Have you ever been confronted by an instrument you’ve never recorded before and thought, “How the heck am I going to mic that thing?” Well, before you lose credibility by getting caught Googling “How to mic a dulcigurdy,” here are some techniques that will give you a place to start.
A Basic Guide to Subtractive Synthesis (Part 2) – Basix
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 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.
A Basic Guide to Subtractive Synthesis (Part 1) – Basix
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.
Advanced Drum Editing in Kontakt
Aug 12th in Instruments by Michael HetrickI created this tutorial to serve two purposes. First off, I feel that there is a distinct lack of proper in-depth Kontakt tutorials. This tutorial teaches you everything you need to know to get started with Kontakt 3’s amazing Group editing. Second, I find that there are plenty of threads out there where someone will ask “How do I get my drums to sound like ____?” (Usually Squarepusher). I feel that group editing is the quickest, yet most hands-on way of creating incredible, glitchy beats without relying on VST effects as a crutch (and therefore avoiding sounding like anybody who else who uses Plug-in X).
This tutorial is aimed at anybody new to Kontakt or Komplete 5, people who haven’t really explored Kontakt’s groups, or anybody looking for a new, creative approach to beat-mangling.
A Guide to the Electric Guitar
Jun 26th in Instruments by John BoswellThis article is a general overview of the electric guitar. We cover the woods, acoustic sound, construction, necks and fretboards, pickups and hardware and show you how to purchase and maintain an electric guitar that you’ll love for years to come.
