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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 1 - 21 of 41 items
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    Configuring Pro Tools For Traditional Band Recording

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    How would you configure your PT system to cope with the practicalities of traditional band recording?

    Techniques Dec 2001
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    Eliminating Phase Problems

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    This month, we explain how to eliminate phase problems in Cubase's Audio Editor, and round up some interesting new plug-ins.

    Techniques Dec 2001
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    PERFORMER NOTES

    MIDI Automation Features

    Performer Notes turns its attention to DP3's MIDI automation features. Plus all the latest MOTU-related news and tips.

    Techniques Dec 2001
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    LOGIC NOTES

    Groove Templates

    There's a step-by-step guide to creating Groove Templates this month, plus the usual collection of handy tips, including some pointers on making the most of Aliases.

    Techniques Dec 2001
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    LOGIC NOTES

    Time & Pitch machine; Protecting finished tracks

    A workshop on using Logic's off-line pitch-shifting, as well as advice on how to protect your finished tracks from accidental damage. Plus more tips, tricks and problem-solvers...

    Techniques Nov 2001
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    PERFORMER NOTES

    Sequence Editor; Audio Bundles

    Performer Notes continues its detailed look at some of DP3's new features. This month, there's more on mix and plug-in automation, creative aux buss routing tips, and the mysterious new Audio Bundles window is unveiled...

    Techniques Nov 2001
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    TDM MIX Systems Routing 5.1 Surround

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    For MIX TDM users, the latest Pro Tools software offers a tailor-made way of mixing in surround. But those with older TDM setups or LE-based systems can do surround too, with some lateral thinking...

    Techniques Nov 2001
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    VST Channel Settings; Channel Mixer; Cubasis v3

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    When you work with a complex program such as Cubase VST, it's easy to overlook the hundreds of small features that are there to make your life easier.

    Techniques Nov 2001
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    Extract Tempo Data From Unmetricised Audio

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Last month we explained how to derive a Cubase tempo from freely played MIDI. This time, we look at how to extract tempo data from unmetricised audio...

    Techniques Oct 2001
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    LOGIC NOTES

    How to match your song's tempo automatically to that of a sampled loop

    Tweak the levels of individual sounds in a stereo mix, and learn how to match your song's tempo automatically to that of a sampled loop. Plus, the usual fistful of handy tips, including some ways to make your life easier using Logic's colouring options.

    Techniques Oct 2001
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    PERFORMER NOTES

    New Tool Bar and Graphical Editing Options

    DP3 is here - and there's a number of fundamental changes to the way the program looks and works. This month, we examine the new tool bar and graphical editing options and consider how to get the most out of your plug-in effects...

    Techniques Oct 2001
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    Rocket Network Compatability

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools is about to get Rocket Network compatibility, facilitating long-distance collaboration between Digi users. Also this month, we continue our series of inter-application transfer tutorials with a look at how to move Digital Performer tracks into Pro Tools.

    Techniques Oct 2001
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    LOGIC NOTES

    Automate Plug-in parameters

    Advice on how to best automate your plug-in parameters, as well as tips for lightening-fast comping and a power-user trick for simulating double-tracking using Autotune.

    Techniques Sep 2001
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    Master track; Meter Hitpoints; DR-Verb

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    This month, we explore the murky world of Cubase's Master track in a bid to teach it the tempo of a MIDI part. There's also some hot news about updates and an excellent shareware reverb plug-in, as well as the usual tips and tricks.

    Techniques Sep 2001
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    PERFORMER NOTES

    DP plug-ins; USB hardware controller

    This month, more on DP plug-ins with side-chains, plus tips on improving audio timing, using Mix mode, and news of a compact USB hardware controller for use with DP.

    Techniques Sep 2001
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    Pro Tools 5.1.1; Transfer Songs From Emagic Logic

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Discover what's new in Pro Tools 5.1.1, learn how to transfer songs from Emagic's Logic, and take advantage of our usual handy tips.

    Techniques Sep 2001
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    Cubase Score Editor

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    More wise words on using Cubase's Score editor this month, as we explain how to create a musical score in which several voices share a single stave. There's also the usual assortment of handy editing tips...

    Techniques Aug 2001
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    LOGIC NOTES

    Hyper Draw Function; Diagnose and Solve MIDI Routing Problems

    Environment tricks and techniques to help diagnose and solve MIDI routing problems, plus tips on splitting stereo audio files and getting started with Logic's powerful Hyper Draw function that allows you to graphically enter and manipulate control data.

    Techniques Aug 2001
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    PERFORMER NOTES

    Clipping Window; VST Freeware plug-ins; Setting Up Side-chain

    This month, Digital Performer's useful but little-known Clipping window falls under the Performer Notes spotlight. Plus tips on where to find top VST freeware plug-ins for use with DP, and advice on setting up side-chain access to MOTU plug-ins.

    Techniques Aug 2001
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    Tightening Drum Recordings With Beat Detective; Online Answerbase

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools users now have their own monthly column, focusing on tips, techniques, news and technical development coverage for the full range of PT systems, from the popular Digi 001 to top-flight professional studio hardware. *

    Techniques Aug 2001
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    LOGIC NOTES

    Compression Techniques

    This month, we show you a powerful compression technique available in Logic, as well as describing a workaround which increases the bank range of your Multi Instruments. Also, there are instructions on how to control a large range of Logic's parameters in real time from your MIDI master keyboard's mod wheel.

    Techniques Jul 2001

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