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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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    You can define how song sections behave, and select them during performances using big, touchscreen‑friendly buttons.

    Studio One: The Show Page revisited

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    The Show Page has evolved in the last few years, and makes it easy to take your productions on the road. Let's revisit what it offers...

    Techniques . Apr 2024
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    Studio One: Surround Delay & OpenAir2

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Now we know how to get immersive in Studio One, let’s add some delay and reverb to our Atmos mixes!

    Techniques . Mar 2024
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    Studio One: Getting Creative With Dolby Atmos

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    With Studio One 6.5 you already have all the tools you need to mix in Atmos, so why not give it a go?

    Techniques . Feb 2024
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    Studio One: Notation & Tablature Options

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Studio One now includes some powerful notation and tablature options. Let's explore...

    Techniques . Jan 2024
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    Studio One: Video Editing

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Studio One, from version 6 on, is now a surprisingly powerful video editor!

    Techniques Nov 2023
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    Studio One: Using Bend Markers

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Bend Markers let you manipulate your audio timing with ease.

    Techniques Oct 2023
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    PreSonus Studio One 6.5 DAW update surround Dolby Atmos immersive audio support

    Studio One 6.5 has arrived

    DAW gains surround & immersive support

    The headline feature of Studio One 6.5 is something which many users have been waiting for: support for immersive audio formats including Dolby Atmos.

    News
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    Studio One: Exploring Quantisation Features

    Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Clean up your MIDI with Studio One’s comprehensive quantise options.

    Techniques Sep 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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    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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    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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    Studio One: What’s New In v6.1?

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at what’s new in Studio One version 6.1.

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    The fully expanded console view.

    Using Studio One's Mixing Console

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We explore the mixing possibilities offered by Studio One’s console.

    Techniques May 2023
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    Studio One: Editing Audio

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Tricks

    We talk you through the basics of editing audio in Studio One.

    Techniques Apr 2023
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    PreSonus Studio One 6.1 Professional Artist Prime Sphere DAW software upgrade update

    PreSonus Studio One 6.1 arrives

    Mastering, video & lyrics enhancements

    The first major update to the latest version of Studio One expands the DAW's mastering, video and lyrics capabiltities, as well as introducing a range of features that include new colouring and macro options. 

    News
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    Studio One: Get Started Recording Audio

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We show you how to get started recording audio in Studio One.

    Techniques Mar 2023
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    Studio One: Vocoder

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We don our shiniest Daft Punk helmets and get funky with Studio One’s Vocoder.

    Techniques Feb 2023
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    Integrating Lyrics In Studio One Projects

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Your Studio One productions can now have integrated lyrics.

    Techniques Jan 2023
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    Studio One: Presence XT

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One's virtual instrument Presence XT comes with a huge array of sounds, and many ways to mangle them.

    Techniques Oct 2022
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    PreSonus Studio One 6 DAW software upgrade update

    PreSonus release Studio One 6

    Introduces customisable user interface and new template options

    The latest version of Studio One introduces a host of new features and enhancements, including new Smart Templates, advanced mixer functions and a customisable user interface. 

    News
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    Studio One: Melodyne Essential

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Included with Studio One Professional, Melodyne Essential has (almost) all the time‑ and pitch‑correction power you’ll ever need!

    Techniques Sep 2022

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