With layered acoustic and electronic sounds a great way to supercharge any drum part, up until recently getting those could be clunky. We show you how to get fast, streamlined results in just a few moves.
Generative AI Is The Porn Of Creativity
This article explores the provocative comparison between generative AI and pornography, examining their implications for human expression, connection, and the erosion of creativity's essence.
We Name Our Favourite Weird Song Intros
Over in the pop world, the song’s intro is usually a taste of things to come, but some songs have other ideas. Here we round up some of our favourite tunes whose opening statements are anything but a prelude to the creation that follows…
How Snare Sounds Have Changed In 50 Years Of Music Production
As sounds go, apart from the voice, the snare drum is one of those things that can help tell you whether you’re listening to Sinatra or James Brown. Its recorded presence has changed enormously through different eras. Here we take a look at the sounds behind the music.
Inspiration - The Mistake Of Professional Creatives
Inspiration is often heralded as the critical fuel of artists—a divine spark that magically transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. However, in the demanding world of professional music production, this romanticised notion of inspiration is not just impractical; it's a potential career pitfall.
How To Get 5 Classic Sounds With Toontrack Session Organ EKX
Toontrack recently supercharged EZkeys once again with the release of Session Organ EKX. Promising EZ tonewheel nirvana, we navigate its almost infinite combination of settings to distil five classic tonewheel organ sounds without the grind.
6 Bad Piano Sounds We All Loved
Although it’s one of the most recognisable sounds on the planet, there are some times when the piano on record can sound anything but its exquisite self. With various electronic, digital, and acoustic sounds on record with something amiss, here we list some of our favourite pianos that went astray…
How To Get The Right Bass Part Using Toontrack EZbass
Like all virtual instruments, great sounds need direction from the composer. When it comes to bass, writers need a virtual player who can slot in with the big idea. Here we show you how to get a great sounding part even if you don’t play bass…
Quality Gifts For The Audio Engineer In Your Life - 2023
We’ve been talking about our own presents past and future, but what if you’re someone else buying for the engineer in your life? With gifts big and small, here we present the non-engineers’ guide to what they really need…
Using UJAM Symphonic Elements DRUMS For Cinematic Mixes
Engineering composers have plenty of choice when it comes to drums that arrive as the kind of drum kit known by most. But what if the production needs the symphonic touch? Here we crank up the drama to take a look at UJAM’s Symphonic Elements DRUMS…
How To Get The Right Drum Part Using Toontrack EZdrummer 3
Drum VIs can land with tonnes of expertly played MIDI, but marrying that to the song is another story. One solution out there can get the part right for composers who don’t know where to start. We show you how to get the best out of it…
5 Pieces Of Audio Gear I Wish I Had Got Sooner
With so many amazing things vying for new engineers’ attention, knowing what to get first is never easy. With more audio choices on the table than ever before, here Luke talks about what would have made his life easier sooner.
We Compare Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen With Vocaster One
Taking the two smallest interfaces for creators from the Focusrite stable, each has similarities despite appearances. If you’re a solo warrior which should you go for? We go through their features and what they mean for you.
Building A Whole Track Using Toontrack EZ Instruments
When it comes to building a virtual band, until recently getting great results meant knowing each instrument well. Here we show how Toontrack’s line of EZ instruments can learn the song from as little as just a couple of scratch takes. Hear it in action for yourself…
Free Dolby Atmos Template Sessions For Pro Tools, Nuendo and Logic Pro
A lot of those coming to mix in Dolby Atmos for the first time are struggling with the basic setup of their DAW sessions, so, with the help of LiquidSonics, we asked three familiar faces (Steve Genewick, Eli Krantzberg and Tom Lowe, who are all users of the company’s reverb plugins) to share their own Atmos templates and advice.
Auto Tune Isn’t Just For Vocals - Check This Out
With many engineers relying on Antares’ Auto-Tune Pro X’s pitch rehab for vocals, fewer might be aware of its uses that reach beyond the top line. Here we show how Antares’ magic can also bend other sounds’ meanderings into shape…
Real Drums Or VI? From A Drummer's Perspective
As drum virtual instruments fast approach parity with the real thing, increasingly acoustic drums can be justifiably left in their cases. Here Luke talks about what each can bring and why even now, the decision on which to use still isn’t clear cut.
Audio Production Things We Loved In September 2023
Whether you’re planning the first trip of the Spring or getting ready to carve a pumpkin or two, September saw a bumper crop of audio innovation as well as some familiar tools getting a makeover. Here are our favourites…
Toontrack Stories SDX - Expert Review
Stories SDX is the latest expansion pack for Toontrack’s Superior Drummer 3. Recorded at Power Station, New England by producer/engineer/mixer Frank Filipetti, it promises a wide range of new drum colours for songwriters. We put it to the Experts to get their verdict.
Six Ways Mix Engineers Can Prepare For Mastering
Successful masters come from successful mixes. Here we talk about some of the artistic considerations as well as the more practical things to have in order before that hard-won mix goes to Mastering.