You are here

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.

Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 items
  • link

    Solving MIDI Timing Problems

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Early notes, late notes, stacked notes... There's a range of problems that could stem from MIDI timing issues — but fortunately we have solutions to offer.

    Techniques Dec 2007
  • link

    Audio Warp

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase's audio warp facilities provide a powerful toolkit for manipulating the timing of recorded audio to fit grids and grooves.

    Techniques Nov 2007
  • link

    Using Reverb & Delay

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Reverb and delay are vital tools for mixing. We explain how to get the best from Cubase's bundled plug-ins.

    Techniques Oct 2007
  • link

    Time-stretching

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase is packed with as much functionality as Doctor Who's TARDIS for bending the laws of time, and while the basics are easy, it pays to explore a little deeper.

    Techniques Sep 2007
  • link

    MIDI Dynamics | Audio

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Controlling your synth's dynamics using MIDI, rather than audio plug-ins, can offer you greater flexibility and good results. Here's how you do it.

    Techniques Aug 2007
  • link

    MIDI Dynamics

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Controlling your synth's dynamics using MIDI, rather than audio plug-ins, can offer you greater flexibility and good results. Here's how you do it.

    Techniques Aug 2007
  • link

    Working With Multiple Takes

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Love it or loathe it, computer-based recording has made compiling the perfect performance a whole lot easier than with that pesky tape. We look at 'comping' techniques in Cubase 4.

    Techniques Jul 2007
  • link

    Creating Rhythm Effects With MIDI Gate | Audio Files

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    For newsstand readers without subscriber access rights, here is an unlocked version of the MP3 audio files that accompany the June 2007 Cubase Notes article.

    Techniques Jun 2007
  • link

    Creating Rhythmic Effects With MIDI Gate

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Using a gate to create rhythmic performances from sustained sounds is a classic dance music trick, but the same approach can work in almost any contemporary music style. Find out more...

    Techniques Jun 2007
  • link

    Drum Triggering

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you've ever wanted a cheap and easy way to do drum replacement with Cubase, there are some good solutions out there...

    Techniques May 2007
  • link

    Multi-band Compression

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Dynamics processing plays an important part in almost all modern music production. We look at some practical examples using Cubase 4's built-in dynamics plug-ins.

    Techniques Apr 2007
  • link

    Cubase's Play Order Track

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase's Play Order Track is a powerful, but often overlooked, facility that is a Godsend for songwriters, composers and remixers alike.

    Techniques Mar 2007
  • link

    Designing Cubase Synth Pads

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Creating your own synth patches is one way to add a unique element to your music projects. We look at how you can get started designing your own pad sounds using the VST Instruments supplied with Cubase.

    Techniques Feb 2007
  • link

    Designing Cubase Synth Pads | Audio Files

    Hear For Yourself

    Creating your own synth patches is one way to add a unique element to your music projects. This month we look at how can you can get started designing your own pad sounds using the VST Instruments supplied with Cubase.

    Techniques Feb 2007
  • link

    Q. How do I adjust Velocity values of drum sounds in Cubase?

    I'm using Cubase and have I just bought the BFD plug in. I've programmed in all the MIDI notes for the...

    Sound Advice Feb 2007
  • link

    Track Presets

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Track Presets might not add anything to the sonic possibilities offered within Cubase 4 but Steinberg have been very keen to blow this particular marketing trumpet. So just what can Track Presets do for you?

    Techniques Jan 2007
Subscribe to RSS - DAWs