Dialing in a realistic guitar tone on an amp simulator can be a serious challenge. The default settings often leave something to be desired, and the controls can be overwhelming if you’re new to the software. But with a little know-how, you can fine-tune your tone and create some truly inspiring sounds. In this blog,...
With more and more musicians recording in home studios, amp sims have skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. However, it can sometimes be tricky to dial in a convincing tone or shape your sound to fit with the rest of your mix. In this blog, we’ll break down some of the biggest mistakes...
Serial and parallel processing are two powerful mixing techniques that can be used to help craft clear, detailed mixes. But they can be tricky to master if you’re not sure how they work. And it can be especially hard to know when to use which technique. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between serial...
Over the last few decades, it’s become increasingly common for commercial productions to use pre-made loops. And while they can add the perfect texture or tone to a track, they can sometimes be difficult to mix. In this blog, we’ll share a few of our favorite tips for working with loops, samples, and two-tracks to...
One of the most common mix tip suggestions is to use distortion to enhance your tracks. When used correctly, distortion is great for making tracks sound fatter, warmer, and generally more pleasing to listen to. But it’s easy to overdo it when working with distortion, which can cause your tracks to sound harsh, shrill, and...
Headphones can be a powerful tool for mixing and mastering. They eliminate many of the issues caused by untreated mixing rooms, such as frequency buildups and harsh reflections. They make it easy to clearly hear all the details of your mix. They’re compact and portable, so you can take them anywhere. And best of all,...
Sometimes one mic just won’t cut it. Every now and then you need the sonic depth that only stereo can provide. But with so many different stereo miking techniques to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your specific situation. In this blog, you’ll learn about some of the...
Writer’s block is the worst. It’s something that every creative has to deal with—but that doesn’t make it easy to beat. Writer’s block can feel overwhelming at times. All you want to do is create but you end up wasting time and getting nowhere. You might even start to doubt yourself or believe that you’re not...
Whether you’re recording a quick demo of an original song or an intimate ballad with a singer-songwriter in the studio, knowing how to record vocals and acoustic guitar at the same time is a crucial skill for any engineer. With so many different techniques available, it’s tough to know which approach will sound best for your...
I’m just going to come right out and say it; MIDI drums are awesome. No, they’re not “ruining music,” or “killing the recording industry.” They’re just making it easier for songwriters and producers to quickly create professional-sounding drum tracks without spending a fortune on a session musician and a world-class studio. However, MIDI drums sometimes...