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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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    Live: Session View

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Live’s Session view abandons the timeline and allows you to simply trigger individual looping or one‑shot clips of any length.

    Techniques Dec 2020
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    Ableton Quick Start

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Moving to Live from another DAW? We've got you covered...

    Techniques Oct 2020
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    MIDI Control Change In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Max For Live's versatile MIDI CC devices open up a world of creative control.

    Techniques Aug 2020
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    Sending MIDI From Reason To Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Reason version 11.2 now lets you drag MIDI clips into Live from three of Reason's MIDI-based devices: the Redrum drum machine, the Matrix step sequencer and the Dr Octo Rex Rex-file player.

    Techniques Jun 2020
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    Ableton: Bring Your Step Sequencing To Life!

    Ableton Live Tips & Tricks

    We look at two Max For Live devices that bring your step sequencing to life.

    Techniques Apr 2020
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    Ableton Live: Velocity Manipulations

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    We look at how you can use MIDI velocity to manipulate Live and route notes to different instruments.

    Techniques Feb 2020
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    Ableton Live: Leader Warping

    Ableton Live Tips & Tricks

    We show you how to work with irregular tempos and rhythms in Live.

    Techniques Jan 2020
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