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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 1156 - 1176 of 1760 items

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    DJ’ing in Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    An introduction to elementary DJing in Ableton Live.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Perfect Vocals in Logic

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    With recent revisions to the Take feature, Logic Pro 9 now has all the tools you need to craft the perfect vocal track.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Xpand!

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    It might be a free plug-in, but the Xpand! sample player bundled with Pro Tools has some serious potential.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Reason/Record: Tooling Up

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    The Tool window is the key to some nifty sequencer manipulation in Propellerhead's Reason and Record.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Sonar: Track Template Tips

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Use track templates to give your electric guitar an acoustic sound and perk up your synths.

    Techniques Jul 2010
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    Headroom & Master Fader

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Know how to use the Pro Tools master fader properly and you need never suffer clipping in your mixes again.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Building A Multi-Band Compressor In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Reason doesnt have a dedicated multi-band compressor, but that doesnt mean you cant build your own.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Pro-gaming Techniques For Pro Tools

    Starcraft Players of South Korea

    The Starcraft players of South Korea are the ultimate computer power users, and their skills and strategies have the potential to transform your DAW sessions.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Cakewalk Sonar: Managing Plug-ins

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Plug-ins are likely to be integral to how you work, so its worth making sure theyre organised and well behaved.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Cubase: DIY Vocal Rider

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    Waves ground-breaking Vocal Rider plug-in takes the pain out of vocal level-automation, but if your budget cant stretch that far, you can get part of the way there using nothing more than Cubase 5s built-in processors.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Cubase: DIY Vocal Rider | Audio & Project Files

    Hear For Yourself

    Audio files in our SoundCloud player, with downloadable high-res WAVs for your convenience.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Ableton: Live Clip Slicing

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    The expanded audio clip slicing introduced in Live 8 is a powerful creative tool. We show you how it works.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Apple Logic: Pedal Power

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    You can get the amp and stomp-box collection youve always wanted now that Logic offers Pedalboard and Amp Designer.

    Techniques Jun 2010
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    Dance Music Filter Effects with Cubase 5

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    Filter sweeps and rhythmic filter effects are a key element in dance music — and theyre easy to create with Cubase 5s bundled plug-ins...

    Techniques May 2010
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    Dance Music Filter Effects with Cubase 5 | Audio

    Audio Examples from Cubase Techniques May 2010

    These files accompany the Cubase Technique Filter Sweeps workshop for SOS May 2010 (...

    Techniques May 2010
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    More Max For Live

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    MaxMSP neednt be as scary as you might think, as we demonstrate with some basic Max For Live programming.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Apple Logic: Building An Arpreggiator

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Everyone loves an arpeggiator, and building one in Logic is not only easier than you might think, but also helps you hone your Environment skills...

    Techniques May 2010
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    Unlink Timeline & Edit Selections

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The point of Pro Tools' option to unlink the timeline and edit selections isn't obvious, but there are situations in which it can be a lifesaver.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Reason / Record: Stereo Vision

    Reason Notes & Technques

    We show you how familiar devices can be manipulated to create stereo effects in Reason and Record.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Sonar: AudioSnap Tips

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    AudioSnap always had potential, but never quite fulfilled its promise. However, those of you now taking a second look will like what they see.

    Techniques May 2010
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    Using Cubase's Chorder Plug-in

    Cubase Notes & Techniques

    We show you how to coax a more convincing performance from your VST instruments using Cubases Chorder plug-in.

    Techniques Apr 2010

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