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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 , eg. 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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    Acoustica Mixcraft 10 Recording Studio Pro Studio DAW software update

    Acoustica Mixcraft 10 released

    Intuitive Windows-only DAW gets a major upgrade

    The latest version of Mixcraft aims to make creating music easier and more enjoyable for all users, with a range of new features focusing on inspiration, ease of use and stability.

    News
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    Decyne4 Precyne 1.2 hardware studio MIDI sequencer tracker SysEx MIDI Clock sampler software

    Decyne4 Precyne 1.2 update

    Hardware-focused DAW gains powerful new sampler

    Precyne has been designed from the ground up to integrate with hardware-based studios, and now features a powerful new sampler and some audio recording facilities. 

    News
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    Novation FLkey 49

    Novation introduce FLkey 49 & 61

    Dedicated FL Studio controller range expanded

    Novation have added 49- and 61-key models to their FLkey range, providing users of FL Studio with seamless, hands-on control over their DAW.

    News
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    Arturia MiniFuse Pack

    MiniFuse Recording Pack from Arturia

    Company announce hardware & software starter pack

    Arturia’s latest offering bundles together a collection of hardware and software aimed at musicians, producers and content creators looking for an all-in-one recording solution.

    News
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    Avid Pro Tools 2023.6 DAW update track markers Dolby Atmos track bus width format

    Pro Tools 2023.6 now available

    Marker improvements & new multi-channel track formats

    The latest Pro Tools update adds a new track markers feature, expanded immersive mixing capabilities and improved interoperability with Media Composer sessions.

    News
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    MAGIX Samplitude Pro X8 Suite recording mixing mastering DAW update

    Samplitude Pro X8 from MAGIX

    Major update to Windows-based DAW

    Samplitude Pro X8 and Pro X8 Suite aim to provide musicians and engineers of all skill levels with a professional set of recording, mixing and mastering tools.

    News
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    Cubase's MIDI Plug-ins Revisited

    Steinberg Cubase Tips & Techniques

    They’ve been with us for years — but you really shouldn’t overlook what Cubase’s MIDI plug‑ins have to offer!

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Customising Reaper's Appearance

    Cockos Reaper: Tips & Techniques

    Did you know you can embed parameter control knobs and some plug‑in GUIs into Reaper’s project and mixer tracks? We reveal how...

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Cubase's MIDI Plug-ins Revisited | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    Sound On Sound June 2023

    Cubase Workshop: Audio Examples

    John Walden...

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    David Mellor

    Gain Staging - Episode 1 | Podcast

    Three Golden Rules

    David Mellor introduces us to Gain Staging in a brand new series of podcasts. In this first episode he explains the correct use of terminology and gives his three golden rules of Gain Staging.

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Using MPE In Digital Performer

    MOTU Digital Performer: Tips & Techniques

    DP is now fully equipped to take advantage of MPE. Are you?

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Logic's Included Delay Plug-ins

    Apple Logic Pro Tips & Tricks

    Logic’s bundled delay plug‑ins might be the only delays you’ll ever need.

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Ableton Live Drift Synthesizer

    Ableton Live Tips & Techniques

    Float away with Live 11.3’s new synth...

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Is Pro Tools Still The Audio Editing King?

    Avid Pro Tools: Tips & Techniques

    Is Pro Tools still king when it comes to editing audio?

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Studio One: What’s New In v6.1?

    PreSonus Studio One Tips & Techniques

    We take a look at what’s new in Studio One version 6.1.

    Techniques Jun 2023
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    Focusrite and Novation customers get 50% discount on Ableton Live 11 Suite Upgrade

    Upgrade to Ableton Live 11 Suite promotion

    Exclusive half-price offer for Focusrite and Novation users

    Focusrite and Novation customers receive a 50% discount when upgrading to Ableton Live 11 Suite until June 30th, 2023.

    News
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    Logic Pro for iPad

    Apple introduces Logic Pro & Final Cut Pro for iPad

    Two new iPad apps for creative professionals

    On May 9th, Apple hosted an informal event in Los Angeles to unveil Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro for iPad.

    News
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    Reason 12.6 DAW update Apple Silicon native Rack Extension plug-in offline mode no internet connection

    Reason 12.6 update

    Native Apple M1/M2 support & new offline mode

    The latest update to Reason brings with it native Apple Silicon support and the ability to use the software without an internet connection.

    News
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    Steinberg Nuendo Live 3 performance recording software

    Steinberg Nuendo Live 3 now available

    New templates feature & updated audio engine

    Nuendo Live 3’s new features include an updated audio engine, matching the latest generation used in Cubase and Nuendo DAWs, HiDPi support, full native support for Apple’s M1 and M2 processors and much more.

    News
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    Cubase 12 Drum Processing With Raiser | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These four audio examples illustrate the ideas discussed in the Cubase workshop in SOS May 2023.

    Techniques May 2023
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    Reaper: Feedback Loops | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These four audio examples illustrate the ideas discussed in the Reaper workshop in SOS May 2023.

    Techniques May 2023

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