How to Create Breakdowns
When it comes to creating a breakdown in your project there are literally endless possibilities, so there really is no definitive method here. My first screencast tutorial demonstrates one way that this hurdle can be approached and hopefully demonstrates some useful techniques using automation, effects and editing.
This tutorial continues constructing the house track that some of my other tutorials have used. Although I say in the first two parts there will be 4 or 5 videos the last one ran to 15 minutes so there are 3 in total. As this is my first screencast I’m more than open to suggestions on making future attempts clearer and easier to follow!
Step 1 – Introduction
This first video simply introduces the screencast and talks a little bit about the track so far and the elements involved. I also explain what we are aiming for and how we’ll go about doing it.
As you can see this whole tutorial is completed in Logic and uses only Logic plug-ins so Logic users can load it. Obviously this will alienate some people but I had to choose one DAW and the methods used can be applied to any software so this shouldn’t pose too much of a problem.
Step 2 – Preparing for the Breakdown
This second video describes the methods I used to prepare the piece for the breakdown. It covers using effects sends, filters and automation to create anticipation so that the listener is ready for the change in mood.
This section also shows how using reverb and delay tails can be the first building blocks for an ambient break down.
Step 3 – Constructing the Breakdown
This final section shows you every single element I used to construct the entire breakdown. I run through each part in detail explaining how it has been created, mixed and blended.
This section is pretty long and covers many subjects including MIDI, mixing, effects and automation. Hopefully this will help equip you to create your own breakdowns and lend some inspiration.
Enjoyed this Post?
Subscribe to our RSS Feed, Follow us on Twitter or simply recommend us to friends and colleagues!
By Mo Volans
Join our newsletter!
Create a Tutorial, Get Paid!
Have something to teach the world? Want to earn money doing it? Tutorials, screencasts, and articles published here on Audiotuts+ are largely contributed by readers just like you! We'll pay you great money for good content. Find Out More
Fascinating. Thanks for that
How can i load the logic project ?
Hey 123 its not been uploaded but I’ll get it to Joel and I’m sure he’ll make it available for download. watch this space ;)
I’m an FL Studio User but there was no alienation here. Great tutorial, shows that there’s a lot you can do with eq/filter automation.
Awesome
Great article! The videos really give the best understanding whats going on. We are all so grateful to you!
Seriously, this is so great, thanks Mo. I’m not new to production by any means, but when somebody better than me is giving out help & advice I lap it up.
Really glad its helped you Andi… should be plenty more screencasts from me down the line.
great tut. I noticed that you use the adlimiter on output one and two. Is this recomended for big tracks like this. Ive been using it on all my tracks turning the faders down low and boosting the output signal with it to get the right volume. Im still not sure if this is the right approach? is is ok to have it switched on while you are mixing the track? It would be great if you could give a quick explanation of how you use it.
The Ad limiter is being used as a brickwall mastering limiter on the main outputs, to increase the overall volume of the mix.
Although you can use limiters on individual mix tracks i would be certain you know what you are doing here, as you can effect the dynamics of your sounds if things are pushed too hard.
A good start would be to read my tutorial on here about limiting …
http://audio.tutsplus.com/tutorials/mixing-mastering/a-beginners-introduction-to-limiters/
Mo, great start with screencasts!!:)
I agree, nice work with the screencast Mo! When I actually get some spare time I can hopefully get another done too!!!
Good idea spliting them up too. :)
Love to see things I know or should know, getting explained to me again in a very clear and informative way! Thanks Mo!
Cheers. Very informative and helpful.
Great screencast! Providing lots of knowledge and great creative inspiration. Thanks!
Great tutorial. I was wondering, how do you make those woosh-effects, which sounds like a white noise with an opening cutoff filter? It’s used a lot in dance music, especially for build-ups, but I can’t really figure out how to do it.
Thanks
Mo Volans you’re THE sh** man!!!
All your tutorials are awesome and really open my way on how to see things!
Thank very much and just keep going, please just keep going…