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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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    Steinberg Cubase 4

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows/Mac OS X]

    The new version of Cubase is all about big ideas, including a completely new way of working with tracks, plug-ins and virtual instruments.

    Reviews Dec 2006
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    Simultaneous Multitrack Audio Exports & Flexible Routing

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Limitations to Cubase's audio routing and audio export facilities have always been frustrating, and are still present even in Cubase v4. Thankfully, there are some free or inexpensive third-party solutions...

    Techniques Dec 2006
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    Tempo & Timing

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase's Tempo Editor offers some powerful ways to manipulate tempo and time signatures in your Projects. This month we take a detailed look at these features.

    Techniques Nov 2006
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    Processing Acoustic Guitars

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The acoustic guitar has its place in almost every style of contemporary music. So how can you use the processing tools of SX to help find the right place in your mix for all that strumming and picking?

    Techniques Oct 2006
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    Cubase: Detailed Audio Editing

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase SX supplies us with a comprehensive set of editing tools, but the manner in which they can be used varies enormously — and also depends upon the task at hand...

    Techniques Sep 2006
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    All About Quantise

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    When sequencers first allowed you to record musical notes in real time, one of the features that became ubiquitous in all systems was quantisation. Here we take a look at how quantise has evolved and is currently used in Cubase SX.

    Techniques Aug 2006
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    Using Automation

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    This month we continue exploring Cubase's automation features with a look at the different modes available to SX users, and the issues you'll face when using automation and MIDI Controller data on MIDI Tracks.

    Techniques Jul 2006
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    Automation Tips

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    When Cubase VST became Cubase SX, one of the big improvements was a better automation system for audio-based tracks and channels. This month, we show you how to make the most of this newer system.

    Techniques Jun 2006
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    DIY Mastering

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    While mastering in a home or project studio is unlikely to produce the very best results, Cubase SX does have some basic tools for those who want (or have) to adopt a DIY approach.

    Techniques May 2006
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    Write In Cubase, Mix In Pro Tools

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you like Cubase's sequencing capabilities but prefer to mix your projects in another application (eg. Pro Tools), we show you how to get your soft-synth parts from one app to the other.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Logical Editor

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We delve into the Boolean operations in the Logical Editor, offer some tips for entering numeric values in the Transport Panel, and take a first look at Cubase running on dual-processor, dual-core systems.

    Techniques Mar 2006
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    Creative Use Of Effects Within Cubase SX

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    The world is awash with plug-in audio effects, but don't miss out on those included within Cubase SX — there are some excellent creative possibilities on offer.

    Techniques Feb 2006
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    Logical Editor

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase contains many powerful features for processing MIDI data, such as the Logical Editor and Macros. This month we look at how using them together can create some powerful solutions to potentially tedious problems.

    Techniques Jan 2006
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