Even the best track can be let down by bad arrangement. Let things slide in this area and you’re in danger of losing your listeners’ interest. Often getting things right in this area is down to lots of small touches. It really is all in the detail.

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Recently I produced a tutorial introducing the concept of the modulation matrix. The tutorial walks through some basic examples for the novice and some of you found it useful. However there were some more experienced users who wanted a more in depth look at the subject; this tutorial aims to deliver just that.

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Recently I have been using Record and Reason (combined) as my main production platform. I’m finding it to be a great environment to work in. Obviously I have a few gripes, but Record is still in its very early stages.

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Sidechaining has been a popular tool amongst engineers for long time. I have covered the basic methods for achieving the effect in a few popular DAWs, including Logic, Cubase and Reason but let’s take a look at some real world examples of how we can use the technique.

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For those of you that are reasonably new to Reason and Record, or have just updated to the most recent versions, the concept of the Groove Mixer might not be one your familiar with.

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For some synthesists the subject of modulation mapping is one to be avoided. It’s hardly surprising considering the average mod matrix is made up of tables, graphs and numbers.

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Even if your tracks are mixed well and the arrangements are tight often they can feel a little 2D, almost as if something is missing. Adding an ambient, cinematic backdrop to the sparse sections of your project can really bring things to life.

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When you’re working with beats it always pays to know some techniques for creating a larger than life sound. Your drum tracks can be pumped up using a variety of different methods such as parallel processing, heavy compression and transient design but sometimes even these can fall short.

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If you are a Reason or Record owner you are lucky enough to have access to one of the best virtual drum machines out there. Making great beats quickly is a breeze using its step sequencing system and editing sounds is just as easy.

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Chorus and unison effects are pretty much the most common modulation effects there are and it’s likely you have used them in your mixes before. To really get the best out of these processes its essential to understand whats going on under the hood.

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