Hot Recording & Production Posts
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...
How To: Master tunes in Reason 4.0
Learn how to master tunes using Reason 4.0 software to get a more effective sound. The first step is to make sure the outputs are not in the red. If they are in the red, that means the sound is not that good, and you don't want to work with a bad mix. The next step is to add a McClass mastering suite to your mixer. As per the guide in this video, everything should be below 100 to 175 Hz mono. However, this is a personal preference and you should do what you feel is best for the sound of the m...
How To: Do basic sidechaining in Ableton
This video shows how to do audio side chain compression to improve your production audio mix. Side chain compression is an easy way to balance the base and the drums. Using a compressor, you can cause your base to drop in volume when the drums are hitting so that one is not over-powering the other. This video walks you through step by step instructions for configuring your compressor to balance based on threshold level, the attack time, and release time. This is an excellent source of audio p...
How To: Find royalty free music
Insert music into your videos knowing that the music won't be removed when posted due to copyright issues. Go to incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free and you will be able to find a massive collection of royalty free music that you can use to your heart's content with having to worry. There is music from many genres such as Jazz or Modern. Songs can previewed before you download them to find out if it is worth the effort to download it. These songs can be used as many times as needed unless an att...
How To: Create atmospherics using the arpeggiator in Ableton
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to create atmospherics using the Arpeggiator in Ableton Live. In this tutorial viewers are shown how to create useful arpeggiated effects using the Arpeggiator in Ableton Live. Ableton Live is a loop-based software music sequencer and DAW. The Atmospheric effect gives a deep, low fade out that can be used for breakdowns or a harmonic background in music tracks. This video will benefit those viewers who produce music and would like to learn new music e...
How To: Use EQ & compression to your beats in FL Studio
How to Use EQ and Compression With Your Beats in FL Studio Nick from Prime Loops shows us how to use EQ and compression effects to add flair to a beat. Dovetailing off a previous tutorial that showed how to create a beat, this step-by-step instructional video shows what buttons and effects to use, what they do, and in what order they can be used. According to Nick, whether one chooses to compress first or use EQ first, is a matter of personal taste. To add an additional spark to a hip hop bea...
How To: Beef up your bass sounds in Reason 4.0
If the bass sounds in a song need to be amplified, learn how to beef up the bass using Reason 4.0 with this video tutorial. Nick from PrimeLoops shows how this process can be done first by creating a copy of the bass patch that can be altered with a filter and reverb. This new sound can then be mixed back into the original bass sound. Nick shows step by step what to do in Reason 4.0 to create the desired effect.
How To: Add effects to your beats in FL Studio
In this video tutorial from PrimeLoops, host Nick, teaches you how to create a beat, using beatbox samples, in FL Studio. You will learn how to drag samples from the browser interface to the channel interface, so that you can use them. As you follow along, Nick shows you how to lay down a beat, add effects to the sounds, how to re-level sounds to compensate for clipping in the peaks of the track, as well as how to automate some of the parameters.
How To: Use sidechain autofilter effects in Ableton
Open your program to a new live set. By using three keys (in Ableton Live), Command (Ctrl), Shift and t, you can create a short cut. Create two new midi tracks making one for (side chain) bass and one for (side chain) kick. To rename a track choose the two keys Command (Ctrl) and r. Next, you can load up the presets, located on the side bar list, one a bass, and, then a basic kick drum by opening up impulse, electronics and Tremor 1994. Now create a couple of patterns. To do this go an empty ...
How To: Create a "sweep" in Reason 4.0
Reason 4.0 enables you to make all kinds of edits and create effects for the audio you record and edit with the program. One of these effects is to create a "sweep" in your track. You can achieve this effect by using a noise oscillator. There are many options for noise oscillators. The one used in this example is the low bypass filter version, which produces the richest noise available. This video will show you how to add a "sweep" effect in Reason 4.0 by using a noise oscillator.
How To: Master your song in Studio One
Come see how to master your own music tracks with software by Studio One! Just follow the step by step instructional video. Mastering is done from the project page, which is not available in Studio One Artist. If you want mastering features, please upgrade to Studio One Professional. How to Master a song using Studio One: Adjust song start and end markers: Click on Open Marker Track button. Click and drag start and end markers to the beginning and end of the song. Master a song in a new proje...
How To: Use automation in FL Studio
Prime Loops provides exclusive techniques from industry professionals to help enhance your music production, mastering skills & gain exposure. Their tips and tricks through tutorial videos are quick and easy to learn. In this video, they show the user how to add effects automation on beat. This video carries on from a series of previous videos. It goes through basic automation, adding it to the drum beat already made in the first FL Studio Tutorial. This tutorial gives the user the lowdown on...
