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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 television post-production, and podcasting.

The main functions of modern-day DAW 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.

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 and work on projects remotely, making it easier to work with others on audio projects.
  • 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 and 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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    Sonar now free, renamed ‘Cakewalk by BandLab’

    Windows DAW free to download with Sonar Platinum feature set

    In November, Gibson publicly killed Cakewalk. Then, three months later, BandLab Technologies announced they...

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    Cakewalk Sonar lives!

    [Updated] BandLab Technologies to continue development of Cakewalk products

    [Updated 17.20, 23/02/18] BandLab Technologies — the company behind social music platform BandLab, as well as Rolling Stone magazine, Mono cases, Harmony Guitars and more — have today announced the acquisition of certain assets and the complete set of intellectual property of Cakewalk Inc.

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    Ableton Live 10 out now (Video)

    We get a demo of the new Wavetable synth

    We brought you news of the latest update to Ableton Live back in...

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    Logic Pro 10.4 adds Smart Tempo, new reverb and more

    Also Vintage EQ and Drummers with brushes added

    It’s day one of the annual NAMM Show in Anaheim, a convergence of 100,000 musicians, producers and music gear...

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    Cubase 9.5 introduced

    64-bit mix engine, 16 plug-ins per track, automation curves and more added

    Steinberg have today launched Cubase 9.5, which puts a clear emphasis on user-requested features and...

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    Ableton reveal Live 10

    Wavetable synth, Echo, Push 2 improvements, better Max for Live integration added

    Ableton Live has long been a different beast to other DAWs, not least because of its clip launcher (or...

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    GarageBand for iOS and Logic Remote updated

    Beat Sequencer, full-screen AUs, 24-bit recording & Sound Library added

    Garageband for iOS comes free with every iPhone and iPad, making it one of the most widely owned pieces...

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    Propellerhead announce Reason 10

    DAW adds new synths, organic instruments and more

    Propellerhead Software have today announced Reason 10 in a move they’re calling "the biggest content update ever for Reason owners.”

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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...

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    Audient unveils ARC - The Creative Hub

    Hardware makers give away £500 of software for free to all users

    Console and audio interface makers Audient have teamed up with some of the industry’s leading innovators — including...

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    MAGIX Sequoia 14 available now

    Melodyne integration & Avid S6 support added. Now ships with SpectraLayers 4

    Since their acquisition of several Sony Creative Software products including Sound Forge and the Acid series, Magix...

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    Reason 9.5 update brings VST plug-in support

    Long-requested feature added to Reason

    When Propellerhead Reason debuted way back in 2001, it was revolutionary: an affordable, self-contained...

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    NI Maschine 2.6.5 update intros Ideas View

    Free software update adds Ideas View for easy mixing and matching

    Native Instruments have released the Maschine 2.6.5 software update, available free for all Maschine 2 customers.

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    Acoustica premiere new Mixcraft 8 production software

    New DAW features Melodyne integration and ability to control plug-in parameters with audio

    Acoustica have announced Mixcraft 8 Recording Studio and Mixcraft 8 Pro Studio, the latest updates to their...

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    Reason 9.2 expands plug-in SDK

    Free update extends developer options

    Propellerhead Software have released Reason 9.2, the newest update to the Reason music production...

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    Apple's Logic Pro 10.3 adds long-requested features

    Adds clip-based processing, true stereo panning, track alternatives and more

    Apple have released a free update to their flagship DAW, Logic Pro X. Their latest revision...

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    Steinberg launch Cubase 9 series

    Sampler Track, Mix Console History & new EQ added

    Steinberg have today announced Cubase 9, a substantial update to their DAW. The three new versions of...

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    Cakewalk announce SONAR Home Studio

    Entry-level DAW released with 'Touch' and 'Lenses' features

    Press Release: Cakewalk, dedicated to powerful and thoughtfully designed software for modern...

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    Pro Tools 12.6 introduces Clip Effects

    Avid power up the editing capabilities of their flagship DAW package.

    Since moving to a subscription model with Pro Tools 12, Avid have produced a steady stream of incremental...

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    Ableton Link now available for desktop apps – with more to come

    Reason, Serato DJ and Max integrate tempo-sync technology

    Since its release last year, Ableton’s Link has made musical collaboration using iOS apps much easier. By...

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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...

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