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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 - 10 of 10 items
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    Logic: Live-style Tricks With Touch Tracks

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Have you ever coveted the real-time functions of Ableton's Live? In which case, you will be interested to know how you can simulate some aspects of Live in Logic using the Touch Tracks object?

    Techniques Dec 2004
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    Logic: Dynamics Processing With Reverb/Delay

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Learn how to combine dynamics processing with delay and reverb to breathe life into your mixes.

    Techniques Oct 2004
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    Layering Sounds In Logic's Virtual Instruments

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Layering hardware sound modules to create new sounds is a simple matter, but things are not nearly as easy when you are working with virtual instruments in Logic. Here are a few useful workarounds...

    Techniques Sep 2004
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    Using Logic's I/O Plug-ins & Compensation Delay

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Find out how to use the I/O plug-in within an Output Audio object, and also learn how Logic's improved plug-in delay compensation allows some powerful new mixing techniques.

    Techniques Aug 2004
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    Logic's Aux Object

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    The Aux object might seem a little arcane, but it's the key to a variety of useful Environment workarounds.

    Techniques Jul 2004
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    Real-time Jam Sessions In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Learn how to set up Logic's Environment so that you can jam with other musicians in real time on a single system.

    Techniques Jun 2004
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    Automatic Beat-slicing

    Logic Notes

    Although beat-slicing is something more immediately associated with programs like Propellerhead Recycle or Bitshift Audio Phatmatik Pro, Logic also has facilities to automatically chop up your loops.

    Techniques May 2004
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    Logic: Working To Picture

    Logic Notes

    This month we continue our advice on working to picture in Logic with tips on how to work around your visual hit points.

    Techniques Apr 2004
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    Logic Control Tips & REX Imports

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    This month we help you work with Logic Control, as well as offering advice on importing REX files.

    Techniques Feb 2004
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    Logic Matrix Editor: Step-Sequencing Tips

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We show how to create step-sequencer effects within Logic's MIDI editing windows. Plus practical tips to make your sessions more productive.

    Techniques Jan 2004
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