Electronic music production tutorial by Brian Trifon of Trifonic
Sculpture, the physical modeling synth in Apple’s Logic Pro, is one of the most powerful and unique synths available. It’s also one of the most intimidating to use.
Thankfully, Brian has created a video in which he breaks down the mysteries of this complex and impressive tool, demonstrating how to use Sculpture’s multiple parameters to create strong, unique lead sounds.
MOTU has announced it is now shipping the MasterWorks Collection, an advanced audio plug-in bundle for Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and other Mac OS X hosts that support RTAS, Audio Units, and VST3 audio plug-ins.
“MOTU has received many requests from Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, and Live users who wanted to get their hands on Digital Performer’s MasterWorks plug-ins,” said Jim Cooper, MOTU Director of Marketing. “Now they finally can.”
The bundle includes three masterfully crafted audio processors suitable for even the most critical and demanding mixing situations. Originally developed exclusively for Digital Performer, the MasterWorks series plug-ins have developed a reputation for their incredibly authentic analog hardware modeling, 32- and 64-bit internal floating point processing, and highly CPU-efficient performance. All three plug-ins support mono, stereo and surround channel configurations (with supporting host software), and users can share MasterWorks plug-in presets among different hosts.
MasterWorks Collection features
MasterWorks EQ – modeled British analog EQ
Inspired by legendary British console EQs, the MasterWorks EQ™ delivers the look, feel and sound of the most sought-after classic analog equalizers.
MasterWorks Leveler – vintage automatic gain control
The MasterWorks Leveler™ is an accurate model of the legendary Teletronix™ LA-2A optical leveling amplifier, known for its unique and highly sought-after Automatic Gain Control (AGC) characteristics.
ProVerb – stunningly realistic acoustic spaces
From soaring cathedrals to primordial forests, ProVerb™ is a CPU-efficient convolution reverb that delivers the sound of stunningly realistic acoustic spaces to any track or mix.
The MasterWorks Collection is now available to purchase for Mac OS X (version 10.5 or 10.6), priced at $295 USD.
Preview of four part video series on using Markers in Logic and Mainstage.
Create an audio file in Logic and then import that audio file into the Playback plug-in in Mainstage and map an external MIDI Keyboard to trigger the Markers in the various parts of the audio file.
The latest releases of Final Cut Studio and Logic Studio are loaded with tools designed to make video production and music creation easier and more intuitive than ever. Join us as Apple product experts dive deep into the groundbreaking new features of each software suite.
Meet the new Final Cut Studio.
With an expanded ProRes family, powerful new ways to collaborate, and even tighter integration between applications, the new Final Cut Studio is the ultimate post-production suite, allowing you to edit, animate, mix, grade, and deliver like never before. The Final Cut Studio session covers:
Final Cut Pro 7 — Do more, and do it faster, with new versions of ProRes, time-saving interface improvements, and easy collaboration tools.
Motion 4 — See how easy it is to add excitement to your motion graphics with dynamic 3D shadows, reflections, and depth-of-field effects, as well as new text tools and animations.
Soundtrack Pro 3 — Learn how to repair common audio problems in a few clicks, and work faster than ever using the new, streamlined navigation tools.
Final Cut workflow — Follow a project through post-production with the new Final Cut Studio and the new Final Cut Server. Edit in Final Cut Pro 7, add motion graphics with Motion 4, repair damaged audio using Soundtrack Pro 3, grade in Color 1.5, deliver with Compressor 3.5 — and manage your entire workflow with Final Cut Server 1.5.
Learn the ins and outs of the new Logic Studio.
The new Logic Studio includes over 200 new features that let you write, record, edit, mix, and perform your music. It also comes with the largest collection of software instruments, effect plug-ins, and Apple Loops ever packed into a single box. The Logic Studio session covers:
Logic Pro 9 — Explore everything you need to make great music even better with the most advanced creation and production tools in the industry.
MainStage 2 — Learn how to perform live with the same sounds, instruments, and effects you use in the studio, and see why your Mac is the best live rig you’ll ever have.
Amp Designer and Pedalboard — Get an in-depth look at the huge collection of guitar gear these new plug-ins deliver, and see how easy it is to re-create realistic versions of the most iconic guitar tones.
People spend ages pondering how to get that kick drum sound. They want the big fat boom that they can hear on records, but can’t recreate it themselves. And not for lack of trying. I have a trick that can help you make your kick drum all that much fatter, resulting in a sound you can use for tight, throbbing pile driving rock or for fat hip hop beats. I’ll be using Logic Pro 8 in this tutorial but any decent DAW will produce the same results.
