Hot Recording & Production How-Tos « Recording & Production

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: Make a Free Microphone Pop Filter Entirely Out of Paper in 5 Minutes

In this video, I'm going to show you how to make an effective DIY pop filter using nothing but a few sheets of paper and a tissue. This will give you an excellent quality recording with your microphone. In fact, the no-cost pop filter I'm about to show you how to make is the same one I used to record this video, so the results are right here for you to hear.

How To: Route FX using StudioLive

In this video, we learn how about routing FX using the StudioLive with Brandon Hays. To recall an effect, select the effect button and then page down to gt the list of effects for A and B. Once it's been selected, hit the recall button and then find the mono delay for the vocalist in B. Now, send the channels to these effects and add a snare drum to channel two. Then, add send different levels of drums to channels six and seven. You have sixteen channels to assign different effects to. As soo...

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: Make a hip hop beat in FL Studio

In this video we learn how to make a hip hop beat in FL Studio. First, load up your drum sounds from the browser to the interface. After this, change the hits on the drums to make the beat sound different. Edit how high the volume is on the snare drum and then change the ghost kick so it's not too loud either. Once you have this figured out, add in the high hat and the shaker patterns. Once you have these added in and you like the volumes that they are at, you will have your very own hip hop ...

How To: Program a TB-303 synthesizer

The TB-303 is nothing short of legendary on the electronic music scene. It is possible there would be no such thing as house music without it. They are rare and extremely complicated, so if you're lucky enough to have one you should pursue whatever help you can get on playing it properly. Enter this video, which will teach you how to quickly and easily program your 303 and get on your way to making phat old-skool tracks.

How To: Make old-skool house music using drum machines

Do you yearn for the days when house music had a soul and didn't sound like something that combat robots are supposed to dance to? Check out this video. It features a veteran DJ explaining all sorts of techniques for creating old-skool house beats, mostly using amazing 1980's equipment like the Roland TR-808 and 909.

How To: Create a techno beat in GarageBand 08

If you like techno music and want to create your own music, this video takes us through the steps of how to do that. Using GarageBand '08, you can create your own techno beat. All you need to do is create a new file in GarageBand at 140 beats per minute. The piano tool will need to be changed to techno kit and can be altered to different octaves moving higher or lower along the scale. You can then record your beats and perfect it for your own custom techno beat, and the best part is you don't...

How To: Remove Vocals from Any Song to Make a Karaoke or Instrumental Track

Finding an instrumental or karaoke version of a song can be pretty easy, unless you're dealing with a song that isn't popular. That leaves you with just the full version of the song, complete with vocals. So how do you convert it into an instrumental or karaoke version?

How To: Extract vocals from a song using Adobe Audition

This shows you how to extract vocals from a song to create an acapella version using inversions. You need the full version of the song as well as an instrumental one.

How To: Digitize those old tapes, 8-tracks, and records

"An older gentleman told me the other day "no one makes any records anymore!" Well, I thought to myself; "millions of people make records every week, just not on vinyl or tape like in the old days..."

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: Use RockBand drums in GarageBand to record beats

How to set up the RockBand drum kit for the Xbox360 to work with GarageBand. It will act as a basic Midi Controller through Musical Typing. I have used it to trigger drums kits but you could use it to trigger other things. There are 2 small pieces of software needed to make it work.

How To: Hack together a DIY portable recording studio

Insipired by Harlan Hogan's Porta-booth, here's a video showing you how you can get a great sound booth that fits in your suit case and goes anywhere. The video shows you how to build the booth and a convenient way to pack it for travel. Details on where to get the parts are here at our creator site.

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: 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.

How To: Consolidate tracks in Pro Tools

Make the mixing process easier and free up some space in your tracking window by combining different tracks and onto one track using Pro Tools.

How To: Transpose your MIDI data in Digital Performer

Check out this video from Berkleemusic.com and take your recording in a new direction and change the key of a certain section or the pitch of a note using the Transpose options in Digital Performer music software.