How To: Make cymbal washes in Logic Studio
How to make cymbal washes is a tutorial on how to use Logic Studio to make the sound of a cymbal wash. The tutorial does not include any speaking. It is only a shot of the computer monitor of the instructor. The image from the instructor's monitor is very blurry, and the images on the monitor are very small. You'll have to watch this video closely to learn all about making cymbal wash sounds.
How To: Mix with the step sequencer in Ableton Live 8
This video is an informative packed tutorial in the new Ableton 8 sound mixing software and shows a new work flow improvement upgrade from earlier versions of the program. It shows you how to use the new sequencing feature within the "piano view" instead of the traditional xox sequencing from earlier Ableton programs. This tutorial also shows you how to add notes easily in the sequencer in the "piano view" with a few clicks of the mouse. It also shows you shortcuts within the sequencing feature.
How To: Use the effects in Garageband
Learn to use Garage band like a pro in less than ten minutes with this step by step guide to the program. Create the exact sound effects and beats you've been looking for, right from the comfort of your own home without any expensive classes or equipment. Add echoes, stop sounds for a more dramatic effect or bring out hidden sounds to the forefront. Anyone can create unique music with this tutorial guide, so get ready to get up and dance to your own dance beats!
How To: Chop up orchestral loops in FL Studio
This how to video describes how to use Fruity Loops to chop up orchestral loops and integrate them into your project. First you take a sample and adjust the knobs on the Fruity Loops interface to achieve the desired result. This video is great for anyone who is learning Fruity Loops Studio or simply learning how to create songs from smaller orchestral samples. The video itself lasts about ten minuets and will help you achieve the musical prowess you desire.
How To: Use the Gate sidechain feature in Ableton Live 7
A helpful video for all budding musicians as it clearly explains the Gate sidechain feature in the Ableton Live. The maker of this video simply explains how the feature works and how to use it, clarifying what can sometimes be a daunting program to use. A great tutorial from a very good series produced by Huston Singletary to help newer users. The tunes created through the video are also a great inspiration as it is demonstrated how easy it is to create nice sounding music using these techniq...
How To: Create a wobble / fidget effect in Reason
Musicians who want to take their music to the next level, will want to learn how to create an interesting wobble/fidget effect for the bass. The video takes us through the steps of using Malstrom software to create a wobble/fidget effect that is commonly heard in fidget house music. In order to create this effect, you must have already created a dirty electro bass synth. Once this effect is created, it can be added or combined with just about any other effect at varying frequencies for intere...
Use Pro Tools & Reason Rewire: Aux & instrument tracks
After finally completing a rhythm section using Reason software, you may want to rewire using Protools. First decide how to feed Reason into Protools. The best, would be to re-patch individually into Protools, however the demo here shows a simpler approach that will be easier for anyone to use. First and foremost, Shut down Reason and boot a new session in Protools. Then add an AUX input and instantiate the rewire plug-in to connect to Reason. Make sure the main Reason stereo is feeding track...
How to Write a song: Contrasting the verse & the chorus
Writing a song? Want your chorus to have a strong impact? Jimmy Kachulis of Berkleemusic gives songwriting tips on how to make the chorus stand out from the verses even when you use the same chord progressions.
How To: Write a hit song
According to hit recording artist Zosia, writing a song is much like telling a small story. The first verse of a song should draw your listeners into the story. Next you'll want to build into a unique and catchy chorus, which will relate your main message. The second verse reveals more of your story and flows into the bridge. In your third verse, you'll want to bring the story to a resolve and summarize the feeling and tone, while leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
How To: Mix, fade, and combine tracks in Adobe Soundbooth CS4
Discover how to easily mix and combine individual audio tracks into a single muli-track file using Adobe Soundbooth CS4. This video tutorial also demonstrates the program's fading options, providing an upbeat techno mix as an example.
How To: Make beats in Adobe Director
This six-part video tutorial, goes over how to make beats in Adobe Director. The six different videos go over the following:
How To: Use a Tascam Ministudio Porta 02 4-track recorder
If you tracked down a Tascam Porta02 4-track recorder on eBay, you'll be happy to know there is a four-part series of videos floating around the web showing you exactly how to use it. Learn how to home record with a little help from a little friend.
