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.
music production
Dave Smith: The Godfather of MIDI
Music technologist, inventor, and synthesizer creator Dave Smith died on May 31, 2022. His innovations will continue to shape music for years to come. 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 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.
What all musicians can learn from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The symphonic metal mashup of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” holds lessons that can elevate music of any genre. Read the post
Why does my music need mastering?
Home recording is easier and more affordable than ever, which makes the role of mastering ever more important. Here are some objective reasons that make the case for mastering your recordings. Read the post
Recording acoustic guitar: Experiment with mic placement
The mics you use on any instrument in your home studio recording are a major variable in how your recording will sound, but mic placement is a big part of capturing the best tone for your recording. Read the post
Three approaches to live looping
From tight grooves to swirls of sound, live looping can open up huge opportunities for musical creativity. These three approaches will get you started. Read the post.
Ready to try live looping? Where do you start?
With the right gear, timing, and technique, a solo performer can summon multi-layered sounds that are worlds beyond the limits of a single instrument or voice. Here’s what you need to get started. 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.
When should a producer get a publishing split?
While a producer may get points on your sound recording, is he or she entitled to a share of the composition (songwriting) royalties? It depends on how they’ve contributed. Read the post.
What are music producer points?
A music producer can be an essential part of the creative process, but make sure you know how the compensation structure works before you start your project. Read the post.
What’s the difference between an 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.
Make your music easy to license for TV, ads, and film
To license your music, you need to understand the role of the music supervisor as well as how to prep your music. Follow these steps to increase your chances of getting your music licensed. Read the post.