Do you produce music or want to get into music production? If so the below guides are for you! We look at a variety of beat making related subjects, from the right software to use, to mixing down and all in between.
Trap, but darker and grimier. Drill music is often ominous, aggressive, intense, and lyrically violent. The musical style, not surprisingly, is characterized by abrasive, unsettling, and impactful sounds. If you’re an expert sound designer, you may know how to dial in your drill tones. Otherwise, you’re going to need the right tools to get the…
Studio One is a popular Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and an excellent one at that. The full featured DAW comes with a full suite of effects and virtual instruments, all of them competent, many of them very good. But the need to upgrade will probably arrive sooner than later as you look to augment your…
If you want to get up and running fast, presets make a big difference. When it comes right down to it, many producers, and songwriters, sometimes value quality presets with VST plugins over other criteria like sound quality or ease of use. So, in this guide, we’ll be looking at the VST plugins with the…
Today’s top 40 country probably has more in common with pop and southern rock than it does with its much twangier roots. That doesn’t change production techniques for the most part, though, because country music has a distinctive and identifiable sound that artists become known for and fans love. That means you still need the…
Many inexperienced filmmakers think all they need to do is capture the audio for the scenes they’re filming and later insert it into their footage in post-production. Oh, if it were only that easy! The truth is getting the right voice sound for your film, or for that matter, podcast, audiobook, or radio show usually…
Being a guitarist, it’s always a joy to have plenty of effects pedals to play with. What isn’t so fun is having to lug every piece of gear around between rehearsals and gigs. Technological advancements have allowed for multi effects pedals to be quite useful in these situations. These pedals offer professional-grade sounds and certainly…
A few decades ago, every drummer grew up playing to songs while mimicking the drum parts that were already recorded for them. It was the only possible way, and it often made it sound weird if your drum parts didn’t match. Technology has advanced to a point where we can remove drum parts now. It’s…
VST instruments have never been more abundant or flexible. Broadly, they can be categorized as synthesizers, sample libraries, samplers, and drum machines. But many of today’s products seem to transcend even these narrow definitions. For instance, it’s not hard to find VST instruments that combine the worlds of synthesized and organic audio material. Ready to…
There’s just something about classic analog consoles, isn’t there? The reason I bring it up is because of the preamps. These babies give you that toasty analog warmth that can greatly enhance otherwise dull sounding digital recordings. Analog emulation isn’t always perfect, but it has come a long way, and there are some excellent options…
The influence of Latin music cannot be denied, whether in pop, EDM, or even hip-hop oriented genres. Are you looking to make some Latin tinged beats? Maybe you have a Latin artist coming to your studio soon. Whatever the case, the time to get equipped with the right tools is now. In this guide, we…
Looking for free and premium VST plugins to download? You can scour the web for manufacturer websites, blog posts, legacy link farms, and more. But this process can be very time consuming, and it’s not the best option, especially when you can almost always find exactly what you’re looking for on just a handful of…
Mashups are cool! They exploded in popularity in the 2000s, but even today, a masterful mashup can capture the attention of many. Not like it is brand new, but I’m often reminded of the 2011 film Just Go with It, in which the emotional The Police / Snow Patrol mashup gripped the viewing audience. You…
I would place the sound of a harmonium somewhere between an accordion and an organ. This Hindustani classical instrument is usually heard in South Asian music. But if you already know, I don’t need to tell you. The harmonium is amazing, and if a virtual harmonium is what you seek, you’re in the right place…
The gentle, percussive, emotive sound of the kalimba has captured the imagination of many. It’s a simple instrument anyone can learn to play, but not everyone has the time or patience. If you want to bring the haunting and beautiful sound of a kalimba to your studio, then the most convenient option is to explore…
The sound of a marimba is sweet, woody, subtle, and warm. It’s perfect for delicate melodies and accompaniment. Modern plugins, though, are obsessed with turning every sound into pads, textures, and ambiences, and marimba is no exception. If you’re looking to incorporate the sound of marimba in your productions, you’ll want to check out the…