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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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    Using Pro Tools' Keyboard Commands Focus

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Most people find that learning keyboard commands for their DAW enables them to get things done faster, and for the advanced user, Pro Tools has a special mode which turns the entire QWERTY keyboard into a bank of one-press shortcuts.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Audio Input For Reason

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    With some clever programming, an Italian software house have created a program that claims to add an audio input to Reason. We take a sneak peek, as well as bringing you essential Reason news and quick tips.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Cakewalk Z3TA+ Unleashed...

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    Cakewalk go global, and release a new soft synth.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Magix Samplitude Professional v8

    Digital Audio Workstation [Windows]

    The tools available in Magix's highly regarded recording package cover every stage of the recording process, from MIDI sequencing to mastering and CD burning. Version 8 adds some neat extras including analogue-style processors, a virtual drum machine and an Acid-style beat-mapping tool.

    Reviews Jun 2005
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    Building Combinator Patches in Reason 3

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    The most exciting addition to the new version of Reason is arguably the Combinator device, which greatly expands the flexibility and programming potential of everything in the Reason rack. We guide you through the creation of a Combinator patch to get you started with this great new device.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Exploring Sonar 4's TTS1 Synth

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    The TTS1 soft synth bundled with Sonar 4 has many hidden talents — but you have to know where to find them. Read on...

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Cubase: Folder Tracks & Folder Parts

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Steinberg originally introduced the concept of Folder tracks in Cubase VST, as a way of organising the track list in the Arrange window. This month we look at how this feature became even more powerful in Cubase SX, and how to make the most of it.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Logic's Catch & Link Modes

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Combining Logic's Catch and Link modes can greatly increase the usefulness of multi-window Screensets, but it is not always clear, especially to new users, how the various options work.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Digital Performer: EQing Tracks

    Digital Performer Notes

    We explain how to tweak your tracks with MOTU's answer to Sony's Oxford EQ and speed up your workflow with the essential DP keyboard shortcut selection!

    Techniques May 2005
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    Pro Tools Plug-in News

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We bring you all the latest news from the Digidesign universe...

    Techniques May 2005
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    Troubleshooting Your Pro Tools System

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Whatever computer recording system you use, the chances are it's going to fall over sooner or later, and Pro Tools is no exception. So before you call the technical support line, take a look at Sound On Sound's guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common faults.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Reason: New Refills & Tips

    Reason Tips & Techniques

    This month: new Refills and tweaking techniques for Reason v3, plus the usual haul of time-saving tips.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Propellerhead Reason v3

    Virtual Electronic Studio [Mac OS X/PC]

    Astonishingly, Reason is now over four years old! Version 3 adds performance-enhancing features and mastering facilities, losing only Mac OS 9 support on the way. We bring you the first UK review of the full release version.

    Reviews May 2005
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    Sonar: Studio or Producer?

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    It's time to address the Studio versus Producer question, as well as looking into a new Sonar remote-control option.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Composite Vocal Recording (In Sonar 4)

    Sonar Tips & Techniques

    The audio sequencing facilities we have at our disposal these days make it easier than ever before to produce world-class vocal recordings by taking the best parts from a series of takes and producing a composite from them. Here's how to do the job in Sonar 4.

    Techniques May 2005
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    Fervent Software Studio To Go

    Bootable Linux Software Suite For PC

    If you are attracted by the idea of Linux and open-source music software, but put off by the thought of installing it on your PC, there is another way: a bootable CD-ROM containing both the OS and all the software you need, ready to go.

    Reviews May 2005
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    Cubase: Using Non-Real-time Processing

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    While processing 100s of channels with effects in real time has increasingly become the norm for most of us, there are still occasions when not processing audio in real time can be useful. We look at how to achieve this in Cubase SX.

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Logic: Using Sidechains

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    Sidechains are usually associated with effects processing, but they are also available in many of Logic's internal soft synths. So what can you do with them?

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Digital Performer: Future Features & Tempo Analysis

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    MOTU hinted at even more additions to DP during January 2005's NAMM show. We get a sneak preview, as well as exploring the program's Tempo Analysis powers.

    Techniques Apr 2005
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    Easier Alternatives To Flagship Music Apps

    PC Musician

    Flagship sequencer apps are so packed with features that it could almost be a full-time job learning the package of your choice. If your needs are simpler, why not make it easy on yourself and investigate one of many options that are more entry-level or cut-down, yet still remarkably capable?

    Reviews Apr 2005
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    Better Vocal Sounds In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We look at a range of techniques you can try to help you produce a better vocal sound for your project.

    Techniques Apr 2005

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