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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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    Fender Studio Pro 8.1

    DAW Software

    The latest version of Studio Pro introduces some serious AI firepower, thanks to a collaboration with Moises.

    Reviews Aug 2026
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    Bitwig Studio 6

    Music Production Software

    Bitwig 6 brings a host of updates, but the big news is how automation has been reconfigured into a creative tool.

    Reviews Jun 2026
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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.8

    DAW Software For iOS & Android

    Steinberg’s mobile DAW gets ever closer to the desktop experience.

    Reviews Apr 2026
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    Fender Studio Pro 8

    Digital Audio Workstation

    There’s lots to catch up on as PreSonus Studio One becomes Fender Studio Pro.

    Reviews Mar 2026
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    SoundBridge DAW

    DAW Software

    The world is not short of DAWs, so what sets SoundBridge’s offering apart?

    Reviews Mar 2026
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    Apple Logic Pro 12

    DAW Software

    The latest release of Logic Pro has been introduced as part of Apple’s Creator Studio bundle, but does Logic Pro 12 offer meaningful improvements for power users?

    Reviews Mar 2026
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    2026 SOS Awards: THE RESULTS

    Chosen By The Readers Of SOUND ON SOUND

    The SOS Awards celebrate innovation and contemporary design. Congratulations to all the Winners, as well as the very worthy close contenders in each category who have been awarded our Highly Commended accolade.

    Reviews Feb 2026
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    2025 Gear Of The Year

    SOS Editor's Picks

    The SOS team pick their highlights from hardware and software launches from 2025.

    Reviews Dec 2025
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    Steinberg Cubase Pro 15

    Digital Audio Workstation

    What does the latest version of Cubase have in common with the 1982 science fiction movie Tron?

    Reviews Dec 2025
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    SoundFlow 6

    DAW Control Software

    A ground‐up reinvention turns SoundFlow from an advanced macro engine into an intelligent, context‐aware virtual assistant.

    Reviews Dec 2025
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    Apple Logic Pro 11.2

    DAW Software

    Apple deliver plenty of refinements in the latest update to Logic Pro.

    Reviews Aug 2025
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    Harrison Mixbus 11

    DAW Software For macOS, Windows & Linux

    Harrison’s distinctive console‐inspired DAW is now more usable — and more affordable — than ever.

    Reviews Jun 2025
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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.7 & Iconica Sketch

    Mobile Music Creation System For iOS & Android

    Fancy composing a symphony on your commute? Steinberg have got you...

    Reviews Mar 2025
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    Reason Studios Reason 13

    DAW Software

    Thirteen is unlucky for some, but not for Reason users, who gain a new synth, a particularly nice delay and all sorts of other improvements to boot!

    Reviews Jan 2025
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    Steinberg Cubase Pro 14

    DAW Software

    Cubase 14 introduces a wide selection of new features while refining old ones.

    Reviews Jan 2025
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    PreSonus Studio One Pro 7

    DAW Software

    Studio One Pro 7 is a solid upgrade with something for almost everyone.

    Reviews Dec 2024
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    2024 Gear Of The Year

    SOS Editor's Picks

    The SOS team pick their favourite hardware and software from the past 12 months.

    Reviews Dec 2024
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    Harrison Mixbus 10

    DAW Software

    Harrison celebrate the 15th birthday of their flagship DAW with the release of Mixbus 10.

    Reviews Oct 2024
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    Hit’n’Mix RipX DAW PRO

    Source Separation & Audio Processing Software

    RipX PRO offers high‐quality stem separation and an intriguing suite of tools for audio editing.

    Reviews May 2024
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    Bitwig Studio 5.1

    Music Production Software

    Bitwig goes from strength to strength as v5.1 introduces a host of new features.

    Reviews Apr 2024
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    Steinberg Cubasis 3.6

    DAW Software For iOS & Android

    Steinberg’s mobile DAW just keeps getting better.

    Reviews Mar 2024

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