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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.

Displaying 1 - 21 of 70 items
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    Vocal Processing

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Having done your best to capture a high-quality recording of your vocals, how best do you go about processing them so they work in your mix?

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Looking After Logic

    Performance & Maintenance Tips

    Housekeeping tasks might not be as much fun as making music, but staying on top of them should ensure safely backed-up tracks and a hassle-free system performing at its best.

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Using Window Configurations

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    You can save time and cut down on mouse-clicks by using Pro Tools' window management features.

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Reason ReGroove: Getting Your Groove On

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Think computer music's got no soul? Think again! Join us as we explore Reason's ReGroove mixer...

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Transient Shaping With Sonar 8's TS64

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    There's more to dynamics than compression and expansion, and now transient shaping is part of Sonar 8, courtesy of the TS64 Transient Shaper plug-in.

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Plug-in Management In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    If you've lots of third-party plug-ins in different formats, it can be a pain to keep tabs on where they're stored and which version to use. We explain how DP's plug-in manager functionality can help, as well as offering guidance on DP6 features, including the essential new 'pre-generation'.

    Techniques Dec 2008
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    Linked Channels

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    If you want to group tracks in Cubase, Group channels aren't always the best option. We explore what you can and can't do with the Link Channels function.

    Techniques Nov 2008
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    Quantisation & Groove Functions In Logic

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Logic's quantisation facilities can do lots more than just helping you to tidy up sloppy timing — although they can certainly do that. Here's a simple guide to some of the possibilities.

    Techniques Nov 2008
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    Inside Transfuser

    Getting The Best From Digidesign's Groove Instrument

    Digidesign's Transfuser plug-in is a sequencer within a sequencer — not to mention a sampler, loop-slicer, synth, drum machine and effects unit! We offer some expert tips to help you get to grips with it.

    Techniques Nov 2008
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    Sonar: Creating Loop-based Music

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sonar was one of the first DAWs to take looping seriously — which means that you'll find plenty of tools for making loop-based music easier.

    Techniques Nov 2008
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    Aligning Kick & Bass Parts

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Kick drums and bass instruments underpin most contemporary popular music, and it sometimes pays to tweak performances so they work better together.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Digital Performer 6 Upgrade Guide

    Digital Performer Notes & Techniques

    Digital Performer has retained the same basic look and feel from its introduction right up to version 5.13 — but no more. The new DP6 looks almost like a different application, and conforms much more to OS X standards, so this month we bring you the first-look guide to what's new.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Using Clip Envelopes In Ableton Live

    Ableton Live Notes & Techniques

    Clip Envelopes offer a powerful alternative to standard track-based automation, and have many creative and practical applications, so let's see what they can do...

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Using Logic's Takes Feature For Comping

    Logic Notes & Techniques

    Logic 8's 'Takes' functionality makes comping together several different passes of the same part quick and easy. We show you how to do it.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Bass Guitar Recording With Sonar

    Sonar Notes & Techniques

    Sonar includes many effects that are useful for bass guitars, and also offers bass-friendly features that help speed up the recording process.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Contextual Menus

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The addition of comprehensive support for right-clicking in recent versions of Pro Tools has revolutionised the user experience. We explain how to get the best from the new functionality.

    Techniques Oct 2008
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    Multitrack Export Revisited

    Exploring Cubase 4.1's Audio Input Routing

    Cubase's new routing options enable you to export multiple audio tracks in one go: we take you step by step through the process.

    Techniques Sep 2008
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    Understanding Ultrabeat: Part 2: The Synthesizer

    Expand Your Sonic Horizon

    Ultrabeat has powers beyond simple drum pattern creation, offering a synthesis section that's the key to more varied percussive sounds and rhythmic effects.

    Techniques Sep 2008
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    Side-chain Compression In Reason

    Reason Notes & Techniques

    Side-chain compression can be the difference between a flat, lifeless mix and an adrenalised floor-filler. Learn how to capture the French house sound, and add an extra little twist.

    Techniques Sep 2008
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    How To Use VCA Groups

    Digidesign (Avid) Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Used correctly, VCA groups can make a big difference when you're faced with a complex mix and lots of automation.

    Techniques Sep 2008
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    Digital Performer's Memory Cycle Feature

    Digital Performer Notes & Technique

    DP's Memory Cycle can benefit you whatever kind of music you make. We look at how to work smart and fast with this crucial feature.

    Techniques Sep 2008

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