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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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    Write In Cubase, Mix In Pro Tools

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you like Cubase's sequencing capabilities but prefer to mix your projects in another application (eg. Pro Tools), we show you how to get your soft-synth parts from one app to the other.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Using REX Files In Ableton Live

    Live Tips & Techniques

    Ableton Live 5 doesn't work with REX files, right? Well, technically speaking, it does not support the 'official' REX file format. But not only can you create your own REX-style slicing within Live, the 'do it yourself' stretching method we describe in this article can be surprisingly flexible.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    What's New In Logic v7.2

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Although the new version of Logic is billed just as a Universal Binary crossgrade, it does more than simply allow the sequencer to run on the new Intel-based Macs. Read on...

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Achieving Flexible Tempo In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    If you favour the feel of music that results from real people playing real instruments, the strict-tempo approach of a sequencer can feel like a straitjacket. But DP offers many ways of breaking out, and this month we explore them, as well as bringing news of the major update that is Digital Performer v5.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Setting Up Pro Tools For Surround Sound

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    More and more post-production work is ending up in surround-compatible formats, such as DVD. We explain how to set up your Pro Tools system to do that work, and give some guidelines on recording and mixing in surround.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Using Hardware Controllers with Reason 3

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    In all the excitement about Reason 3's Combinator device, the powerful new Remote hardware control functionality has been sadly overlooked — so let's remedy that situation with this article...

    Techniques Apr 2006
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    Useful Sonar Features You May Have Missed

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    In a program as complex and feature-rich as Sonar, it's almost inevitable that there are useful little facilities that could make your life easier, which you have somehow overlooked or forgotten. We turn the spotlight on some of the best.

    Techniques Apr 2006
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