What is the most critical VST plugin for trance producers? Synthesizers. As it turns out, it is the most crucial element to the production process. And while you may only use one to three synths per track, having access to a variety of sounds is something many creators prioritize. And fortunately for you, it’s a…
One of the most important parts of editing and mixing is audio cleanup and audio sweetening. Various tools are typically employed to achieve these ends, and as a music producer it would be wise to become acquainted with the various resources available, and how to use them. Noise gate is an essential in the sound…
The dilemma of the modern music producer or even composer is that they often need to work fast and cheaply. Bringing in a session musician to play, say, the trumpet, in an ideal world, would be the best option. But sometimes it’s just not tenable due to cost, recording environment, equipment, or otherwise. These days,…
Looking for the perfect pitch shifter for your next project? You’re certainly not alone. Whether it’s getting those perfect, radio-ready vocals, or fine-tuning out of tune samples to fit in your mix, there are many essential use cases for pitch shifting technology. Of course, that means knowing your options is the first step to making…
De-esser is a vital effect for editing, cleanup, and mixdown. It can take the harsh consonants and sibilance out of vocal tracks, and it can also be used in other unique and creative ways to tame distracting and unwanted frequencies (e.g., from cymbals) in your mixes. Even during the mastering process, it can be a…
Trap beats are all the rage in popular music right now, and it’s not just in hip-hop. It’s often a practical and stylistic requirement for pop and other electronic genres too. And whether you plan to program your own beats or take advantage of the many trap sample packs out there, the beat is just…
Present day, EDM music is all the rage. It has a long and storied history beginning in Germany in 1953, but it rose to unprecedented heights in the 2010s with trance, progressive, dubstep, and more. And it’s still riding a power wave that’s sure to roll in for years to come. But to be able…
The mellotron, at least for me, has one of those iconic sounds that instantly recalls images of the 60s. The mellotron blends beautifully with other keyboard instruments, and in isolation, it sounds haunting, mysterious, and even whimsical, all in the same breath. That also means there isn’t anything exactly like it. Sure, the mellotron was…
When recording, start with a source you’re happy with. Then tweak. This is the best method to achieving the sounds you want in the studio. Equalizer (EQ) VST plugins support that process. They can help you dial out frequencies you don’t want, add frequencies you need, create vocal “wells,” boost the presence of your vocals…
When it comes to electric pianos, there are few as legendary as the Fender Rhodes. It has a classic, warm, dreamy tone (and bark and snarl when you need it) that’s often emulated but rarely matched. And whether you’re recording rock, jazz, R&B, fusion, or even pop, the Rhodes sound has made many songs a…