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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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    Cubase's Track Lanes & Track Versions

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase’s Track Lanes system is great for speedy comping, but Track Versions brings plenty more to the party...

    Techniques Dec 2014
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    Drum Mechanics

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Live offers plenty of tools to perk up insipid rhythms.

    Techniques Dec 2014
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    Done Deals

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    With Logic Pro X, there’s no excuse for leaving your music unfinished!

    Techniques Dec 2014
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    Pro Tools: How Best To Use Session Templates

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools’ Quick Start dialogue does exactly what its name suggests!

    Techniques Dec 2014
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    Propellerhead Reason 8

    Music Production Software For Mac OS & Windows

    Is there more to the latest version of Reason than a pretty face?

    Reviews Dec 2014
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    Gate Expectations

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Use Sonar’s Sonitus Gate to achieve pumping reverb effects.

    Techniques Dec 2014
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    Get Glitched | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    These files accompany Cubase Technique article in the November 2014 issue.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Get Glitched

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase has all the tools you need to add vocal glitching effects to your pop or EDM tracks.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Reason To Live

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    MIDI control between Live and Reason now works in both directions.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Auto Complete

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Discover the power of Logic Pro X’s advanced automation features.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Free & Easy | Media

    Preset to accompany the article.

    These files accompany Pro Tools Technique article in the November 2014 issue.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Free & Easy

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    From guitar amps to gates, Pro Tools’ bundled plug-ins are more versatile than you might think.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Eighth Wonder

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    There’s lots to get to grips with in the new version of Reason.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Vocal Point

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Get an even vocal level in Sonar without resorting to compression.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    Safe Keeping

    Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Properly archiving your finished projects is vital. Here’s how to do it in Studio One.

    Techniques Nov 2014
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    VCA OK | Media

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    The ZIP file of the Cubase 7.5 project template.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    VCA OK

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    I’ve long wished Steinberg would implement true VCA–style automation in Cubase — it is, for me, a critical...

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    Side Effects

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    Enjoy the creative possibilities of taking Digital Performer’s bundled plug–ins out of their comfort zone.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    Package Deal

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The plug-ins that come with Pro Tools are more powerful than you might think.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    The Eightest & Greatest

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    We look at what’s new in the eighth instalment of Reason.

    Techniques Oct 2014
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    Peak Performance

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Get the visual feedback you need with custom metering in Sonar.

    Techniques Oct 2014

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