Category: Tips

Although mixing and mastering falls on the engineering side of things, in many ways it goes hand-in-hand with producing. There are producers who have their own engineers so all they do is produce. Likewise, there are engineers who can’t play a single lick on a piano. However, even when producing at a beginner level, you inevitably run into some aspects of mixing. Technically, even if you turn the volume of a snare down by instinct you are layering, which is part of mixing. With that being said, here is a very basic tip that will improve your sound and clean up your mix. Continue reading “Tip | Mixing” →

Automation is the process of changing an aspect or quality of audio over time. For example, a simple automation could involve volume. The volume could fade out or decrease over time, which can be done by automation. Automation is an enormous aspect of modern music production. It is usually a very simple process, however the possibilities are endless. There are automations that are typical and commonplace, but you can automate just about anything you’d like. Today, I will explain the basics of this concept. Continue reading “Tip | Automation” →

Glides or slides is a popular and important quality in all kinds of music. Its importance comes from the fact that many instruments naturally slide, and for that it is an authentic and human part of music. When one note gradually slides into the next one without a distinct moment of change, it sounds smooth and natural. This is heard in most in string instruments. Today I will explain how to execute glides using a sampler.  Continue reading “Tip | Glides” →

Quantization is the process of the computer and DAW precisely correcting recorded notes so that they are exactly in perfect time. In modern music production, quantization is very common. Whether the notes are drawn in first, or corrected after they are recorded, each note is perfectly lined up on what we call the “grid”. On every DAW, this is done with a click of a button. This great tool is popular for many modern genres. The fact that we can create music that is more rhythmically accurate than what human beings are capable of has opened up a new world of music. On the contrary, in some scenarios, songs, and entire genres, quantization is not desirable.  Continue reading “Tip | Quantization” →

Today I will discuss glue compressors. Glue compressors are similar to basic compressors but have different capabilities. If you aren’t too clear on compression in general, click here. A glue compressor can add warmth and color that a regular compressor can’t. They serve many purposes including a limiter, sidechaining, parallel compression, and more. Today however, I will discuss using a glue compressor to improve how your drums sound in a mix. Continue reading “Tip | Glue Compressor for Drums” →

For today’s tip we will discuss hi-hats. In my opinion, hi-hats aren’t nearly as intricate as something like chords or arpeggiators. However, there are a few things you can do to spice things up. If you aren’t using a pre-recorded hi-hat loop, it is up to you to create the rhythm and mood. Like almost all tips and ticks of music production, this first tip largely depends on what genre is being produced and also what feeling is desired. So as always, do not apply this or any other tip to every single track. These tips are simply to increase your options, knowledge, and creativity. Once you have recorded or programed a rhythm Continue reading “Tip | Hi-Hats” →

Here’s a couple of tips for the engineering side of things. It can be very difficult to get your kick drums and 808’s to sit right and to agree with each other in a mix. It is especially tricky because these are two sounds that occur in the same low-end range of the frequency spectrum. Sounds that are in the same frequency range often clash. To avoid this many things can be done but the ultimate goal is to get everything to breathe and have its own seat. Today I have two tips that will get your kicks to punch through the mix and hit hard without clashing with your 808 or any other type of bass for that matter. Continue reading “Tip | 808’s & Kicks” →