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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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    Ableton Live 12

    DAW Software

    Live 12 introduces a raft of new features, devices and general improvements.

    Reviews . Feb 2024
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    Ableton Note

    Sketchpad App For iOS

    Ableton’s first app puts a Live‑compatible ideas machine in the palm of your hand.

    Reviews Dec 2022
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    Robert Henke

    Robert Henke - Visual Music Artist | Podcast

    Co-founder of Ableton

    Robert Henke, electronic visual music artist, software developer and co-founder of Ableton discusses the artist/engineer overlap and how software needs to be accessible to encourage and not hinder the creative process.

    People Dec 2022
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    Ableton Live 11

    Music Production Software

    Live 11 introduces new features, improves some old ones, and throws in some exciting new rack devices for good measure.

    Reviews Mar 2021
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    Ableton Live 10

    Music Production Software

    With Live 10, Ableton’s aim is to make the music‑making process as smooth as possible. Have they succeeded?

    Reviews Feb 2018
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    Ableton Push 2

    Hardware Controller For Live

    Ableton have released major new versions of their two flagship products, Live and Push. Live 9.5 is free to owners of Live 9. Meanwhile, and more importantly, there is a new Push controller. 

    Reviews Dec 2015
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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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    Ableton Live Suite 8

    Digital Audio Workstation [Mac/PC]

    The challenge was to add yet more features to Live without compromising its legendary ease of use. Have Ableton succeeded?

    Reviews Jun 2009
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    Ableton Live 6

    Looping & Composition Software [Mac OS X/Windows]

    Ableton's Live revolutionised user interface design in music software, and with every update, the company have striven to retain its ergonomic appeal whilst adding some very sophisticated new features.

    Reviews Nov 2006
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    Ableton Live 5

    Loop-based Sequencer [Windows/Mac OS X]

    Ableton Live is one of the software success stories of the last few years, with devoted users in fields as diverse as DJing, remixing, theatre sound and music production. Version 5 addresses requests from all these areas, whilst retaining the program's renowned ease of use.

    Reviews Nov 2005
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    Ableton Live 4

    Loop-based Sequencer [Mac/PC]

    As a creative, stable and above all fun way of combining audio loops in real time, Ableton's Live has proved an ideal counterpart to Rewire-compatible applications such as Cubase. With version 4 offering a wealth of new features, including MIDI sequencing, could Live now replace traditional sequencers altogether?

    Reviews Sep 2004
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    Ableton Live v1.03 main screen.

    Ableton Live

    Performance Loop Sequencing Software [Mac / PC]

    Ableton's Live allows the user to create and record musical performances by combining sampled loops in real time, with high‑quality pitch‑shifting, time‑stretching and audio effects.

    Reviews Feb 2002
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