Hot Recording & Production Posts
How To: Write a bio for your band's website and promo materials
Band bios have a cherished place in the world of band promotional material. A killer one can do wonders for cultivating your image among your fans and potential employers. This video will give you tips for writing a killer band biography that will get you noticed.
How To: Make basic, simple sounds with the Moog analog synthesizer
The Moog synthesizer is the most intimidating instrument ever made from a playing standpoint. Sitting down at one, it is possible that without prior knowledge you would be unable to make any sort of sound with one. Fortunately, this video for analog synth beginners will show you how the basics of making sounds using a Moog. Many of these techniques work on other old analog synths as well.
How To: Get thick, full sounds by using multiple oscillators on a Moog synthesizer
Moog synthesizers can create a limitless variety of analog synth sounds, but making them make the cool, thick, full sounds you want to use in your music can be daunting. This video offers a variety of great tips for using multiple oscillators to create the types of sounds you want on your Moog. You lucky devil.
How To: Use advanced techniques on a Moog analog synthesizer
The Moog is the original and arguably still the king of the analog synthesizers. It looks like an old phone switchboard, and can create a dizzying variety of unique, warm sounds. This video will show you some advanced features of the Moog, including how to use the sequencer to add filters to your tones.
How To: Quantize audio in Ableton Live 8
In this video, we learn how to use Ableton Live 8: Quantizing audio. To find the bars you want to use, find the up and down arrow keys. These will jump the loops back and forth based on the width of the loop race itself. Press play to search around for the best four bar section in your music. Now, set your first attack in your loop by zooming in on the hit. Hover over the audio and create a warp marker to drag from each of the bars. Label it as the beginning of your clip to the end, then save...
How To: Write a song for film or television
In this video, we learn how to write a song for film or television with Brad Hatfield. When you collaborate with other people, you will be invited into a new network of people. The web of people will keep expanding to help you learn new skills and how to write different songs. Try to understand what works for both you and the artist so you don't get emotionally involved. When you write songs for film or television, you will want to listen to feedback and give each other direction on how you w...
How To: Use effects automation in Garageband
In this video, Nick teaches us how to use effects automation in Garageband. Any effects you use on your track will allow you to change the effects over time if you change how you want it. First, load up your track and loop it up by clicking on the loop button. Once finished, load up effects so you can automate them later. Hit the "i" button, then go to the details tab on the bottom. Now, change the effects you would like for automation. For the first one, go with the "au" filter, then for the...
How To: Import a loop and record audio in Studio One
First you need to do is press the t button in your keyboard and add a new mono track. Choose mono in format and click OK.
How To: Use clip playback in Ableton
In Ableton, you can set follow actions to tell clips to do something on a timed basis. The time can be immediate or random, but it is automated. This is more efficient than doing the follow actions manually. Go to clip view, type "L". This launches the settings which gives the space of time in which the follow action happens. You can set more than one follow action. You can determine when and how often the action will take place. You can determine when the clips occur automatically. The clips...
How To: Use sidechain compression in Ableton Live 8
In this video, we learn how to use sidechain compression in Ableton Live 8. First, set up your tracks on the software. Open up the compressor and select the sidechain so you can decide how the impulse will sound on the different tracks. From here, change the filter type and anything else you need to change. After this, go and mute your kick drum from the track so you can better hear with the sidechain that you have activated. Continue to play your tracks and play around with how they sound, t...
How To: Change presets in Logic Pro instruments
In this video, we learn how to use Logic Pro: Changing presets in Logic instruments. First, insert the ES2 and add in a preset that you like. You can also use key strokes to step through presets instead of using the mouse to click through all of them. By doing this, you will save time while you are going through presets to audition a bunch of presets to find the one you want. Use the drop down menu within the instrument to find the different presets and then choose one you would like to inser...
How To: Record audio in Ableton
In this video, we learn how to record audio in Ableton. When you are ready to record audio, you will need to first make sure everything is set up correctly. Check the audio input and output so you can choose the sources and configure them so they are correct. You will want to choose the level of input you have and find where the record and on buttons are. There will be a signal of the input when you are recording so you can see what the level of noise is while you are recording. As you monito...
How To: Pan your drums in Ableton
In this video, we learn how to pan your drums in Ableton. First, load an impulse and lay out your drum pattern. Play it back to see how it sounds. Then, pay attention to panning the individual elements of your drum track. When you click on the bottom, you will be able to see where the panning is. Pan in a way so the sounds on the track play off of each other. They should be panned opposite of each other so when you play it back you will be able to hear how the track plays much more smoothly. ...
