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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 22 - 42 of 102 items
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    Pushing The Envelope

    Ableton Tips & Techniques

    We delve into the mysteries of envelope following in Ableton Live.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    The Beat Is On

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Nine more ways to kick off your productions in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    Unfolding Events

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One lets you apply effects directly to audio Events, opening up innumerable creative possibilities.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    Get Pitch Quick! - Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Cubase's built-in VariAudio pitch processor isn't just for vocals...

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Get Pitch Quick!

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase's built-in VariAudio pitch processor isn't just for vocals...

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Reaktion Time

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    NI's Reaktor is the perfect partner for Live...

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Top 10 Hits

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Need to give your productions a shot in the arm? Here are 10 ways to make a beat in Logic Pro X.

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Aux Talk

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Perhaps the most versatile track type in Pro Tools is one that you can't even record to!

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Easy As A-D-T

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    Automatic double-tracking is a doddle in Reason.

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Tip Advisor

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Save time and effort with these power-user techniques for Sonar.

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    Repeat After Me

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    The ability to sync delay times and other Studio One parameters to tempo is a fertile source of inspiration.

    Techniques Sep 2014
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    The Big Squeeze

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Make your Cubase mixes pack more punch with master‑bus compression.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Gate Expectations

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We get creative with Live's often overlooked Gate processor.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Logic Pro 9 to Pro X

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    If you're having problems navigating in Logic Pro X, we can help you find your way again.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Monster Tracks

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The first step to setting up a Pro Tools session is to understand what its different track types are for.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Glorious Technicolour

    Reaper Tips & Techniques

    Use Reaper's SWS Extensions to automatically add colour and icons to your tracks.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Macro Bionic

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One's macros can take the legwork out of repetitive tasks.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Getting Shreddy

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Use Sonar's editing tools to tighten up your guitar solos.

    Techniques Aug 2014
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    Spread Of Heaven

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Make full use of your speakers with these stereo enhancement tips for Cubase.

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    Remote Control

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Release yourself from the computer keyboard with Logic Remote for iPad.

    Techniques Jul 2014
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    Bus Lanes

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Understanding the role of buses in the Pro Tools mixer opens up powerful routing possibilities.

    Techniques Jul 2014

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