Commentary

Equalization allows more control of tracks by altering frequency. Advice for efficient use of an equalizer is provided. A reference is a song with a similar sound and vibe to the song being mixed and assists in making good choices regarding equalizing. Other recommendations include using high-pass filters, limiting changes to only a half of what was originally intended, and listen to the song frequently. The song being worked on should be played with the entire track during the process in order to evaluate how the end result will sound. Each piece of advice provided contains details and explanations.

Key Takeaways:

• Effective use of equalizers can help you gain greater control over your track's sound, for example by minimizing the boominess of an acoustic guitar.
• Find a song with a similar feel, sound and instrumentation as the one you are creating, as it will prove a useful reference point and auditory goal post.
• It's a good idea to clean your track up before working on boosting those aspects you wish to emphasize.

“EQing can quickly become overwhelming, but as long as you keep these five tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making better EQ decisions.”

Read more: http://blog.reverbnation.com/2017/12/20/how-to-mix-like-a-pro-eq-checklist/

Songs are now being recorded in home settings with high quality results. The secrets of home recording cover some common mistakes and how to avoid them. The first mistake mentioned is the tendency to buy expensive equipment only to use it in a poor environment. Working to establish an appropriate room to record has a huge impact on the quality of vocals. A concept related to environment is next on the list and recommends avoiding closets. Recording in an area that is too small results in comb filtering, which is the term for sounds becoming thin with questionable texture. The remaining items on the list and a conclusion from the author provide more information to ensure high quality and avoid unintentional effects.

Key Takeaways:

• While being in a small space provides less audible decay, it means more comb filtering, which thins out the sound
• Going for quick and easy acoustic treatments is always a mistake, but the real deal can also be affordable such as with rigid fiberglass
• Once you have the treatment picked, it’s placement is key as you want to typically have the material behind you so the mic will not pick up those reflections

“The biggest mistake people make is buying an expensive mic and an expensive preamp and putting it in an improperly treated room or closet.”

Read more: https://theproaudiofiles.com/recording-vocals-in-a-home-studio/

Simulators of real acoustic instruments are highly sought after, but difficult to find. This listing provides the positives and negatives of seven highly rated programs.

The Big Tick Audio Collection is included in this freeware list and in many others because users must register for the entire package. The author recommends getting the entire lot while searching for a specific piece.
Versilian Upright is a piano simulator declared as one of the best freeware programs out there judging by realism. Every freeware program on the provided list contains the details which led the author to choose it. It is a very informative article for people requiring musical synthesis.

Key Takeaways:

• Freeware emulations of acoustic instruments are hard to find, but these 7 selections are great options
• Steinberg VB-1 is an old option but is still available for download and it boasts four voices of polyphony
• Ticky Clav is included in almost all freeware collections but includes Angelina formant, Rainbow, and EP-Piano synths

“You get three velocity layers plus up to 30 seconds of decay sound so this is the real deal and it has a lovely closed mic sound.”

Read more: http://www.musictech.net/2017/12/freeware-2018-real-acoustic-instruments/

The authors of this article have compiled a comprehensive list of piano keyboards compared across a variety of criteria. The focus of the list is based on the piano sounds of the keyboards, although each one has other options and features as well. The other features are not ranked as the criteria rated only applies to the piano sounds. Every keyboard was evaluated under identical listening conditions. The authors mention how expensive and heavy the keyboards are but also state the positive aspects outweigh the negatives. This is a great resource for anyone considering a piano keyboard purchase.

Key Takeaways:

• This piano shootout brings all keyboards into a comparison under uniform listening conditions of the exact same performance
• Volume was matched but frequency balance is impossible to make uniform, so differences reflect the variations of each keyboard
• Know that these keyboards are expensive; this entire collection tested is worth almost $17,000

“I don’t think anyone has ever conducted a comprehensive listening comparison for digital keyboards like this, and after finishing this exercise, I think I know why.”

Read more: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/7-best-digital-pianos-shootout/

If you want to produce music for TV, films, or games, there is a lot you need to know to get up to speed, including how to design your own tracks using the latest software technology from companies like Zero-G, Spitfire, and iZotope. Be sure to have a comprehensive arsenal in your studio of all of the hardware and software you need to turn your audio vision into a reality in the moment. Develop a thick skin. Realize that when you are making music for someone else, they will criticize it and even reject it often.

Key Takeaways:

• Firstly you need to give yourself deadlines and stick to them, it may just motivate you to work harder
• Attempt to explore sound design and create your own samples using tools like Spitfire, Zero-G, and more
• Know that making music for others won’t always be fun but don't forget to try and innovate to get noticed

“If you’re making music for other people, it won’t always be fun (though it will be sometimes, we promise).”

Read more: http://www.musictech.net/2018/01/10-tips-to-make-music-for-other-people/