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DAW Software

A DAW, which stands for Digital Audio Workstation, is a software tool that enables users to capture, modify, and create audio content. It is utilised in various contexts such as music production, sound design, game audio, film and TV post-production, and podcasting.

Primary uses of a DAW

The primary purposes of contemporary Digital Audio Workstation software comprise: 

Recording: All DAWs enable users to capture audio from different sources like microphones, instruments, and MIDI controllers using an Audio Interface connected to the computer.

Editing:  DAWs enable users to cut, copy, paste, and rearrange sections of audio files. They also provide a range of tools for improving the quality of audio, including noise reduction, EQ, and compression.

Mixing: Digital Audio Workstations enable users to blend various audio tracks, modifying volumes, positioning, and adding effects to produce a unified end result.

Mastering: Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) provide features like loudness normalisation and EQ adjustments to ensure the final audio meets industry standards.

Advantages of utilising a Digital Audio Workstation

Efficiency: DAWs enable users to efficiently record, edit, and produce audio with ease, cutting down on time and effort when compared to traditional analogue techniques.

Flexibility: DAWs offer a wide range of tools and features that allow users to customise their audio production process and achieve the desired results.

Collaboration: Numerous DAWs provide tools that enable users to work together and collaborate on projects from different locations, simplifying the process of collaborating on audio projects such as podcasts and song creation.

Portability: Digital Audio Workstations are compatible with different devices such as desktop computers (Mac/PC) , laptops and tablets, allowing users to work on audio projects conveniently from any location.

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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    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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    What Does Logic v7.1 Offer?

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    After months of speculation Apple have finally announced the release of the first major Logic 7 upgrade, but what can users expect from version 7.1?

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Better Acoustic Guitar Recording In Logic

    Logic Tips & Techniques

    We explain how you can mock up a live acoustic guitar sound from a DI'd recording, using Logic's built-in plug-ins.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    DP: 3rd Party Developments

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    Now that the excitement surrounding the launch of DP 4.5 has subsided somewhat, developments by MOTU-friendly companies get this month's column under way.

    Techniques Jun 2005
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    Automation In Digital Performer 4.5

    Digital Performer Tips & Techniques

    If you are a user of MOTU's Digital Performer sequencing software, you have access to an extensive and full-featured automated mixing environment. Here's how to use it...

    Techniques Jun 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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    Merging Technologies Pyramix

    Digital Audio Workstation [Win PC]

    Pyramix might be the new kid on the block as far as audio recording and editing are concerned, but that hasn't stopped it quickly proving itself a very serious rival to Pro Tools and other established DAWs.

    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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    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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