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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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    Working With Video

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at building tempo maps for writing to picture in Cubase, using Markers, Time Warping and the Process Tempo command.

    Techniques Dec 2005
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    Working With Video In Cubase SX/SL

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Since its SX reincarnation three years ago, Cubase has once again become one of the most flexible tools for writing music to picture. Let's investigate...

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    MIDI Tracks & Keyboard Functions

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We look at how to use the facilities available to Cubase's MIDI tracks to recreate certain master keyboard functions.

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Tempo Maps For Pre-Recorded Audio

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Sometimes the click can steal the life from a session, so why not start with a live performance?

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Cubase Preferences

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Preferences could be the key to more predictable behaviour and smoother operation — for Cubase, at least!

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Using The Built-In EQ In Cubase SX/SL

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Although there are many third-party equaliser plug-ins available, the EQ built into Cubase SX and SL is both functional and convenient, and has the unique advantage of being closely integrated with the Mixer, Inspector and Channel Settings windows.

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    Q. How can I use side-chains in Steinberg Cubase SX?

    In Cubase SX, can signals be 'routed' to a compressor's side-chain to modulate another signal?

    Sound Advice Sep 2005
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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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    Automating Tasks In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We investigate an interesting script for exporting audio and look at the various options for automating tedious tasks in Cubase.

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    Steinberg Nuendo 3

    Media Production System [Win/Mac OSX]

    Although it includes all the features of Steinberg's Cubase SX3 MIDI + Audio sequencer, Nuendo is targeted at the post-production market. To this end, the new version 3 includes features such as AAF import/export and integration with video editing systems.

    Reviews Jul 2005
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    Customising The Workspace In Cubase SX

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    When you come over all creative or are facing a tight deadline, a lean, mean music-recording machine is a definite advantage. The tools for customising the Cubase SX work environment may not sound very sexy, but they can certainly help your workflow.

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    DSD Support In Cubase?

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We look at the possibility of DSD higher-quality audio support in Cubase, a plug-in to help you write ringtones for Nokia phones, and a new patch for Windows users of Cubase SX/SL 3.02.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Understanding Audio Files In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at the concepts of audio files, clips, events, parts and regions in Cubase, and explain how you can manage these objects in the Pool window.

    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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    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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    Creating Cubase Device Panels

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Device Panels were introduced in Cubase SX 3 to enable the creation of on-screen interfaces for controlling MIDI devices. Here we look at how you can create one to control plug-ins.

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Multi-Channel Projects In Cubase

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Returning to Steinberg Cubase's Mixer window again, we explore ways to make it more manageable when working with Projects that contain a large number of channels.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Cubase: Real-Time MIDI Effects vs Audio FX

    Cubase Tips & Techniques

    Cubase SX has a wide selection of real-time MIDI effects that can often substitute for the more processor-hungry audio effects, as well as opening up other creative possibilities.

    Techniques Jan 2005
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