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: 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: 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: Make the Prodigy song "Voodoo People" from scratch in Ableton Live w/ samples

The Prodigy were one of the first groups to really grasp the potential of electronic music and bring it to the forefront of pop, and they are still fucking legend on the electronic scene. If you have Ableton Live 8, check out this video to learn how to produce their classic song "Voodoo People" in Ableton, including what samples to use and what to do with them.

How To: Do a direct performance recording on the Motif XS

Watch to learn how to do a direct performance recording into either song or pattern mode on the Motif XS Yamaha synthesizer.

How To: Use a sidechain gate on synths & drums in Ableton

In this video, we learn how to use a sidechain gate on synths & drums in Ableton. First, drag a gate device onto your synth track. This will turn down the volume of the synthesizer device very quickly. Once you do this, you will have a sidechain view, turn it on by clicking the green button. Then, bring the attack down to 0 ms and bring your hold down to 3.9 ms. When this plays, you will hear an electronica type of beat. This is a simple way to make your synth lines more exciting. Save this w...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Use the Akai MPC 4000

In this tutorial video, learn how to get started using the Akai MPC 4000 drum machine. Our expert music producer will give you a tour of the basic interface for the MPC, and then show you how to load, chop, and slice samples, layer a beat, use the sequencer, and create a basic hip-hop beat of your own.

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: Map a Korg nano series MIDI controller in Ableton Live 7

Ableton Live 7 is so popular mostly because it is easy to use on the fly, but it's still complex like everything else in electronic music. Watch this video to learn how to map a MIDI controller (in this case a Korg nano-series) in Ableton Live 7

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: 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: Use a shuffle LFO to apply swing and make hotter tracks in Massive

A shuffle LFO (low-frequency oscillator) is a cool effect in many synths that gives bass lines a swing feel to them. In this video you'll learn how to apply a shuffle LFO to any sound that you can access on your computer using NI Massive, a quasi-analog PC synth.

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: 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: Use automation in Studio One

In this video, we learn how to use automation in Studio One. Controlling is a system you use to control the devices that control the software. Control link has a window on the song interface in the upper left hand corner. You can quickly move parameters as you edit the automation. Make sure you change it if it's for an instrument or an audio track. Add an automation track to the window, by clicking the "A" button that will give you sounds for the same instrument. This will avoid automation en...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.