This tutorial will help you to stop looking at your gate plug-ins as boring noise removal tools and get you using them as creative tools and effects.
Audiotuts+ Author - Mo Volans
Posts by Mo Volans
How to Use Gate Plug-ins Creatively
Nov 2nd in Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro, Production by Mo Volans
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A Basic Guide to Subtractive Synthesis (Part 2)
Oct 28th in Instruments, Reason by Mo VolansThis is the second part in a series of screencasts about subtractive synthesis. In this part we take a close look at modulators, LFOs and external controllers. Hope fully these two tutorials will give you a basic all round knowledge of a standard subtractive synthesiser.
How to Create Grooves with Edited Drum Loops
Oct 12th in Cubase, Production by Mo VolansIt’s often pretty straight forward to create and program a basic beat. The real challenge comes when we try to introduce a groove that gives our track soul and character.
There are a few ways to do this of course and useful methods include using recorded performances, MIDI sequencing and even entire drum loops. All of these techniques can really add to simple beat, but if you are a fan of getting things down quickly and producing really satisfying results, then you may want to try a different approach.
This tutorial looks at how we can build a groove using existing loops in our library without using them in their entirety. The result is an original groove that often feel as if they have been ‘played’.
How to Layer Sequences to Create Depth and Pace
Oct 5th in Instruments, Logic Pro, Production, Sound Design by Mo VolansMost of us use MIDI sequences in our projects at some point in the production process. Even when you find the perfect pattern that really compliments your other parts, you can still be left wanting. Even with extra processing and effects a simple pattern can sometimes sound a little dry and clinical.
The answer often doesn’t lie in reprogramming the sequence or using heavy effects processing. A more simple approach can be using one or two extra synths layered with your original pattern. This can add depth and pace to the whole piece and often make the part more exciting.
Lets take a look at the entire process, from recording the original part right through to mixing the layered sounds into your existing project.
Creating Fills to Add New Instruments and Elements
Sep 21st in Arrangement, Logic Pro, Production by Mo VolansThis screencast looks at an ongoing project that is now near completion. This stage looks at how to create different kinds of fills to introduce new instruments. It also shows how a little programming can help introduce new sections of your track.
A Basic Guide to Subtractive Synthesis (Part 1)
Sep 14th in Instruments, Logic Pro, Reason by Mo VolansThis screencast is the first tutorial in a series on synthesis. This first installment shows a basic guided tour of Subtractor in Reason and covers oscillators, filters and envelopes.
How to Use Propellerhead Record’s Channel Strip
Sep 7th in Mixing & Mastering, Production by Mo VolansPropellerhead’s new killer app Record has finally landed. Its an affordable all-in-one recording and production solution and after spending some time with both the beta and final release, I can safely say its about the most CPU efficient DAW I have ever used.
I thought it might be useful for some of you who are using Record, or thinking about purchasing it, to see a run through of some of its key sections. This tutorial will simply walk through the different modules of the monster channel strip in Record’s main mixer.
How to Pump Up Your Drums Using Reason’s Scream 4
Aug 31st in Logic Pro, Production, Reason by Mo VolansReason 4 has some great instruments and processors. Even if it’s not your main DAW, it’s a wise move to check it out and use it as a Rewire slave.
Scream 4 is one of the standout plug-ins in Reason’s arsenal and can create some really extreme distortion and saturation effects. One of its lesser known modes is the tape compression setting, this can work wonders on just about any sound but really shines on drums.
How to Create Build Ups and Impact
Aug 19th in Logic Pro, Production by Mo VolansThis tutorial continues with the track we have been on over the last few months. The last section was on creating a breakdown and you check it out here if you missed it and want to catch up.
Now our breakdown is complete its time to start thinking about where we go next. As this is a dance track, we want to come out of the breakdown on an energetic high and plenty of impact when our drum track is reintroduced.
This tutorial shows you some methods for creating the build up needed, and ensuring the reintroduction has enough impact without being to loud. I am now using Logic Pro 9 for these tutorials but they will open successfully in Logic Pro 8. Simply click through the warning pop ups and everything should play back correctly.
How to Create and Use .REX Files
Aug 10th in Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro, Production, Reason by Mo VolansA lot of DAWs allow the user to create tempo lockable grooves within their environment. These loops will change in tempo with our DAW’s master clock. This ability can be extremely useful for quick auditioning of new grooves or experimenting with different tempos in our projects.
The main problem here is that most applications use unique file formats that can only be loaded in the specific program you are using. In some cases, such as the Apple loops format, these files can even be dependent on a certain operating system.
