Using a laptop onstage (without crashing your performance)
Considering using a laptop onstage to enhance your sound or visuals at gigs? These basic tips can help you minimize problems and keep your shows on track. Read the post.
music equipment
Finding the right digital piano
Need the feel and sound of a great acoustic piano for your live shows? Here are some digital pianos that might fit the bill Read the post.
Acoustic piano on stage and in the studio
While an acoustic piano may be the preference for a studio or live gig, it’s not always the most practical choice. Here are tuning tips and suggestions for alternatives when it comes to providing piano for your next gig. Read the post.
Working with plug-ins: A beginner’s guide
If you’re new to home recording, or looking to expand your repertoire, using plug-ins might feel intimidating and complicated. It’s really not that hard to start using plug-ins and expand your sonic palette. Read the post.
Meet the Audio plug-in: Your start-up kit
An audio plug-in is specialized software for better music-making with your DAW, and plug-ins serve a variety of purposes to flavor, enhance, and add to the breadth of your home studio recordings. Read the post.
A musician’s guide to Instagram: Posting photos your fans will love
You don’t need professional experience or equipment to take photos your fans will love. This musician’s guide to Instagram gives you tips to get you started on the popular platform. Read More.
Combining organic and electronic sounds in your recordings
Blending acoustic and electronic sounds can open musical doors and take your songwriting and production in unexpected and adventurous directions. Read More.
How to make a detailed input list for your live shows
An input list should include every instrument, DI, and vocal that’s part of your stage set-up. Here are some tips to help you put together an effective input list with minimal headache. Read More.
The details your live sound engineer wants to know
Think you’ve told your live sound engineer everything he needs to know for your big gig? Don’t forget these important details. Read More.
Set yourself up for success with an accurate stage plot
A well-crafted stage plot – customized to the lineup and tech needs of your band – can go a long way towards setting yourself up for success once you hit the stage, especially for a multi-band event. Read More.
Tips for a smooth transition at your next music gig
The fifteen minutes between one artist’s final note and the next group’s first “hello” are precious. How you handle the transition can set you up for your best performance at your next music gig. Read More.
Consider this when mixing with headphones
There are baseline truths you can fall back on to improve your mixes, whatever your sound source – whether mixing with headphones or studio monitors. Read More.
Audio mixing fundamentals with engineer Graham Cochrane
In our August Disc Makers Twitter chat (#DMchat), Graham Cochrane, mixing engineer and founder of The Recording Revolution, gave us an overview of audio mixing fundamentals for musicians of all genres. Read More.
Mixing on headphones in your home studio
Other than cost, which is one obvious reason headphones are a worthwhile option, here are three advantages to mixing on headphones in your home studio. Read More.
More tips to make your unplugged gig a success
Playing an unplugged gig outdoors presents challenges if you need amplification – but there are ways to meet the challenges and put on a great show. Read More.