Saturation is an often misunderstood process, sometimes written off as basic distortion effect, too subtle for most uses. While this isn’t entirely inaccurate, saturation has a lot to offer and can impart a true analog flavor on our mixes if used correctly. Most saturation plug-ins are pretty simple devices, but the real key to using the effect is understanding how it works. Let’s take a look at the process in detail and then we can go through a few examples of a few saturation plug-ins in action.
Mastering Your Sampler’s Synthesis Engine
Jun 20th in Production by Mo VolansYou may not realize it, but the software or hardware sampler you own is likely to contain a powerful synthesis engine under the hood. If you haven’t explored it fully you may be missing out on a valuable resource in your studio.
How to Use Reverb to Create Your Own Pads
Jun 15th in Production by Ryan LeachPads are an extremely useful device for all styles of music, allowing for warm, calming, uplifting, sad, ominous, or even threatening effects. This tutorial shows you one simple way to create your own unique pads.
Creating your own pads is yet another way to help build a custom library and develop a personal voice. And by having more control over the various elements that make up your pad, you have more freedom to add subtle layers of complexity and imperfection for an organic sound.
Understanding Ableton Live 8’s New Groove Engine
Jun 11th in Production by Mo VolansAbleton has introduced a huge list of new features into the latest version of Live. Amongst some of the highlights are new instruments, new warp algorithms and even several new effects plug-ins.
All these features are impressive (and some of them definitely deserve their own tutorials), but one of the most important updates for many users is the introduction of a brand new groove engine, so let’s get stuck in and see how it works.
Creating Rich Soundscapes with Organic & Electronic Sounds
May 18th in Production, Recording by Mo VolansCreating lush, expansive back drops can be a key part of a successful chill-out track or a great breakdown. Producing something truly original in this area requires a bit of creativity.
There’s always the temptation to use an impressive pad sound from the latest super plug-in, but to really stand out from the crowd you need to dip your toes into the world of sound design.
Using Logic Pro’s Transformer Object
May 7th in Production by Toby PitmanThe Transformer object in the Environment is one of the most powerful tools Logic has to offer. With a little bit of MIDI know-how, it can become an incredibly powerful creative tool. In the second part of this Environment series we’re going to look at the basic concept of how the Transformer interprets and manipulates MIDI messages. Even if you don’t have Logic, there’s some useful information about MIDI as well.
Create a Drum Loop From Found Sounds
Apr 29th in Production by Ryan LeachDespite the countless libraries of drum loops available on the market, many of them sound the same, become overused and lack any personal style. This tutorial will show you a quick and fun way to add a personal touch to your music by creating your own loops.
How to Create a Wide Synth String Patch
Apr 27th in Production by Mo VolansFollowing my recent tutorial on creating classic synth FX, I thought it may be helpful to some of you to see some other sounds constructed using the same basic format. This tutorial focuses on building a wide synth string sound, with some interesting modulation routing.
First you will see the sound constructed step by step using the FAW ‘Circle’ soft synth and then the patch will be recreated using a number of instruments from popular DAWs. Obviously the recreations may not be exactly the same as the original patch but they should show that any synth can be used to create a good range of sounds.
Creating RUN Machines in Reason’s Combinator, Pt 2
Apr 23rd in Production by Gönenç GirayReason’s Combinator is a powerful device that can be used as a machine for drums and background patterns. With some routing tricks and some unusual pattern settings a Combinator Machine can evolve throughout the song.
In the Part 1 of this tutorial we created a drum pattern and two pads with Auto-Pan controls. In the second part we’ll incorporate more sounds, and with the use of “uneven” patterns we’ll create a Combinator patch which is not just a simple loop.
Getting More From Your Tracks With Delay
Apr 15th in Production by Ryan LeachDelay is a simple device with a wealth of possibilities for adding interest and production value to your tracks. This tutorial will examine different ways that delay can improve the sound of your music and inspire creativity.
