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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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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.6 Dorico for iPad 5.1 Android iOS iPadOS mobile DAW recording notation scoring app

    Steinberg update Cubasis and Dorico apps

    Mobile apps gain HALion-powered instruments

    With the arrival of their latest updates, Cubasis and Dorico for iPad now benefit from new built-in instruments powered by the company’s HALion sampling and virtual instrument engine.

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    Steinberg Nuendo 13 post-production ADR dialogue editing immersive audio Dolby Atmos MPEG-H Audio DAW

    Steinberg unveil Nuendo 13

    MPEG-H support, new ADR Script Reader & more

    Nuendo 13 delivers a range of improvements to the built-in immersive audio capabilities, as well as kitting out sound designers, mixers, dialogue editors and ADR engineers with a whole host of helpful new tools and features.

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    Steinberg Cubase 13 music composition production DAW update

    Steinberg unveil Cubase 13

    Overhauled MixConsole, new MIDI editing capabilities & much more

    Cubase 13 delivers a refreshed MixConsole design, expands the capabilities of the Key and Drum Editors and adds some new plug-ins, as well as reintroducing the Vocoder.

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    Steinberg Nuendo Live 3 performance recording software

    Steinberg Nuendo Live 3 now available

    New templates feature & updated audio engine

    Nuendo Live 3’s new features include an updated audio engine, matching the latest generation used in Cubase and Nuendo DAWs, HiDPi support, full native support for Apple’s M1 and M2 processors and much more.

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    Steinberg Nuendo 12 DAW software

    Nuendo 12 available now

    Steinberg update their post-production suite

    Latest version focuses on dedicated tools for dialogue editing, expands immersive audio capabilities and adds native Apple silicon support.

    News
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    Steinberg Cubase 12

    Cubase 12 released

    Steinberg update established DAW

    Find out what's new in Steinberg's flagship music production suite.

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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.4

    Steinberg Cubasis 3.4 brings Ableton Link support and many improvements

    Enhanced powerful audio sequencer app for iOS, Android and Chrome OS.

    Steinberg have released Cubasis v3.4 of its powerful audio sequencer app adding support for Ableton Link plus over 75 workflow and performance improvements.

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    Steinberg eLicenser

    Steinberg software licensing scheme announced

    Post eLicenser roadmap unveiled

    Bye-bye dongle, bienvenu Software Licensing. Plus: Cubase 12 to be released in 2022.

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    Steinberg Dorico For iPad

    Dorico for iPad released

    Free scoring app from Steinberg

    Steinberg's notation and composition suite is now available for Apple tablets. It's completely compatible with desktop Dorico projects, sports a new touch-friendly MIDI editor — and is available for free.

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    Steinberg to ditch the dongle

    Cubase & Nuendo devs commit to phasing out eLicenser

    Users of Steinberg software (including Cubase and Nuendo) will soon be able to run it without requiring a USB eLicenser.

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    Steinberg Nuendo 11

    Nuendo 11 now available

    Steinberg's post-production suite updated

    Steinberg's post-production suite now boasts Dolby Atmos authoring.

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    Steinberg Cubase 11

    Cubase 11 now available

    Steinberg's flagship DAW gets major update

    Cubase Pro now features EuCon controller support, and streamlines the process of exporting projects and stems.

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    Steinberg release Cubase 10

    Latest pro version adds VariAudio3, HiDPI display, Audio Alignment and more

    Steinberg’s Cubase has long been a favourite among certain composers and music production professional...

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    Cubase 9.5 introduced

    64-bit mix engine, 16 plug-ins per track, automation curves and more added

    Steinberg have today launched Cubase 9.5, which puts a clear emphasis on user-requested features and...

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    Steinberg launch Cubase 9 series

    Sampler Track, Mix Console History & new EQ added

    Steinberg have today announced Cubase 9, a substantial update to their DAW. The three new versions of...

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