Audio Recording

Reverb has announced its annual list of the most popular drum machines, brands, and synths. The list covers sales in the used and new categories. The Teenage Engineering’s OP-1, which has been around nearly ten years now, sold the most units in the synth category, Meanwhile, among sales in new synths, Korg Minilogue XD came out on top with three of the brands other synths also popping up in the top 15. Meanwhile, Roland took the crown as the best selling Brand

Key Takeaways:

• The top 15 best synths and drum sets included both used and new categories.
• The top selling synth, Teenage Engineering’s OP-1, is now a decade old, but still performing extremely well.
• Although the Korg brand did not have a first place finish, six of their synths ranked in the top fifteen.

“As music magazines create lists of the best albums, best songs and best gear of the year, Reverb has published its own end-of-year list.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/news/reverb-best-synths-2019/

The music industry has come a very long way in many areas however stage monitoring is significant to mention. The newest and greatest technology has certainly reared in face in this aspect of music. There are now amazing options in different programs which enable music to be manipulated enough to bring you the most clear and perfect harmony of the various instruments in an almost perfect setting. Some of these programs include Audio fusion, Klang 3 D and DiGiCo which brings you a three dimensional sound. Much more incredible information will be released very soon.

Key Takeaways:

• Though tablets are often used, new technology allows for more control over the stage, from smartphones.
• The Audiofusion software connects with an Apple computer to allow control of your mix, creating improved and monitored sound.
• The software provides mobility and cost-effectiveness to beginners and those unable to use better equipment.

“My experience was that it allowed me to create an extraordinary feeling of spaciousness within what could have been, at 168 inputs, a very crowded mix.”

Read more: https://www.prosoundweb.com/bold-directions-the-future-of-stage-monitoring/

Logic’s Apple Loops has many varied features and ideas to play around with, and gain new ideas. With its combination of creative applications, it can stimulate and provide inspiration for a new track. Apple Loops has a very wide range of instruments, and a customizable, progammable interface. In combination with the unique drum tool kit, it’s very easy to create new sounds and sound mixes with Apple Loops. It can be very effective in new ideas and results.

Key Takeaways:

• Instructor Jono Buchanan offers weekly tutorials and serves as a professor for a music department.
• You can learn all about Apple Loops and be inspired in your future musical pieces.
• With Apple Loops you can cut up different sections and create something entirely new.

“Continuing from last week’s introduction to Apple Loops, Jono now shows us how to use Apple Loops to inspire yourself to create something completely new.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/tutorials/logic-tips-apple-loops-2/

A sound engineer will mix the music in mono instead of stereo to get results that will sound good regardless of what equipment the listener is using. Sometimes, the listener won’t be home in front of his speakers and the music will still sound good if mixed with mono. The listener will get great equalization and clarity from the instruments. If it is good in mono, it will be great in stereo. Mono will also expose any phase issues and sound variations. Mixing in mono will make the mid channel even better and your vocals and bass will be meshed together.

Key Takeaways:

• Mixing in mono means certain problems will be obvious and you will have a chance to fix them.
• Early music by bands like the Beatles and the Beach Boys sound amazing, and they were recorded in mono.
• Mono provides a clear listening experience for everyone, regardless of where they are positioned in relation to the speakers.

“Mixing in mono is a trick professionals use to ensure the songs they pump out sound amazing, no matter the speakers or where the listeners is positioned in front of those speakers.”

Read more: https://ledgernote.com/columns/mixing-mastering/mixing-in-mono/

The Beatmaker plug-in was designed by ujam to create authentic beats and grooves for a variety of musical styles. It has now been updated to version 2, adding new features and improvements. There are twice the number of styles, patterns and presets for every title. Included among the new features is a MIDI Drag and Drop option. While retaining an interface that is clean and easy-to-use, Beatmaker 2 added new controls. The Beatmaker 2 series is available for €/$69 per title or €/$130 as a bundle of three.

Key Takeaways:

• Pharrell Williams and Han Zimmer’s plugin, Beatmaker, has upgraded to its second version.
• Beatmaker 2 adds several new features, while still keeping its clean and intuitive user interface.
• More customizability has been added, including beat control and detailed editing options.

“The plug-in is designed to help create authentic beats and grooves across a range of genres including EDM, trap, grime and more.”

Read more: https://www.musictech.net/news/beatmaker-2-upgrade/