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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.

Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 items
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    Quick Punch & Track Punch

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools offers punch-in features designed to make it work like a tape machine - except that you can change your mind later about where, when and what to drop in...

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Choosing & Using Enhancement Plug-ins

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    In this month's Pro Tools workshop, we concentrate on the top and bottom of the frequency spectrum, looking at plug-ins that claim to enhance treble and bass. How do they work, how should you use them, and most importantly, which ones are the best?

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Digidesign DV Toolkit 2

    Post-Production Tools For Pro Tools LE

    If you want to do serious post-production work in Pro Tools but you can't stretch to an HD system, Digi's new DV Toolkit 2 could be the answer.

    Reviews Oct 2006
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    Digidesign Pro Tools 7.2

    Exclusive PREVIEW

    Digidesign unveil a suite of powerful new mixing and automation features with this major HD release of the Pro Tools software, and throw in a surprising number of other goodies at the same time.

    Reviews Sep 2006
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    Working Methods

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We've had a good look at some of the tools available for mastering in Pro Tools. So what are the best ways to use these tools?

    Techniques Sep 2006
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    Region Looping In Pro Tools 7

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    When your project includes repeated MIDI or audio parts, the new Region Looping tools in Pro Tools 7 enable you to work faster and with greater flexibility.

    Techniques Jul 2006
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    Digidesign Hybrid & Music Production Toolkit

    Analogue-style Synth & Plug-in Bundle For Pro Tools

    What could be more tempting than a sweet-sounding virtual analogue synth? How about that same synth bundled with a bunch of high-quality plug-ins targeted at music production?

    Reviews Jun 2006
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    Addressing Latency Problems In Pro Tools LE

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    One of the best features of TDM-based Pro Tools systems is the negligible latency, or input-to-output delay, while recording. So what is the best way to deal with this problem if you have only an LE system?

    Techniques Jun 2006
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    Setting Up Pro Tools For Surround Sound

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    More and more post-production work is ending up in surround-compatible formats, such as DVD. We explain how to set up your Pro Tools system to do that work, and give some guidelines on recording and mixing in surround.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Working With Video In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Once you have got your video and sync audio files into a Pro Tools Session, what do you do with them? Our short series on sound for picture concludes by explaining the ins and outs of dubbing, sound effects and Foley.

    Techniques Mar 2006
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    Working With Video

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    You've got your system set up, and you've received the video files from the director. This month we explain how to get the video and its associated sound files into a Pro Tools Session ready for you to start work.

    Techniques Feb 2006
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    Working With Video: 1

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    This Pro Tools workshop is the first in a series where we will explain how to use Digidesign's DAW to work to picture. First of all, we look at the decisions you need to make in setting up your system.

    Techniques Jan 2006
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    Digidesign Pro Tools v7

    Recording Software [Mac/PC]

    With new MIDI sequencing functionality among many other features, Pro Tools v7 is intended to be the ultimate audio and MIDI workstation. Will this release keep Digidesign on top?

    Reviews Jan 2006
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