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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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    PreSonus Studio One 6.6 DAW Dolby Atmos Renderer Apple Spatial Audio TuneCore mixes virtual instrument update

    PreSonus Studio One 6.6 arrives

    Atmos enhancement, new Lead Architect VI, TuneCore upload & new hybrid licensing model

    The latest Studio One update expands on the DAW's immersive capabilities as well as adding a new virtual instrument, implementing TuneCore integration, and offering an alternative licensing option.

    News
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    DAWproject file format Bitwig PreSonus Studio One share projects

    Bitwig and PreSonus’ new DAWproject format

    Transfer project files between DAWs

    Bitwig and PreSonus have announced a new project file format that allows users of different DAWs to share session files.

    News
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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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    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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    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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    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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    PreSonus Studio One 5.2

    Studio One 5.2 released

    PreSonus DAW updated

    Update adds improved handling of articulations, drum and tabulature scoring, enhanced Show Page and more.

    News
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    PreSonus Studio One 5

    PreSonus Studio One 5 unveiled

    Major update adds clip launching, plus enhanced MIDI and mixer functionality

    Major update adds clip launching, an integrated score editor, enhanced MIDI and mixer functionality, and more.

    News
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    PreSonus Studio One 4 out now

    DAW update adds Harmonic Editing, Patterns and Drum Editor

    PreSonus Studio One, the company’s capable DAW has undergone a fairly serious overhaul for version 4.

    ...

    News
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    Blue intro Raspberry Studio recording system

    All-in-one package offers USB mic plus recording and mastering software

    Renowned microphone makers Blue have today announced Raspberry Studio, an all-in-one mobile...

    News
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    PreSonus Notion 6/Studio One 3.3 now shipping

    Notion adds handwriting recognition and better integration

    PreSonus is now shipping Notion 6, a major upgrade to its popular notation software that adds handwriting recognition and fuller integration with Studio One 3.3...

    News
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