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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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    Bitwig Studio 5.1

    Music Production Software

    Bitwig goes from strength to strength as v5.1 introduces a host of new features.

    Reviews . Apr 2024
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    Bitwig Orchestral Tools Brass sound package expansion samples

    Orchestral Brass from Bitwig & Orchestral Tools

    Joins Orchestral Strings and Woodwind packages

    Orchestral Brass provides Bitwig Studio users with a range of high-quality brass samples that have been optimised specifically for use within the DAW’s Sampler tool.

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    Bitwig Studio 5.1 DAW update electronic music production semi modular synthesis software

    Bitwig Studio 5.1 arrives

    Full release version now available

    Following a recent beta release, Bitwig have announced that the full release version of their Bitwig Studio DAW is now available. 

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    Bitwig Studio 5.1 DAW update electronic music production semi modular synthesis software

    Bitwig Studio 5.1 beta now available

    New filters, waveshapers & more

    The latest version of Bitwig Studio introduces ten new modules and a pair of new FX containers, as well as implementing a variety of improvements to the software’s mixer and audio editing functionality.

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    DAWproject file format Bitwig PreSonus Studio One share projects

    Bitwig and PreSonus’ new DAWproject format

    Transfer project files between DAWs

    Bitwig and PreSonus have announced a new project file format that allows users of different DAWs to share session files.

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    Bitwig Studio 5 Essentials Producer modular DAW electronic music

    Bitwig Studio 5 now available

    Two new versions of DAW also announced

    The latest version of Bitwig introduces five new Multi-Segment Envelope Generators, new Clip Launcher capabilities and upgrades to the entire modulation system. 

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    NAMM 2023: Bitwig Studio 5

    Video Report

    Bitwig unveil version 5 of their Bitwig Studio DAW with tons of new features.

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    Bitwig Orchestral Tools Woodwinds free sound package

    Orchestral Woodwinds free for Bitwig users

    Woodwind ensemble samples from Orchestral Tools

    Bitwig are offering their users a free sound package containing woodwind ensemble samples captured by Orchestral Tools at Teldex Studio in Berlin.

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    Bitwig Winter Special Sale 16-Track Studio DAW modular software instrument The Grid Spectral Suite offer deal

    Bitwig Winter Special

    Up to $100 savings available

    Bitwig are currently running their Winter Special Sale, with special prices available on their innovative DAW...

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    Bitwig Studio Spectral Suite effects processing add-on plug-in

    Bitwig release Spectral Suite add-on

    DAW gains spectral processing tools

    Spectral Suite includes four spectral audio effects devices which offer users of Bitwig Studio a new level of mixing and sound design functionality.

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    Bitwig Studio 4.3 DAW software update

    Bitwig Studio 4.3 released

    New devices, synthesizer upgrades and sound packages

    The latest version of Bitwig Studio includes two new effects devices, new sound packages and a whole host of functionality upgrades. 

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    Bitwig Studio 4

    Music Production Software

    Bitwig continues to blur the boundaries between instrument and DAW, while offering some welcome practical enhancements.

    Reviews Nov 2021
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    Bitwig Studio 4

    Bitwig Studio 4 now available

    New version adds conditional triggering, comping and more

    Final release of Bitwig Studio 4 introduces a new file format called 'Anti-Loops', which take advantage of the new Operators and comping features to offer intuitive loop manipulation.

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    Bitwig Studio 3

    Music Production Software

    Innovative music creation platform Bitwig takes a big leap forward with the introduction of an open-ended modular environment.

    Reviews Sep 2019
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    Bitwig 2.4 — SynthFest UK 2018

    Impressive sampling capabilities added to DAW

    Released only weeks ago, and freely available to all users who purchased Bitwig within the last year,...

    News
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    Bitwig Studio 2

    Music Production Software

    Bitwig Studio 2 blurs the lines between sequencer, synthesizer and DAW, with an advanced and very flexible modulation system.

    Reviews May 2017
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    Bitwig Studio 1.35

    DAW Software For Mac OS, Windows & Linux

    Bitwig Studio might be the newest kid on the DAW block — but it’s growing fast!

    Reviews Mar 2016
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    Bitwig Studio

    Music Production Software [Mac OS, Windows, Linux]

    Is Bitwig Studio's fresh take on clip-based music production different enough to tempt users away from established rivals?

    Reviews Jun 2014
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