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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 Cubase 4

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows/Mac OS X]

    The new version of Cubase is all about big ideas, including a completely new way of working with tracks, plug-ins and virtual instruments.

    Reviews Dec 2006
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    Cakewalk Sonar 6

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows]

    Another major upgrade for Cakewalk's DAW software adds powerful new features, and provides hands-on control at a touch.

    Reviews Dec 2006
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    Q. Can I get my mixer to communicate with Logic?

    I'm in charge of setting up my church's recording room. We have an Apple G4 dual-1.25GHz computer and a Behringer MX 2004a...

    Sound Advice Dec 2006
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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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    Q. When I mix in Cubase, my mixed-down songs do not sound as good in playback as they did before I saved them. Why?

    Q. When I mix in Cubase, my mixed-down songs do not sound as good in playback as they did before I saved them. Why?

    Sound Advice Nov 2006
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    Digidesign DV Toolkit 2

    Post-Production Tools For Pro Tools LE

    If you want to do serious post-production work in Pro Tools but you can't stretch to an HD system, Digi's new DV Toolkit 2 could be the answer.

    Reviews Oct 2006
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    MOTU Digital Performer 5

    DAW For Mac OS X

    Mark Of The Unicorn's flagship recording package combines individual design with a heavyweight feature set. Could Digital Performer be the sequencer for you?

    Reviews Sep 2006
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    Digidesign Pro Tools 7.2

    Exclusive PREVIEW

    Digidesign unveil a suite of powerful new mixing and automation features with this major HD release of the Pro Tools software, and throw in a surprising number of other goodies at the same time.

    Reviews Sep 2006
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    Q. How do I compensate for latency in Logic?

    I use a G5 with Logic Pro, a TC Electronic Powercore, a MOTU HD192 interface and a variety of plug-ins, but have...

    Sound Advice Jul 2006
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    Digidesign Hybrid & Music Production Toolkit

    Analogue-style Synth & Plug-in Bundle For Pro Tools

    What could be more tempting than a sweet-sounding virtual analogue synth? How about that same synth bundled with a bunch of high-quality plug-ins targeted at music production?

    Reviews Jun 2006
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    Source Elements Source-Connect

    Remote Recording Plug-in [Pro Tools]

    This innovative new plug-in allows Pro Tools users to record each other over the Internet, in real time.

    Reviews May 2006
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    Sound Toys Echoboy

    Pro Tools Effects Plug-in [Mac OS X]

    The former Wave Mechanics team set out to create the ultimate classic echo unit emulator, and ended up with a plug-in that does much more.

    Reviews Apr 2006
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    Q. What is the best way to set up instruments in Logic?

    I understand that if you have Mac OS 10.4 'Tiger' you can add and set up external MIDI instruments using the Audio MIDI...

    Sound Advice Mar 2006
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    Q. What determines the CPU reading in Cubase SX?

    I remain baffled by the CPU load in Cubase SX 2. I'm particularly curious to know why in my larger projects the VST Performance indicator shows a constant load (typically 80 percent or more) even when I'm not playing anything back!

    Sound Advice Feb 2006
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    Digidesign Pro Tools v7

    Recording Software [Mac/PC]

    With new MIDI sequencing functionality among many other features, Pro Tools v7 is intended to be the ultimate audio and MIDI workstation. Will this release keep Digidesign on top?

    Reviews Jan 2006
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