How to alter pre-made loops to get a customized sound
Pre-made loops are great tools for creative inspiration while you’re recording. A few simple techniques can help make them sound less like stock sounds and more like you. Read the post.
Audio Recording
Our studio and recording tips offer insight on acoustics, microphones, producing, gear, plug ins, and everything in between.
Home studio recording: How to record and mix
From mic placement tips to prepping for a recording session, these home recording posts from the Disc Makers Blog offer insights for recording and mixing in your home studio. Read and enjoy.
Your 90-day record-release plan
This post is excerpted from The 90-Day Album Release guide, which helps you plan and organize all the events and decisions that go into making an album — from day one in the studio to your continuing sales and promotion efforts. Read the post.
Five ways to avoid a muddy mix
If you keep these five principles in mind when working on audio mixes in your home studio, you can avoid a muddy mix every time. Read the post.
Nine mic placements to record a snare drum in your home studio
Getting a quality drum recording in your home studio requires a space with proper acoustics and mics that are up to the task — and your mic placement goes a long way when you record a snare drum. Read the post.
The genius of Paul McCartney’s basslines
Paul McCartney’s basslines are an integral part of the Beatles’ evolution from world-beating pop band to musical pioneers. We identify just what McCartney did to make his parts stand out from what other bassists were doing at the time. Read the post.
The beginner music producer’s checklist
Are you a songwriter ready to record your songs but not exactly sure how to go from song idea to music producer? These ideas will get you started. Read the post.
Take the challenge: Produce an album this February!
As we head out of the holiday fog to greet the new year, why not sign up for the RPM Challenge or February Album Writing Month and produce an entire album of new music in 28 days? Read the post.
How Nashville tuning can transform your arrangements
While Nashville tuning uses the same notes as a standard guitar tuning, used by itself and in layers with other guitars, this tuning can bring an articulate presence to a recording. Read the post.
How to Prepare for a Vocal Recording Session
As a vocalist, there are techniques you can employ and routines you can follow to make sure you’re sounding your absolute best. Matt Ramsey gives advice on how to prepare your voice for a big recording. Read the post.
How to preserve and protect your voice before a performance (or rehearsal)
There are lots of common-sense things you should do as a vocalist to keep your instrument in top shape to perform, and as performance opportunities will be returning soon, it’s worth reminding ourselves of some of the basics. Read the post.
Ear fatigue: Know the signs, avoid mistakes
Recognize the signs and control your activities before, during, and after a studio session to minimize ear fatigue and get your best results from your recording. Read the post.
What’s the difference between a music engineer and a music producer?
Over the next few weeks, I’ll dive into what points and when a producer should get point. But let’s start with the basics: What is the difference between a producer and an engineer? Read the post.
Recording saxophone and reed instruments — tips from a veteran producer
So much about recording saxophone and other reed instruments depends on the player, the room, the mics, the style of play, and how the track fits into the song overall. Here are some recording tips from a veteran producer. Read the post.
Adding live strings to your recording
When you’re ready to add violin, cello, or other orchestral strings to your recordings, these tips will get you off the ground and help you communicate and harness the creativity of your collaborators. Read the post.