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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 - 20 of 20 items
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    Advanced Timing Correction

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We all know that Beat Detective can be used to fix up dodgy drumming. But how about creating a tempo map from a freely played keyboard part? Or replacing a piano track with note-for-note accuracy? You can achieve amazing results when you know how...

    Techniques Dec 2005
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    Digiworld 2005; Pro Tools 7

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Once again, there's a bumper crop of news from Digi-world to report, including the long-awaited jump to version 7 of Pro Tools.

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    Managing iLok Plug-in Licences

    Sound Advice

    There can't be many Pro Tools users left who have not had to invest in an iLok key in order to run their favourite plug-ins. But did you know that you can insure, transfer and even buy and sell iLok plug-in licences electronically? Find out more...

    Techniques Nov 2005
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    Maintenance Updates; Plug-ins

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    This month brings news of further maintenance updates to Pro Tools, plus some intriguing plug-in launches...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Using Pro Tools' Strip Silence Function

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The Strip Silence window in Pro Tools allows you to automate complex edits that would take hours to do by hand. Find out how...

    Techniques Oct 2005
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    Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts In Pro Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    You'd be surprised at the things you can do without opening a menu in Pro Tools. And if there's no shortcut for the command you need, why not create your own?

    Techniques Sep 2005
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    OS X Tiger • Pro Tools 6.9 Bug-fixing

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    It's update frenzy this month, as Digidesign deal with the move to OS X Tiger and iron out more of the bugs in Pro Tools 6.9.

    Techniques Sep 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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    What's New In Pro Tools 6.9

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Version 6.9 of Pro Tools is here, bringing with it the usual slew of improvements and changes — and the odd pitfall for the unwary. Here's what you need to know if you are thinking of taking the plunge.

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    Keeping Your Pro Tools Sessions On Track

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    In a busy recording studio, no-one wants to be hanging around while you duplicate individual tracks or try to locate 'take six'. Here we lift the lid on some essential session-smoothing tips and techniques.

    Techniques Jul 2005
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    Pro Tools Updates & Free EQ Plug-in

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    This month sees a high-quality, free EQ plug-in gracing the Digirack suite, some intriguing options for collaboration via the Internet, and a host of updates.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Pro Tools M-Powered

    Recording Software [Win/Mac OS X]

    For the first time ever, Digidesign's Pro Tools recording software is available as a stand-alone product, which can be used in conjunction with any of five audio interfaces from M-Audio.

    Reviews Jun 2005
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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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    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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    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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    Pro Tools: Tick-based Audio Tracks

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    We take a closer look at one of the more understated improvements introduced in the version 6.7 upgrade. What are tick-based audio tracks, how do they work, and what can you do with them?

    Techniques Mar 2005
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    Pro Tools Shuffle Mode

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Pro Tools was originally designed as an audio editor, and it still has some very powerful tools for quick and accurate editing. This month we explain the mysteries of Shuffle mode, and looks at the ways in which key commands and memory locations can speed up your editing.

    Techniques Feb 2005
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    Pro Tools 6.7: New MIDI Tools

    Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    Our new columnist provides the detailed lowdown on a new version of Pro Tools...

    Techniques Jan 2005
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