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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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    Cubase: Multiband Mastering Template

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    How to set up a multiband mastering project template in Cubase.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Pro Tools: New Bundled Plug-ins

    Avid Pro Tools Tips & Techniques

    The latest Pro Tools release gives subscribers a wealth of
 new plug-ins to enjoy.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Reason: New Tricks

    Propellerhead Reason Tips & Techniques

    The latest juicy Reason 10.2 update serves up a generous scoop of workflow smoothers.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Logic Pro X's Legacy Plug-ins

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Techniques

    Logic's Legacy plug-ins offer some great music-making tools — you just need to know where to look...

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Studio One 4: Channel Editor FX Chains

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    Studio One's ability to make many plug-ins work as one can save you a lot of time and effort.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Open Labs Stagelight 4

    Touch-friendly DAW For Desktop & Mobile OS

    Can a single DAW really perform well on laptop, tablet and mobile phone?

    Reviews Jan 2019
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    Ableton: Auto-switching Instrument Racks

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Find out how to prepare your Instrument Rack for performance in Live.

    Techniques Jan 2019
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    Cakewalk By Bandlab: TTS-1 Synth

    Cakewalk / Sonar Tips & Techniques

    TTS‑1 is over 14 years old, still on version 1.00 and comes bundled free with BandLab. Yet to dismiss it would be a mistake, because the TTS‑1 has a number of really useful mobile-friendly features.

    Techniques Jan 2019

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