How To: Create a trance pluck / lead on a MicroKorg synth / vocoder

Trance music in it's pure form is a dark, brooding music that can bring you down just as fast as it lifts you up. If you produce trance and have been trying to nail the synth pluck / lead that gives so much of trance it's brooding vibe, watch this video to learn how to make a patch on a MicroKorg that sounds just right.

How To: Create the Vangelis piano sound from Blade Runner on a MicroKorg

Vangelis was probably the best-known piano composer of the 1980's, showing everyone what the future of the instrument could be. If you love his work with the Yamaha CS 80 on the Blade Runner soundtrack (and who doesn't) watch this video to learn how to program a patch that emulates it on a MicroKorg.

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: 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 Use Logic Pro: Arrange Window

Get to know how to use Logic Pro's arrange page in this short tutorial. Use the arrange area to work with the audio of your song. Change the timeline by choosing a time and beat. Use the toolbar area to do some functions. Use the icons to easily open up media and list areas. Use the bin to store your audio. Use the browser to look for your audio songs. Use the event list editor to edit your MIDI information. Use the inspector to view the channel strips of your track. Use the editors in the bo...

How To: Remove Vocals from a Recording

Learn how to manually remove the vocals of a song on your computer leaving only the instrumentals. This doesn't work on all songs.

How To: Understand 4-track reel to reel tape recorders

In these music studio recording and production videos, learn how to use a 4-track reel to reel tape recorder to capture your vocals, guitar parts, drums, record songs, or even make a demo CD. Our expert will walk you through the operation of a fairly simple reel to reel machine in several steps, including the basic and advanced functions, rear components, using mics and connecting to other mixing boards, recording on four different tracks, mixdown, bouncing tracks, and final tips for masterin...

How To: Reassemble a Shure SM 57 microphone

This video is a demonstration of how to reassemble a Shure SM 57 microphone. There is no dialogue in this video, so you have to learn by watching.

How To: Make Acapellas for Remixes in Ableton Live 8: HD

This is a 2 part HD video tutorial set on how to make your own acapellas from full songs. This technique uses Ableton's EQ8 device in mid/side mode to isolate the vocal and the Multiband Dynamics device in downwards expansion mode to reduce unwanted elements from the instrumental backing.

How To: Make Korg nanoKontrol transport buttons work in FL Studio 8 or above

FL Studio is one of the biggest names in digital music-making software, and Korg the biggest in physical gear. Unfortunately, FL Studio and the Korg nanoKontrol USB controller don't get along out of the box, and the transport buttons on the Korg won't work with FL Studio. That is, until you perform the steps in this video that will lead to a blessed union of software and hardware.

How To: Program a Roland TR-808 drum machine

The Roland TR-808 drum machine is one of the most important modern instruments, forming the backbone of both hip-hop and electronic music percussion. If you have gotten your hands on one, you're a lucky devil, but you have a long way to go before you can unlock it's true potential. Watch this video to learn how to program an 808 all the way up to a 64-step beat!

How to Use Logic Pro: Screensets

In this tutorial, we learn how to use Logic Pro: Screensets. First, open up the score editor in a separate window to do your editing. Then, open up your arrange menu and edit the piano part of the music. This is a good approach because the windows can both be large, but it can get cluttered quickly. Screen sets allow you to set up windows and save them as a screen set at the top of your screen in the software. When you do this, it will stay locked so those windows always stay the same. Set th...

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: Connect and set up an instrument to Motif XS input

This tutorial shows how to connect and set up a device/instrument (in this tutorial it's an electric guitar) to your Motif XS audio input, how to apply two effects, how to record the audio together with a performance to a song or pattern, and finally how to export the whole song to your hard disk as a .wav file.

How To: Organize your drum tracks in Pro Tools

Stay organized and get a rockin' drum mix by controlling and editing your drum tracks using the Track Groups feature in Pro Tools.