicians, but Mark Of The Unicorn's long-established Digital Performer sequencer is better than ever.

    Reviews Feb 2005
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    Pro Tools Shuffle Mode

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools was originally designed as an audio editor, and it still has some very powerful tools for quick and accurate editing. This month we explain the mysteries of Shuffle mode, and looks at the ways in which key commands and memory locations can speed up your editing.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Reasons To Be Cheerful: v3

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Version 3 of Reason is officially on the way, adding some high-spec new devices and improved operational features.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Sonar: Hands-free Recording & Other Tips

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This month, find your way around projects, undertake hands-free recording, configure an external MP3 encoder and create pseudo-Track Folders for MIDI.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Cubase: Real-Time MIDI Effects vs Audio FX

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase SX has a wide selection of real-time MIDI effects that can often substitute for the more processor-hungry audio effects, as well as opening up other creative possibilities.

    Techniques Jan 2005
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    Logic: Synchronising Sequences To Live Audio

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Synchronising sequences in Logic to live audio tracks can really help give your music the edge, but what's the best way of doing this? We look at the options, and weigh up their pros and cons.

    Techniques Jan 2005
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    Digital Performer: New Ways To Work

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    DP 4.5 delivers new features that promise to fundamentally change the way users work, as well as offering smaller but crucial enhancements to existing features.

    Techniques Jan 2005
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    Pro Tools 6.7: New MIDI Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Our new columnist provides the detailed lowdown on a new version of Pro Tools...

    Techniques Jan 2005
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    SysEx & Sonar's Big Freeze

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    We present everything you ever wanted to know about SysEx (System Exclusive) but were afraid to ask, plus the whys and wherefores of Sonar 4's cool new Freeze functions...

    Techniques Jan 2005

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