Adding sine waves to kick drums
When you have your kick drum recorded and you’ve spent hours trying to squeeze out a fatness that isn’t there, maybe you can use artificial tricks to enhance the kick drum sound. Enhancing the low end by adding a sine wave generated by your DAW’s oscillator is a great way to add thump and boom to your bass drum track, whether it be rock, hip-hop or whatever genre you choose to make.
A sine wave is the most simple sound wave you can find, representing only the fundamental frequency you choose — in this example, 50 Hz. It doesn’t include any harmonics, unlike the square or sawtooth waves. So by adding a sine wave to the kick drum we will only be adding one tone, and not a musical element or characteristic.
Step 1 – Get your original kick in good shape
You have your kick drum track EQed, gated and compressed however you like it. Get your kick sound the best it can be before following the rest of this tutorial, because the sine wave is only going to enhance the bottom, and is not a character in itself.
I gated mine to get rid of the snare sound bleed and most of the hi-hats. I compressed it moderately (for rock) and EQed to enhance the click and cut out the boxiness. I also filtered it quite high because I thought it sounded better when I added the sine wave later on. Always think of the sound as a whole, not two sound sources that sound great individually but clash when they are together.
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Step 2 – Make a new track for the sine wave
Add another track below the kick drum. Name it “Sinewave for kick.” We won’t actually be putting any audio into that track, but rather putting a test oscillator on the inserts.
In Logic, you can find the test Oscillator under Utilities > Test Oscillator > Mono.
Step 3 – Make the sine sound
Next step is to make a 50 Hz sine wave continuously oscillate on the track. On the Test Oscillator there are many functions, different types of sound waves and noise you can generate to calibrate your equipment for example. We will be choosing the sine wave…
Volta is the ground-breaking virtual instrument plug-in that lets you control modular synths and other CV-equipped gear from Digital Performer and other popular audio workstation software packages, such as Apple Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
The very first product of its kind, Volta has created quite a stir among analog synth enthusiasts since it was first announced a few months ago. Even if you’ve never used analog gear before, but coveted that analog sound, Volta could be just what you’ve been looking for.
Here are just a few examples of what you can do with Volta:
Perform MIDI sequencing with external modular synths with sample-accurate precision (if your host sequencer supports sample-accurate MIDI).
Automatically calibrate and tune oscillators with the click of a button.
Use ramp automation in your host audio software to control filters, envelope generators, effects processors and other voltage-controlled external gear.
Apply LFOs, step sequencers and pattern sequencers to CV inputs and tempo-sync them to your host software timeline.
Sound Libraries and Pro Audio developer Prime Loops have announced a new section which contains a large selection of Free Music Production Tutorials, Tips & Tricks that you can download directly from their website. You can watch the videos online, or download them for your PC/Mac/iPhone or MP4 Compatible device. There are also a good selection of step by step PDF Tutorials with helpful screenshots which can be downloaded for free too.
The tutorials span a variety of genres and techniques for programmes such as Logic, Ableton, FL Studio, Reason, MPC and others with around 10 new video tutorials added monthly and future videos in the making for Garageband, Cubase, Pro Tools and many others.
Current Tutorials include ‘The Reverse Vocal Effect’ and ‘Clever Automation’ also ‘Vocoder Vocals’ and ‘The Art of Compression’ plus dozens more.
The tutorials cover basic to advanced techniques, and aside from the programme specific tutorials, there are also tutorials such as ‘EQ Masterclass’ ‘Licensing your music for TV & Film’ and many other tips and tricks that will appeal to all levels of music composers.
From basic to advanced, hardware to software, discover new and exiting ways to take advance your production skills to the fullest! This section will be updated every month with new videos!
Exclusive techniques from industry professionals to help enhance your music production, mastering skills & gain exposure. Experience the most up-to-date, inventive methods currently available.
Precision, step by step tutorials compiled by high profile experts, sound engineers, producers & DJs. Including precise modern software & hardware tutorials to maximize your creative output and technical knowledge.
Automap 3 was announced at Winter NAMM 2009 and is now available. As of this release there are now 2 versions, free and pay.
