Production

EFM1 is a simple but mighty frequency modulation synthesizer native to Logic Pro X. This post explores its parameters and common uses!

Althea shares how to route audio to a mix track and how to bounce from there using Cubase. 

This post includes a video guide to making your orchestral mockups sound better, as taught by the Berklee Film Scoring Department.

Audio Routing in Cubase

The Tempo Warp tool in Cubase allows users to warp musical timebase events to follow linear events or timecode positions!

In this video, we go over the basics of importing and exporting tempo tracks/tempo maps into Cubase!

In this video, Althea shows us how to use the new Cubase 10.5 export video feature!

In this video, Althea walks us through creating Syncpoint Markers in Cubase.

In the second installment of the free plugins serious I will provide more links to amazing plugins that you can download and start using for no cost!

When working with video in Cubase, you may need to adjust the frame rate of your project or the SMPTE timecode value at the project start. 

Logic's ES E was named "E" for ensemble. This basic single oscillator polyphonic synth is great for pads and string textures. 

by A. Steynberg

Here's a video tutorial going over the basics of setting up time signatures in Cubase.

Time Signature Setup Steps:

The Tempo Track Editor provides an overview of the project tempo settings & you can edit tempo events here.

Each DAW has its own process for exporting audio, MIDI, and more. In Ableton, there are lots of settings to look out for! So, let’s go over the basics of exporting audio in Ableton Live!

Logic’s developers have an interesting way of maintaining the interface aesthetics of old plugins and synths while adding new “modern” ones to create an interesting blend of old school and fresh synth engines for us to play around with. The smorgasbord of synth designs and capabilities is part of Logic’s character. There have been so many different updates and changes, but some of these synths remain the same. Let’s talk about the E-synths, where Logic all started!

The topic of "track types" may come across as one which doesn’t require much explanation. Yet, this seemingly simple topic can actually become quite deep! Today I thought I would provide a little introduction to the types of tracks in Pro Tools and some of their main purposes. 

Want to get rid of drum bleed in your snare track? Cut out that pesky room noise in your vocal tracks? Strip Silencing will save your life!

The concept of bouncing seems to be one of the most misunderstood and confusing terms for beginners in music production. It seems like every DAW calls this something else, and every DAW has a different way of doing it. Below I have included some frequently asked questions regarding the topic:

What the heck is bouncing?

How is bouncing different than exporting?

What does it mean to “bounce in place?”

What is the difference between freezing and bouncing?

How do I export a raw audio file if my track has effects on it?

One of the most distinctive aspects of Ableton Live is its beautifully crafted “Session View.” Ableton LIVE gets its title from this live-looping-based interface which can be used in a multitude of different ways, all super awesome for workflow, composition, arranging, songwriting, beat making, and performing. 

Many people have the false belief that Ableton’s Session View is reserved for live performance. However, this interface has some awesome features that can be used both on and off stage. Let’s check it out.

Logic calls it Flex Time, ProTools calls it Elastic Audio and Ableton calls it Warping, but they mean similar things.