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signal processing

audio engineer using compressors in a recording studio

Using compressors and limiters in your home studio

December 18, 2022December 19, 2022 Keith Hatschek

Using compressors and limiters when recording and mixing allows you to smooth out passages to better control a track. Read the post.

use of reverb and delay in six classic tracks

Using reverb and delay: Lessons from six classic tracks

December 9, 2022December 9, 2022 Keith Hatschek

One way to better understand the adept use of recording techniques is to study classic hits. We’ve got six examples of expertly crafted songs that showcase creative use of reverb and delay. Read the post.

live looping

Three approaches to live looping

March 22, 2021July 12, 2022 Michael Gallant

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.

live looping

Ready to try live looping? Where do you start?

March 12, 2021March 12, 2021 Michael Gallant

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.

vocal tuning

When it comes to vocal tuning, one size does not fit all

March 20, 2020July 3, 2020 Michael Gallant

Choose the vocal tuning and pitch-correction tools, techniques, and workflow that will give your music the finished vibe you’re looking for. Read the post.

plug-ins

Working with plug-ins: A beginner’s guide

September 20, 2018September 20, 2018 Michael Gallant

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.

A DAW interface illustrating the use of various audio plug-ins.

Meet the Audio plug-in: Your start-up kit

September 7, 2018September 25, 2018 Michael Gallant

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.

vocoder

Meet the Vocoder: Make your synth speak and sing

November 8, 2017December 2, 2019 Michael Gallant

In a musical context, the vocoder often starts with an analog sound and crossbreeds it, in real time, with synthesized textures to create some powerful and versatile musical elements. Read More.

electronic sounds

Combining organic and electronic sounds in your recordings

November 2, 2017November 3, 2017 Michael Gallant

Blending acoustic and electronic sounds can open musical doors and take your songwriting and production in unexpected and adventurous directions. Read More.

A great EDM production tip is to listen closely

Improve your EDM production skills with close listening

September 21, 2016February 5, 2019 Niall McCallum

Whatever your style of music, understanding how great music is crafted, layer by layer, will help you become a better producer. The technique of close listening can help. Read more.

pre-delay

Add clarity to your audio mix using pre-delay

September 8, 2016August 2, 2022 Scott Wiggins

In this video, engineer Scott Wiggins explains the use of pre-delay with reverb on your vocals and snare drum to help add the desired effect while maintaining clarity and presence. Read More.

evolution of effects pedals

Part 2: The evolution of guitar effects pedals – today’s market

February 16, 2016March 28, 2016 Keith Hatschek and Joshua Monley

Each of the basic effects pedals we covered in Part 1 is still made today, by a variety of manufacturers. That’s one of the things that makes the pedal world so fascinating. New takes on classic effects come out continuously, each offering some sort of variation or wrinkle that can help you further refine your own special sound. Read more.

Guitar effects pedals

Guitar effects pedals and the evolution of music – Part 1

February 10, 2016March 28, 2016 Keith Hatschek and Joshua Monley

In part one, we rewind some of the history of these interesting devices, including links to product pages and demos of effects pedals in action. In part two, we identify some of the current stomp boxes and multi effects units that can help you create signature sounds. Read more.

audio compression

Music production basics – Part 2: audio compression and panning

December 2, 2015March 28, 2016 Robert Willey

One way to control the amplitude of a signal is by running it through a compressor, which turns down the volume each time the signal gets louder than a preset threshold. Understanding the functions of compression and panning are part of music production basics and will help you in the recording and mixing phases of your project. Read more.

Music production basics – Part 1: amplitude and automation

November 24, 2015November 30, 2015 Robert Willey

music production basicsControlling volume is one of the most important elements in audio production. Understanding amplitude, volume, normalization, and automation are all part of music production basics and will help you in the recording and mixing phases of your project. Read more.

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