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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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    Cakewalk Sonar Platinum

    Music Production Software For Windows

    Cakewalk are the first major DAW developer to move to a monthly payment model. And Sonar ‘membership’ provides plenty of goodies.

    Reviews May 2015
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    Apple Logic Pro 10.1

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Mac OS

    Though the headline features are aimed at dance producers, Apple’s latest Logic update has something for everyone. And it’s free!

    Reviews Apr 2015
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    Evolving DAWs

    Spotlight

    With the DAW wars heating up, how are the major players tempting new users to buy into their wares?

    Reviews Apr 2015
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    Steinberg Cubase iC Pro

    Cubase Controller App For iOS & Android

    Cubase iC Pro is a remote app that can control Cubase from either an iPhone, iPad, or Android-based device.

    Reviews Apr 2015
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    Steinberg Cubase Pro 8

    Digital Audio Workstation Software

    Cubase 8 combines powerful tools from Nuendo with new features such as VCA faders and the ability to render audio in place.

    Reviews Mar 2015
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    Propellerhead Reason 8

    Music Production Software For Mac OS & Windows

    Is there more to the latest version of Reason than a pretty face?

    Reviews Dec 2014
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    Bitwig Studio

    Music Production Software [Mac OS, Windows, Linux]

    Is Bitwig Studio's fresh take on clip-based music production different enough to tempt users away from established rivals?

    Reviews Jun 2014
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    Tracktion 5

    Music Production Software for Mac OS, Windows & Linux

    If you find conventional DAWs intimidatingly complex or unaffordable, Tracktion could be the perfect alternative.

    Reviews May 2014
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    Steinberg Cubase 7.5

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Mac OS & Windows

    Steinberg have packed a lot of new functionality into their bargain upgrade to Cubase.

    Reviews Feb 2014
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    Apple GarageBand 10

    Music Production Software For Mac OS

    The latest version of Apple's entry-level music software draws heavily from Logic Pro X. Is this the return of Logic Express?

    Reviews Feb 2014
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    Cakewalk Sonar X3 Producer

    Music Production Software For Windows

    As well as improving Sonar itself, Cakewalk have brought in some heavy-hitting third-party content. Does X3 have what it takes to tempt buyers away from other recording software?

    Reviews Jan 2014
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    Multitrack DAWs For iPad

    Spotlight

    Thinking of turning your iPad into a mobile recording studio? Check out our round-up of multitrack recording apps first!

    Reviews Jan 2014
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    Apple Logic Pro X

    Music Production Software For Mac OS

    Apple have made Logic easier to use. But have they compromised the powerful features that professional users depend on?

    Reviews Sep 2013
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    Avid Pro Tools 11.

    Avid Pro Tools 11

    Digital Audio Workstation Software [Mac OS/Windows]

    If Pro Tools 10 was a watershed release in the product's history, Pro Tools 11 marks the beginning of a new era for Avid's audio production platform.

    Reviews Sep 2013
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    Steinberg Nuendo v6.

    Steinberg Nuendo 6

    DAW Software For Mac OS & Windows

    In the latest version of their flagship post-production software, Steinberg have applied some clever lateral thinking to loudness metering and ADR recording.

    Reviews Jun 2013
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    Propellerhead Reason 7

    Music Production Software For Mac OS & Windows

    Reason has evolved in splendid isolation from other production tools, but version 7 sees Propellerhead build bridges to the outside world.

    Reviews Jun 2013
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    Ableton Live 9 & Push Controller.

    Ableton Live 9 & Push

    DAW Software & Hardware Controller

    Live 9 has been a long time coming, but, along with Ableton’s new Push controller, has the potential to revolutionise music-making.

    Reviews Mar 2013
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    Steinberg Cubasis

    DAW App For iPad

    In the dim and distant past, Cubasis used to be one of the names Steinberg reserved for junior versions of Cubase...

    Reviews Mar 2013
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    Steinberg Cubase 7.

    Steinberg Cubase 7

    Music Production Software [Mac OS/Windows]

    Steinberg's DAW software has received perhaps its biggest shake-up to date, with a redesigned mixer and some clever chord functions.

    Reviews Feb 2013
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    Cakewalk Sonar X2.

    Cakewalk Sonar X2

    Digital Audio Workstation Software For Windows

    Cakewalk’s programmers seem to be constantly pedalling the upgrade cycle! We find out what’s new and exciting in the latest Sonar X2...

    Reviews Jan 2013
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    Acoustica Mixcraft 6

    Recording & Mixing Software For Windows

    The key features of Acoustica’s Mixcraft have always been affordability and ease of use. Version 6 builds on these strengths but also adds a new Pro Studio edition.

    Reviews Nov 2012

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