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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 - 14 of 14 items
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    Cubase SX/SL 3.1

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We investigate the major and minor new features on offer in Cubase SX/SL 3.1.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Replacing Drums In Cubase SX

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    You've recorded a real drummer, but the drum sound just doesn't cut it. Is there anything you can do to rescue things?

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Apple Logic Express

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Mac OS X]

    Buying the Express version of Apple's Logic will save you a cool £500 over the full-blown Pro edition — and you'll still get a mighty powerful sequencer...

    Reviews Aug 2005
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    Logic v7.1 Stability Issues

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at some of the stability problems still lurking in v7.1 under Tiger, and also reveal a couple of extra plug-ins tucked away in the new OS upgrade.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Recording Electric Guitars In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Find out how to record a great electric guitar sound into Logic, and which of the plug-ins have the most impact at the mixdown stage...

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Discwelder Bronze DVD-Audio Trial

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    More news and ideas from the DP scene — as well as some good old-fashioned rumour-mongering...

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Practical Groove Quantisation In Digital Performer

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    This month's Digital Performer workshop aims to help you get into the groove more effectively, through the use of the program's sophisticated quantisation facilities.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Waves DSP • Editor's Keys • Mac OS 10.4 Compatability

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    News of a new hardware DSP system from Waves; a mini-review of a keyboard sticker set for Pro Tools from Editor's Keys; the latest information on compatibility with Mac OS 10.4, and plug-in news.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Comparing Audio Restoration Plug-ins In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We line up three of the most popular audio restoration packages available for Pro Tools. Which gives the most natural results, which is easiest to use, and how do you get the best from them?

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Electromechanical Refill Updated

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    On the menu: Tiger tussles with Reload, Propellerhead's Akai sample-management software, the excellent free Electromechanical Refill gets an update, and quick tips.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Using The Malström Synth In Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    The Malström device can certainly be used as a conventional synth, but behind its slightly bizarre green front panel lies a powerful graintable sound engine begging to be exploited to the full. We show you how...

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    64-bit Info, Updates & Tips

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    This month more about 64-bit computing and details of a Mackie control-surface update for Sonar users — and we offer handy tips on taming mute tools and MIDI notes.

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Making The Most Of EQ In Sonar v4

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    When is an EQ not just an EQ? When it's the Sonar v4 Producer Edition Sonitus EQ and you use it for some of the amazing processing tricks we're about to explain!

    Techniques Aug 2005
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    Mackie Tracktion 2

    MIDI + Audio Sequencer [Windows/Mac OSX]

    Tracktion's designers have given the program a thorough overhaul and added some significant new features. But have they succeeded in retaining its freshness and ease of use?

    Reviews Aug 2005
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