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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 85 - 96 of 96 items
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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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    X1's GUI

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Sonar X1 offers a very different user interface experience to previous versions — so here's a guide to the new GUI.

    Techniques Feb 2011
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    Audio Editing In DAWs

    Tips & Techniques

    Today's multitrack software packages give us endless flexibility to manipulate the audio we've recorded, but the possibilities can be confusing to begin with. We introduce the tools of the audio editor's trade...

    Techniques Feb 2011
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    Switching To 64-bit?

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    John Walden considers the leap from 32 to 64.

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Presets

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    All you need to know about Live's idiosyncratic preset management...

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Stereo Width

    Apple Logic Tips & Techniques

    Logic's processing tools can be used to manipulate stereo width, adding interest to your mixes.

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Pro Tools: How To Create Tempo Maps

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We explain how to create a tempo map in Pro Tools that will follow your musicians wherever they decide to go!

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Reaper: Best Ways Of Hiding The Edit

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Make sure your edits go unnoticed with Reaper's audio editing features.

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Hiding The Edit | Media

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Techniques Jan 2011
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    Reaper: Hiding The Edit | Editing Walkthrough

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    This audio editing walkthrough accompanies the Reaper Techniques column that featured in SOS January 2011.

    Techniques Jan 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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    Managing Backups: Part 2

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Having looked at routine backups last month, the second of this two-part series explores the more arcane art of archiving.Read Part 1.

    Techniques Jan 2011

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