How To: Sell your music on iTunes
With the growing popularity of digital downloads, it's important for aspiring musicians to have some sort of download available of their music. If you're an unsigned musician, selling your music on iTunes might seem daunting, but it's actually very easy! Learn how to do it in this video.
How To: Write a song with structure
It's OK to break the rules of songwriting, but know the structure of a song first so that you can break the rules intelligently. Learn how to write a song in this free music video. Structure is important in every aspect in life, so why not your song?
How To: Mic a drum kit with a Shure drum microphone kit
Check out this instructional recording video that shows you how to mic a drum kit for a live performance. This uses a minimalist set up with the Shure drum microphone kit. The kit includes six mics and three clips. Record your drum kit during a live performance by learning how to mike it with this recording tutorial video.
How To: Mic a guitar
Check out this instructional recording video that shows you how to mic a guitar. This installment focuses on guitar recording techniques, covering the basics of acoustic and electric guitar recording and some of the options you as an engineer have after the recording is done. Any recording has to start by getting it right at the source. When recording guitar, new strings are a must. Having the instrument set up properly so that it plays well in tune is also important. Once the guitar plays an...
How To: Record guitar
Want to record guitar? Learn from the professionals at PreSonus while host Bill Gibson shares his techniques for recording guitar with this instructional recording video. Discover the typical mic choice for recording an acoustic guitar and how to mic the speaker with this recording tutorial video. Record professional sounding audio quality of your music for your guitar by learning the various types of microphones to use.
How To: Use Drum Clean-Up to prepare your drums for mixing
Check out this instructional recording video that demonstrates how to use Drum Clean Up. Before you mix and master the drums, take some time to clean up each track. This will save you time in the end. The Drum Clean up helps you prepare your drums for mixing. Learn a few tips about using Dream Clean up to prepare your drums for mixing by watching this tutorial video.
How To: Record a drum set
Check out this instructional recording video that demonstrates a few basic steps you need to know to record a drum set. You will learn microphone placement and the 3 to 1 rule. Record better sound quality and learn how to properly record a drum set by following the tips outlined in this tutorial video.
How To: Record the acoustic guitar in mono with one mic
This instructional recording video will show you how to record the acoustic guitar in mono, using 2 different microphones in 2 different positions. It also shows you a few simple steps on how to make a stereo signal from a mono recording. Record better sound quality and learn how to record the acoustic guitar with one microphone by watching this tutorial video.
How To: Avoid a phase when recording audio
You might have heard the term "phase" before, but do you know what it is? Check out this instructional recording video that demonstrates how to avoid a phase. Hear some audio examples and learn to listen for a phase. Record better sound quality by learning a few tricks outlined in this tutorial video.
How To: Make and use baffles to control sound quality
Check out this instructional audio video that demonstrates how to control the sound of your room with something called Baffles. Sound travels through vibrations in the air. When these vibrations leave your mouth, they travel over a thousand feet per second in a million directions. Learn about echoes, delays and reverbs by watching this video tutorial so you can better control room sound reflections.
How To: Record a narrator's voice for home recording artists
Check out this instructional audio video that demonstrates how to record a narrator's voice for home recording artists. This lesson shows you simple steps to record someone or yourself for a podcast or audio book. Learn which equipment to use, how to plug it all in, as well as how to use and create a space for your voice actor to perform narration.
How To: Make and use a pop filter to record audio
Check out this instructional podcast video that demonstrates how to use the pop filter or pop shield to record audio. A pop filter helps control your voice while recording it. It's a little device that goes between you and the microphone to eliminate the air in your voice so your voice is recorded accurately. This tutorial contains step by step video instructions that will help you make a pop filter. Record better sound quality by learning how to make a pop filter.
How To: Improve sound quality on a L1 Classic Model 1 Bose Mic
Ken Jacob from the Live Music Technology Group at Bose will show you how to improve sound quality on a L1 Classic Model 1 Bose Mic. If you've got one of these L1 Classic Model 1 microphone, and you're confused on how to get the best sound quality, then this video tutorial will get you on your way. Improve sound quality on a L1 Classic Model 1 Bose Mic.
How To: Write a rap song
So you want to flow like Jay-Z? Here are some great videos that will teach you how to write a great rap song.
How To: Set up a PA system
A PA system, or public address system, is an electronic amplification system with a mixer, amplifier, loudspeakers, cables, mikes and cords. Learn how to properly set up a PA system with tips from a multimedia technology expert in this free technology video series.
How To: Write a song
Have you ever heard a song on the radio and thought, "I'd really like to write my own song?" Well, you can. Learn how to write a song from a professional artist in this free music video series.