Posts tagged as:

software

Using virtual instruments: Eight home recording tips to make your tracks sing

by Michael Gallant June 23, 2011

With multi-track recording programs like GarageBand, Pro Tools, and Logic becoming nearly ubiquitous amongst tech-savvy musicians, it’s easier than ever to take your own music all the way from first inspiration to finished audio file without leaving your room. But just because these high-powered tools are available, it doesn’t mean we all know how to use them well. Read more…

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Home Recording: Choosing Your DAW

by Disc Makers August 24, 2010

pro-tools 8Home recording has exploded over the past decade as digital technology has given musicians more and more powerful tools for capturing and mixing music on laptops and desktops. One of the key choices a musician or engineer must make is which DAW to invest time and money into.

What’s a DAW you say? Well, why don’t we see what wikipedia says: Read more…

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Drum Sampler Picks

by Keith Hatschek May 27, 2010

The new breed of drum samplers are affordable, flexible, and really easy to use. PSE takes a close look at four top programs.

For many home and project studios, the dream of setting up a full-size drum kit and inviting a drummer to “let ‘er rip” is just that. For those who don’t have the luxury of a fully isolated recording space, drums pose one of the most difficult challenges to creating realistic recordings. Read more…

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Putting Apple’s GarageBand to the Test

by Keith Hatschek May 17, 2010

GarageBand is a music creation software application that is part of Apple’s iLife suite (GarageBand, iMovie and iPhoto) and ships on all new Macintosh computers. For this column, I jumped into learning how well GarageBand might work as a musical sketchpad to rough out a basic song demo. I enlisted the help of two friends, vocalist Josh Washington and songwriter/percussionist Dan Faughnder, for the home sessions. In the process, we recorded live vocals and electric guitar to go along with the software-based instruments and loops found in the program’s library. We wondered just how good a song demo could be created in a couple of hours by GarageBand rookies. Read more…

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The Desktop Studio: The Internet as a Resource

by Emile Menasche April 19, 2010

The Internet offers a direct link between your desktop studio and the software and hardware vendors who power it.

Manufacturers’ websites offer a wealth of information about upcoming releases, bug fixes, tips, and more. I make it a habit to log on to key sites about once a week. On more than one occasion, I’ve found an update online that hadn’t yet been announced in the press. Read more…

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Digital Branding With Music & Mobile Apps

by Dexter Bryant Jr. March 29, 2010

Music-based mobile apps are one of the most powerful tools in a musician’s digital marketing arsenal. Apps are a hot commodity with customers, especially the gen-Y market. Beyond that, apps provide an avenue for deeper engagement with your audience.

In order to maximize your potential for connecting with audiences, your app must be user-friendly and addictive. You do that by providing value to users. Make it simple to use and allow opt-in subscriptions for your podcast(s). Read more…

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Beyond Classical: Ann Marie Calhoun Stretches Boundaries

by Disc Makers February 16, 2010

Ann Marie CalhounAnn Marie Calhoun has been touring and sharing the stage with music legends Ian Anderson, Steve Vai, and Ringo Starr, as well as composing and recording material for the recently-released Sherlock Holmes’ movie. Soft spoken and thoughtful in person, she’s a different personality on stage with a fiery presence and a knack for sizzling violin solos. Read more…

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Pro Studio: Laptop Recording 101

by Keith Hatschek December 21, 2009

studiotogo2Compiling a “studio on the go” has never been so easy or affordable Being able to easily and quickly record your material at a moment’s notice is one of the key advances technology has provided musicians today. But just how easy is it to take that recording capability with you when you travel? Following is an exploration into the basics of setting up a “studio to go,” centered around an affordable laptop computer. With the advice of recording engineer Bob Furlong, we’ll find out just what you need to record anywhere and anytime the spirit moves you. Read more…

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8 Reasons MIDI is Still Alive and Kicking

by Disc Makers July 24, 2009

“Is MIDI dead?” The question seems to be echoed from forum to forum. MIDI was invented in the early 80s just after I got into music. Back then keyboards were primitive, the personal computer had just been invented, and 640K was enough RAM for anyone. MIDI was a solution that fit like a glove in that world. You might be surprised people are still using it today. Read more…

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Pro Studio: Virtual Guitar Rigs

by Keith Hatschek July 21, 2009


Fast Forward’s Pro Studio expert takes some virtual rigs for a spin.

Imagine you live in a house or apartment and are getting ready to record one of your own songs, which will require you to really crank up your high powered amplifier to get the proper tone for a song. For many people, doing so might be an invitation to being evicted from your house. Instead, try out one of the growing number of excellent virtual guitar systems that can provide literally hundreds of guitar, speaker, and stomp box options without ever assaulting the ears of your neighbors. Read more…

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Disc Makers’ SoundLab Tour

by Disc Makers July 14, 2009

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Join Brian, one of our mastering engineers, on a tour of the Disc Makers’ SoundLab! He’ll take you through four mastering suites and point out the hardware and software we use to make your music sound like a major-label release!

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Pro Studio: Record and Remix Online

by Keith Hatschek July 14, 2009

Online recording, collaborating, and remixing has come of age

When world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma offered musicians a chance to record with him – via the internet on indabamusic.com – thousands took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play with the virtuoso. Ma offered the opportunity as part of a competition to win a spot recording with him on his forthcoming album in the hopes of making the CD a more interactive experience. Read more…

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DAW Keyboard Covers

by Disc Makers July 14, 2009

Use ableton live or pro tools? Check out these clever keyboard covers that mark all the controls and shortcuts for you! http://cli.gs/NaAJr7

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