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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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    Logic Pro's AI Mastering Assistant

    Apple Logic Pro: Tips & Techniques

    We hand over the studio keys to Logic’s new AI‑powered Mastering Assistant.

    Techniques . Feb 2024
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    Pro Tools: Hardware Control Of Audio Plug‑ins

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    We explore the many options for controlling Pro Tools using hardware.

    Techniques . Feb 2024
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    Studio One: Getting Creative With Dolby Atmos

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    With Studio One 6.5 you already have all the tools you need to mix in Atmos, so why not give it a go?

    Techniques . Feb 2024
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    MAGIX Software Sequoia v17

    MAGIX unveils ground-breaking update with Sequoia 17

    New Object-Oriented Editing, 32-Channel Surround & 3D Audio, Ambisonics & Vector-based Amplitude Panning

    Key enhancements in Sequoia 17 involve object-oriented editing, 32-channel surround plus 3D audio, visualisations and metering for different inputs, source-destination cut, live editing workflow, and more...

    News
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    Cubase: Managing The Low Mids With Frequency 2

    Steinberg Cubase: Tips & Techniques

    Wrestling with low‑mid mud? Cubase’s dynamic EQ can help.

    Techniques . Jan 2024
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    Digital Performer: Audio For Picture

    MOTU Digital Performer: Tips & Techniques

    Digital Performer has everything you need to work with audio for picture.

    Techniques . Jan 2024
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    Pro Tools: Perpetual Licence Or Subscription Plan?

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    Perpetual licence or subscription plan? Find out which is best for your needs.

    Techniques . Jan 2024
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    Studio One: Notation & Tablature Options

    PreSonus Studio One: Tips & Techniques

    Studio One now includes some powerful notation and tablature options. Let's explore...

    Techniques . Jan 2024
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    Cubase: Managing The Low Mids With Frequency 2 | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These three audio examples accompany our Cubase workshop in SOS January 2024.

    Techniques Jan 2024
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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.6 Dorico for iPad 5.1 Android iOS iPadOS mobile DAW recording notation scoring app

    Steinberg update Cubasis and Dorico apps

    Mobile apps gain HALion-powered instruments

    With the arrival of their latest updates, Cubasis and Dorico for iPad now benefit from new built-in instruments powered by the company’s HALion sampling and virtual instrument engine.

    News
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    Avid Pro Tools 2023.12 built-in Dolby Atmos renderer DAW update

    Avid launch Pro Tools 2023.12

    DAW gains integrated Dolby Atmos renderer

    The latest version of Pro Tools introduces a built-in Dolby Atmos renderer, overhauls the marker and memory location system, adds I/O colour-coding options and much more. 

    News
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    Bitwig Orchestral Tools Brass sound package expansion samples

    Orchestral Brass from Bitwig & Orchestral Tools

    Joins Orchestral Strings and Woodwind packages

    Orchestral Brass provides Bitwig Studio users with a range of high-quality brass samples that have been optimised specifically for use within the DAW’s Sampler tool.

    News
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    Bitwig Studio 5.1 DAW update electronic music production semi modular synthesis software

    Bitwig Studio 5.1 arrives

    Full release version now available

    Following a recent beta release, Bitwig have announced that the full release version of their Bitwig Studio DAW is now available. 

    News
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    Avid Pro Tools 2023.9

    Music Production Software

    Pro Tools users can now join the clip‑launching party without leaving the comfort of their favourite DAW.

    Reviews . Dec 2023
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    Power Up Your MIDI Arpeggiators

    Arp Attack!

    Using only the tools built into your DAW, you can turn your arpeggiations into complex, engaging sequences.

    Techniques . Dec 2023
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    PreSonus Studio One 6.5

    Digital Audio Workstation

    The latest update to PreSonus’ top of the line DAW introduces comprehensive Dolby Atmos integration and more besides.

    Reviews . Dec 2023
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    Steinberg Cubase Pro 13

    Digital Audio Workstation

    Cubase Pro 13 may be light on headline features, but its raft of small improvements makes it a worthwhile upgrade.

    Reviews . Dec 2023
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    Power Up Your MIDI Arpeggiators | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These audio files accompany the Power Up Your MIDI Arpeggiators article in SOS December 2023 edition.

    Techniques Dec 2023
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    Steinberg Nuendo 13 post-production ADR dialogue editing immersive audio Dolby Atmos MPEG-H Audio DAW

    Steinberg unveil Nuendo 13

    MPEG-H support, new ADR Script Reader & more

    Nuendo 13 delivers a range of improvements to the built-in immersive audio capabilities, as well as kitting out sound designers, mixers, dialogue editors and ADR engineers with a whole host of helpful new tools and features.

    News
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    Ableton Live 12 clip launching production live performance DAW update

    Ableton to launch Live 12

    New MIDI tools, devices, sound packs & more

    Live 12 introduces a set of new features designed to spark musical creativity, including new MIDI tools that help to generate unexpected ideas and a range of improvements that allow users to work more intuitively.

    News
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    Universal Audio LUNA analogue emulation DAW free Mac

    Universal Audio’s LUNA DAW now free

    Available to Mac users with no hardware purchase required

    Having previously only been available to those who own Apollo interfaces, UA's LUNA DAW is now supported natively on macOS and free to all. 

    News

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