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.
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…
Because the harmonica is often among one of the first instruments grade school children learn, many people have fond (or not so fond) memories of the instrument. Whether in folk, country, bluegrass, or even the blues and jazz, the harmonica (or blues harp or “mouth organ”) is an instrument that adds texture or flavor to…
Visualization can play a very important role in mixing and mastering, making oscilloscope valuable tools in music production. In this guide, we’ll be looking at a mix of oscilloscope VST plugins – those that have been designed with spectral analysis in mind, and those featuring oscilloscopes in some capacity. So, let’s get into the best…
As an affordable alternative to professional grade Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), Reaper quickly grew a cult following and today is one of the top 10 preferred software recording applications among professionals and independents alike. Its own ReaPlugs have received a lot of praise and are fantastic stock effects. You can even download them and use…
Cubase is loved by producers, composers, songwriters, and more, and in a way, it set the standard for Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) to come. Cubase comes with many of its own virtual effects and instruments, and there aren’t many gaps in its feature set. But since it does play well with third-party plugins, it’s well…
What if you could manipulate any sound and turn it into something completely different? It’s like the very epitome of modern electronic music, and even film scores, right? But futuristic sound design no longer requires layers and layers of overdubs from different sources using different mics, complex processing chains, reversed found sound samples, re-amping, and…
From stringed instruments to synthesizers, tuning is a normal part of instrument maintenance and performance across a broad range of instrument types. If you regularly use real instruments in your studio, or if you work with people who do, then your studio setup could certainly benefit from the addition of a virtual tuner and wouldn’t…
There is a near unending supply of amazing instruments across the world. These instruments often represent the very esthetic of the culture from which they stem. India is home to an array of instruments that define the sound of their traditional music – sitar, tabla, sarangi, tambura, vina, and more. These have become fast favorites…