How To: Play and record a virtual instrument in Studio One
You can play and record a virtual instrument using studio one. You can also add new part to any song you want.
How To: Build a home recording studio
In order to build your very own home studio, you'll need the following: a microphone, drafting tools, paper, contractors, the Internet, and recording equipment.
How To: Set up your devices in Studio One
You can easily set up your devices in studio one. Run the studio one. You should now on the start page of the studio one. There you can see the recent files, news feed etc. Now studio one automatically select an audio device
How To: Drag and drop workflow in Studio One
In Studio One, you can drag and drop workflow. Open a song in Studio One. Here, you can isolate particular instruments. Alt + click, will allow you to isolate. You can search a list of plug-ins in the mixer or press F7 to open the effects browser. You can also drag and drop the gate onto a mix.
How To: Understand melodic rhythm & lyric rhythm
In this video, we learn how to understand melodic rhythm and lyric rhythm. First, say your lyrics out loud talking, instead of singing them to see how they speak out loud. You want your lyrics to sound the same in the song as you would if you were singing them. Try to change the tone of words to change up how it sounds while you are singing it. You will see that it makes a big difference when you sing it. When you do this, you will take the the preposition off as the big spotlight note and pu...
How To: Create a song in Studio One
In this video, we learn how to create a song in Studio One. First, click on "create a new song" on the start page. Now, click on the empty template, and click on the continue button. After this, click song, then song setup. Click on the audio IO setup, then you will see a new window with input channels. Add in cross points and channels to the window and then test it out. Before you exit, click on the make default button, then click ok. After this, you will be able to start creating a new song...
How To: Mix your song in Studio One
In this video, we learn how to mix your song in Studio One. First, press the F3 button to show all the instruments you have and then you can click on those to change the settings of how your music sounds. Create different noises and change the beat delay to create a unique sound. After this, you can change the one, beat, volume, bass, and anything else you want to in your song. You can use the compressor to change effects, then adjust any other settings that you would like! When finished, sav...
How To: Produce with Pro Tools
There are courses available on the internet to instruct you on how to use Pro Tools to produce music. There are graded assignments in a workshop environment. You will be able to get feedback on your work from your peer group. The students in classes are at various levels. Some are professionals and some are amateurs.
How To: Make DIY broadband acoustic panels (or bass traps) with rockwool insulation
This short video tutorial will outline the process of making acoustic wall panels using a simple wooden frame and rockwool insulation. These DIY broadband acoustic panels, or bass traps for treating music studio rooms, performance rooms or home theater rooms, will save you tons of money.
Drumssette: A DIY Drum Machine
While digital samplers have their merits, they're predictable in a way that can cause them to sound stiff or sterile. The solution? A return to the analog, tape-based samplers of yesteryear, which, with their inherent mechanical noise and euphonic distortions, offer a more musical take on the sampling process.
How To: Enter keyboard notes in the Pizzicato music software
Learn the art of notation in Pizzicato. Pizzicato has three different levels of music software: Light, Pro and Beginner. And with this video tutorial you can learn about entering notes with a MIDI keyboard. You just have to have a MIDI keyboard and the right hardware to connect it to your computer, then learn about all the shortcuts and tools to get your music on the page quickly.
How To: Organize a score in the Pizzicato music software
Learning music with Pizzicato notation and composition software is easy, and this video will show you how to organize a score in either Pizzicato Pro or Pizzicato Beginner or Pizzicato Light. It talks about organizing measures, staves and pages. Learn about default templates, different modes, building a score, adding measures and staves, instrument names, and more.
How to Write a song: Melodic phrases & lyric phrases
In this tutorial, we learn how to write a song using melodic phrases and lyric phrases. Instead of talking in syllables, you want to use a musical phrase. Practice humming your song without using words, so you know the road map of where the music should go. Make sure your words go with the melody of the music, and the lyrics match how the song flows. If they don't, you can create a new phrase so it matches the melody. Play your song and substitute different words to see how they fit with the ...
How To: Make the beat to the Nicki Minaj song "Your Love"
If you're interested in writing pop songs these days, you pretty much have to know how to create a sick beat on your computer. What better way to practice than replicating the beat of a popular song and learning it's tricks? This video will teach you how to make the beat to the Nicki Minaj hit single "Your Love" using Sony ACID. Watch and learn!
