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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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    David Mellor

    Gain Staging - Episode 3 | Podcast

    Preparation for your mix

    In this third episode David continues looking at preamps, outlines the use of VU meters, and explains the benefits of balancing a track prior to mixing.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    Cubase: Beat Designer

    Steinberg Cubase: Tips & Techniques

    Create drum machine‑style grooves in a flash with Cubase’s Beat Designer.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    Digital Performer: Exporting Audio Stems

    MOTU Digital Performer: Tips & Techniques

    DP’s extensive Bounce options make exporting stems a breeze.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    Logic Pro: Advanced Drum Processing

    Apple Logic Pro: Tips & Techniques

    We continue our crash course in editing and mixing drums.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    Pro Tools: New Markers System

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    Navigate busy sessions with ease using Pro Tools’ new Markers system.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    Studio One: Snap, Grid & Quantize Settings

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    We explore how Studio One’s Snap, Grid and Quantize settings interact.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    Cubase: Beat Designer | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These four audio examples accompany the text in the SOS August 2023 Cubase workshop.

    Techniques Aug 2023
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    PreSonus Studio One 6.2 DAW update perpetual Sphere subscription

    PreSonus Studio One 6.2 update now available

    PreSonus Sphere becomes Studio One+

    As well as introducing a range of editing, arranging and mixing improvements to their popular DAW, PreSonus have also announced that PreSonus Sphere, their all-in-one subscription package, has been renamed to Studio One+.

    News
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    Audiokinetic Strata sounds effects library video game interactive media Wwise Reaper integration

    Audiokinetic Strata sound effects collection

    Sound effects library provided as Reaper projects

    Strata is a new sound effects library which offers all of its content in multitrack project files that allow users to customise the sounds for their specific use case. 

    News
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    David Mellor

    Gain Staging - Episode 2 | Podcast

    The Recording Stage

    In the second episode David Mellor focuses on gain staging during recording, by balancing mic input, preamps and gain within your DAW to achieve the optimal sound level.

    Techniques Jul 2023
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    Cubase: Using Chorder For Lo-Fi Chord Voicings

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Want lo‑fi style chord progressions? You need look no further than Cubase’s Chorder MIDI plug‑in.

    Techniques Jul 2023
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    Logic Pro: Multitrack Drum Recording

    Apple Logic Pro: Tips & Techniques

    Logic Pro has all the tools you need to make multitracked drums sound their best.

    Techniques Jul 2023
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    Pro Tools: PlayCell Sample Player

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    Still wary of subscriptions? Avid’s new PlayCell sample player might change your mind...

    Techniques Jul 2023
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    Studio One: Layering Synths Using Multi Instruments

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    In Studio One, Multi Instruments are your fast track to powerful synth layers and splits.

    Techniques Jul 2023
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    Cubase: Using Chorder For Lo-Fi Chord Voicings | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These audio files accompany the Cubase Chorder workshop in SOS July 2023.

    Techniques Jul 2023
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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. 

    News
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    Avid Audiomovers partnership Pro Tools DAW remote collaboration multi-channel audio streaming plug-in tool

    Avid & Audiomovers: Remote collaboration promotion

    LISTENTO subscriptions offers for Pro Tools users

    Avid and Audiomovers have announced a partnership which will offer new and existing Pro Tools subscribers with free or discounted subscriptions to Audiomovers’ LISTENTO plug-in.

    News
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    Acoustica Mixcraft 10 Recording Studio Pro Studio DAW software update

    Acoustica Mixcraft 10 released

    Intuitive Windows-only DAW gets a major upgrade

    The latest version of Mixcraft aims to make creating music easier and more enjoyable for all users, with a range of new features focusing on inspiration, ease of use and stability.

    News
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    Decyne4 Precyne 1.2 hardware studio MIDI sequencer tracker SysEx MIDI Clock sampler software

    Decyne4 Precyne 1.2 update

    Hardware-focused DAW gains powerful new sampler

    Precyne has been designed from the ground up to integrate with hardware-based studios, and now features a powerful new sampler and some audio recording facilities. 

    News
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    Novation FLkey 49

    Novation introduce FLkey 49 & 61

    Dedicated FL Studio controller range expanded

    Novation have added 49- and 61-key models to their FLkey range, providing users of FL Studio with seamless, hands-on control over their DAW.

    News
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    Arturia MiniFuse Pack

    MiniFuse Recording Pack from Arturia

    Company announce hardware & software starter pack

    Arturia’s latest offering bundles together a collection of hardware and software aimed at musicians, producers and content creators looking for an all-in-one recording solution.

    News

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