Audio Recording

After just a couple of months after the 9.5 was launched, we are now being offered the Reason 10. Features include a Virtual rack-based DAW and multitrack sequencer, Factory sound bank, with patches and samples and just like the 9.5, it is also supported with a VST plug-in.
If you’re looking to upgrade from any earlier version of Reason, you can simply jump to the v10. But if you are a recent v9.5, then you can skip this and just enjoy the all of the VST integration.
Read more about this here: http://www.musictech.net/2018/01/propellerhead-reason-10-review/

With Ableton Effect Racks, effects can be made with simple building blocks. These blocks are the stock plugins or external VST or AU plugins.
According to the makers, “a Rack is a flexible tool for working with effects, plug-ins and instruments in a track’s device chain. Racks can be used to build complex signal processors, dynamic performance instruments, stacked synthesisers and more.” It is said to extend the abilities of even a single device by defining new control relationships between its parameters.
Read more about this here: https://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/a-guide-for-creating-ableton-effect-racks–cms-30190

For those who are still thinking of some last minute Christmas gifts for the people around us in the music and recording business, here are some helpful ideas that you can use.
Books by Bobby Owsinski range on mixing, recording, recording drums, mastering, being a studio musician or a touring musician, improving your band, producing, navigating the new music business, social media for musicians, studio building, guitar tone, and making videos. You can also get the Monoprice 108323 Headphones for only $25. It’s pretty comfortable provide a surprisingly balanced sound.
See the complete list here: http://bobbyowsinskiblog.com/2017/12/18/christmas-gifts-2017/

If  you want to add rhythmic elements to your productions, you better make sure you have these Freeware Beat Makers. MDrummer Small features a huge free download of  30-plus drum sets, 200-plus samples, 400-plus drum-set components, 50-plus multisamples, 60-plus rhythms, 200-plus base-rhythms and 2,500-plus loops.
You get a Wood drum-modelling synth, a single-oscillator bass drum and a six-oscillator hi-hat generator from the AudioSpillage MiniSpillage which is exclusive for MAC users. The Psychic Modulation Cubix which is exclusive to PC users offer a bassline synth to cater for all of your low-end needs.
Read the whole list here: www.musictech.net/2017/12/freeware-2018-7-best-freeware-beat-makers/

There are so many hardware instruments to choose from you can’t decide which one to buy? Start with the Korg Monologue. Even with its simple layout and architecture, it is a cracking little synth, with plenty of character, especially from he sequencer component.
We must also comment the Novation Peak. According to Andy Jones, “It is full to the brim with features and options. The sound this thing makes can be totally analogue if you want it to be and totally off the wall, too. Novation has almost managed the impossible with Peak, cramming so many features into it. It’s years of creativity in one box.”
Read more about this here: http://www.musictech.net/2017/12/gear-of-the-year-2017-the-best-hardware-instrument/