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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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    Abletunes Infinite Keys free Ableton Live Instrument Rack vintage analogue synth sounds

    Abletunes introduce Infinite Keys for Ableton Live

    Free instrument samples vintage synths & acoustic instruments

    Abletunes' latest free release is a dual-layer Instrument Rack that samples over 30 vintage and modern analogue synthesizers and acoustic instruments.

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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.6 Dorico for iPad 5.1 Android iOS iPadOS mobile DAW recording notation scoring app

    Steinberg update Cubasis and Dorico apps

    Mobile apps gain HALion-powered instruments

    With the arrival of their latest updates, Cubasis and Dorico for iPad now benefit from new built-in instruments powered by the company’s HALion sampling and virtual instrument engine.

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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.

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    Focusrite and Novation customers get 50% discount on Ableton Live 11 Suite Upgrade

    Upgrade to Ableton Live 11 Suite promotion

    Exclusive half-price offer for Focusrite and Novation users

    Focusrite and Novation customers receive a 50% discount when upgrading to Ableton Live 11 Suite until June 30th, 2023.

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    Logic Pro for iPad

    Apple introduces Logic Pro & Final Cut Pro for iPad

    Two new iPad apps for creative professionals

    On May 9th, Apple hosted an informal event in Los Angeles to unveil Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro for iPad.

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    Reason 12.6 DAW update Apple Silicon native Rack Extension plug-in offline mode no internet connection

    Reason 12.6 update

    Native Apple M1/M2 support & new offline mode

    The latest update to Reason brings with it native Apple Silicon support and the ability to use the software without an internet connection.

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    Audacity 3.2 Update free audio editing software

    Audacity 3.2 released

    Real-time effects and non-destructive editing capabilities

    Audacity's latest update brings a host of features that see the software take a step towards becoming a fully fledged DAW.

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    Audiomovers Omnibus

    Audiomovers launch Omnibus

    Offering seamless audio routing options for Mac

    Exclusive to Mac, Omnibus allows audio routing between applications and can combine multiple audio sources into a virtual input.

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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.4

    Steinberg Cubasis 3.4 brings Ableton Link support and many improvements

    Enhanced powerful audio sequencer app for iOS, Android and Chrome OS.

    Steinberg have released Cubasis v3.4 of its powerful audio sequencer app adding support for Ableton Link plus over 75 workflow and performance improvements.

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    Apple Logic Pro X 10.7

    Apple M1 Pro & M1 Max MacBook Pros plus Logic 10.7

    Apple doubles down on Atmos immersive audio enhancements

    New version of Logic Pro X now available; next-gen Apple Silicon MacBook Pros announced.

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    LUNA for UAD interfaces goes live

    UA's recording software launches early

    Universal Audio's DAW is available now!

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    Multitrack DAWs For iPad

    Spotlight

    Thinking of turning your iPad into a mobile recording studio? Check out our round-up of multitrack recording apps first!

    Reviews Jan 2014
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    Steinberg Nuendo v1.5.2

    Multitrack Recording Software [Mac]

    Can Steinberg's professional recording package make an impact in the Pro Tools-dominated Macintosh market? Sam Inglis finds out.

    Reviews Oct 2001
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