How To: Mic and record a live drum kit in stereo
Capturing a live drum kit is arguably the most challenging aspect of recording a band. Fortunately, the Internet is awash in video tutorials like this one, which presents a detailed, easy-to-follow overview of the recording process. This series addresses microphone choice, placement, overheads snare and toms.
How To: Get your music heard by a producer w/ Irv Gotti
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to get their music heard. To get their music heard, users should create a mix tape of their best songs. They need to have connections with a music producer or have friends that have connections with a music producer. This will allow the friend to introduce you to the music producer. Users also need to put out their records on their own in public places such as clubs or parties to allow any nearby music producers to listen. This video will benefit thos...
How To: Use a DI (direct injection) box when recording
No amp? No problem. In this home recording how-to, you'll see how to use a DI (direct injection) box for recording an instrument like a guitar, bass or keyboard directly into a console or interface. For more information, including very detailed instructions, and to get started using DI boxes in your own recording, watch this free video tutorial.
How To: Make FLAC files compatible with iTunes
FLAC files are a great way to compress audi files. Unfortunately, iTunes does not support these files outright. But don't worry, you can make those files work on your Mac. This video will show you how make FLAC files compatible wiht iTunes.
How To: Record streaming audio as MP3 with Replay Music
Replay Music makes it possible to record audio from the web. No longer do you have to listen to streaming audio on the web and have to go back online to revisit your favorite moments. Replay Music enables you to download any audio streaming on the web straight to your computer so you can listen to it whenever you want.
How To: Start your own independent record label
Starting an independent record label, like starting any other business, requires a well-conceived plan with clear goals. Check out this tutorial and learn how to take your love of music and turn a profit.
How To: Cut songs for sampling in hip hop tracks
If you want to manipulate tracks you’ll want to cut a song into many separate sections so that you can work with each section as needed. This can be done on using a computer musical typing keyboard program and is important part of the process in hip hop music.
How To: Build a vocal booth on a budget
To build a quality vocal booth in your home you'll need to first clean out your closet. Take everything out of the closet including the pole. Wash the walls, sweep and mop the floor making sure everything is clean. Then go out and buy some foam. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on studio foam it would probably be better for you to go to Wall-mart and buy some foam that will be much more affordable. Cut the foam according to the measurements. Do not put it up with duct tape but with sm...
How To: Use the audio effects rack in Ableton
This video is a tutorial for a music producing software program called Ableton Live 8. In this tutorial he shows you how to apply effects to effects to audio using the audio effect rack function. The way this function works is by being dragged into the bottom of the program and being applied as a place to hold various effects. Using the effect rack you can modulate and manipulate the sound waves in the effect. This is a very convenient tool to have in Ableton because it allows you to have mor...
How To: Use & understand compression when digital recording
This tutorial video will show you what the purpose of compression is and how compression works through its parameters. Your instructor illustrates a drum beat and a plucked guitar line. Beginning with how to compress the drum beat, take (download) a drum sound pack without compression and to add compression using the software right click on the drum machine, choose create, and then choose combo on compressor. The virtual compressor has all the dials and adjusters found on any basic compressor...
How To: Bring vocals into Reason with no timing problems
Josh shows how to correctly add vocals into Reason software without timing or drift audio issues. The purpose of learning how to do this is to be able to add additional creative flair to a song, which Josh shows in a separate tutorial. To learn how to do this, you can begin in GarageBand or any other digital audio software program. To successfully do this, make sure you begin and end on a measure and export on a one into Reason. This ensures a seamless addition. In the next step outlined in t...
How To: Use the sends & returns in Ableton
Nick from Primeloops shows how to most effectively use the effect sends in Ableton Live. He explains how most people use the effect send, and why that may not be the best way to go. He covers the basics of dry audio and wet audio and how to manage them for optimum effect. If you watch this short video, you can learn the basics of sends and returns and find out how to apply effect settings to multiple tracks which is of great benefit if you want to save time and cpu power.
How To: Use loops in Garageband
PrimeLoops teaches you how to use loops on Garageband. There are 2 different types of loops - regular and Apple. The last come in .aiff proprietary file format and the information contained has more information than a regular .wav file. To access them click on the small eye symbol in the lower part of the program window. You can switch to music, podcast and all loops. You also have a Favorites tab and you will see the loops that you mark as a favorite. You can also search for all loops in the...