Automap 3 is the latest incarnation of Novation’s intelligent software system. Automap is unique to Novation’s MIDI controllers, and has now been enhanced with a wealth of eagerly anticipated features. Until now Automap had focused on plug-in control, but exciting developments bring a new level of DAW control…
No matter what music software you use, Automap offers an instant controlling solution for all your plug-ins. It supports VST, AU and Pro Tools (TDM/RTAS) plug-in formats (TDM/RTAS support is currently Mac only. PC will follow soon). It allows hardware controllers to interact with plug-in instruments and effects. Opening up any Automappable plug-in instantly maps parameters to physical controls on Novation’s SL- and Nocturn controllers. These can be re-assigned using an ultra-quick ‘learn’ mode, which simply involves clicking the on-screen parameter and touching the desired hardware controller. In addition to DAW control templates on board the SL range (mixer, transport etc) Automap 3 comes with full HUI implementation for control of HUI compatible DAWs such Logic, Pro Tools and Digital Performer.
HUI – HUI control is now fully implemented within Automap, allowing control over all HUI compatible DAW’s including Logic, Pro Tools and Digital Performer. This includes control over volume, pan, aux sends, track arm, mute/solo and more…
Start-up Screen – A new start-up screen now makes managing your plug-ins and setting up your DAW even easier. It also gives you one-click access to online support, tutorials and the latest updates.
Multiple device support – Automap 3 Pro supports multiple devices, so numerous Novation controllers can be used side by side.
Keystroke Assignments – Automap 3 Pro can assign almost any computer keyboard shortcuts to hardware controls. For example arrow key functions can now be assigned to hardware controls, allowing you to flick between tracks using buttons on your SL/Nocturn. You could also zoom in and out, open windows or create and jump to markers in your DAW.
XY Pad Control – Fully Auto-mappable XY Pad control, expression pedal, control pedal and drum pad control. The Automap server can now assign parameters to all these controllers using the ultra-quick learn facility. (Pedal/pad control not supported by SL Compact)
Drag and Drop – You can now drag and drop control mappings and control map groups in the GUI, allowing you to re-assign knobs, faders and buttons by simply grabbing them with the mouse and dropping them on the new controller.
Autoview Mode – Optional Autoview mode means that the GUI only becomes visible when a controller is touched, then it disappears again allowing you to get back to your DAW.
New and recommended by Stereoklang
Latest entries first.
• Covenant: “Last Dance EP”
• Nine Inch Nails: “Came Back Haunted”
• Marnie: “The Hunter”
• Jenn Vix and Dirk Ivens: “Burn”
• Chvrches: “Gun”
• Front Line Assembly: “Echogentic”
• Download: “LingAM”
• Thyx: “Below the City”
• Visage: “Hearts and Knives”
• Alison Moyet: “Filigree”
• Noblesse Oblige: “Runaway”
• Pet Shop Boys: “Electric”
• Zynic: “Dead End (Club Mix by Olaf Wollschläger”
• Informatik: “World of Wonder”
• Skinny Puppy: “Weapon”
• Displacer: “Curse of the Black Lotus”
• Marsheaux: “Inhale”
• Pouppée Fabrikk: “The Dirt”
• OMD: “English Electric”
• Chvrches: “Recover”
• Pouppée Fabrikk: “Bring Back the Days of Old”
• IAMX: “The Unified Field”
• M83 feat. Susanne Sundfør: “Oblivion”
• Code 64: “Accelerate EP”
• Depeche Mode: “Delta Machine”
• Kite: “The Rhythm” (song)
• How to Destroy Angels: “Welcome Oblivion”
• Hurts “Exile”
• DSX: “Anonymous EP”
• KMFDM: “Kunst”
• Klinik: “Eat Your Heart out”
• Diorama: “Even the Devil Doesn’t Care”
• OMD: “Metroland”
• Interdiction: “Novus Ordo Seclorum”
• Mesh: “Automation Baby”
• Trakktor: “Halo of Lies”
• Depeche Mode: “Heaven”
• The Knife: “Full of Fire”
• Röyksopp feat Susanne Sundfør: “Running to the Sea”
• Titans: “My Sorrow”
• Lindstrøm: “Fāār-i-kāāl”
• CHVRCHES: “The Mother We Share”
• IAMX: “The Unified Field – Radio Edit”
• Mesh: “Born to Lie”
• Ohm: “Car Crash”
• Syntax: “Tripolar”
• Iamamiwhoami: “Kin”
• Die Krupps: “Risikofaktor”
• Legend: “Fearless”
• The Prodigy: “The Fat of the Land
• Dead When I Found Her: “Ragdoll Blues”
• Hocico: “Vile Whispers”
• Front Line Assembly: “AirMech”
• Velvet Acid Christ: “Maldire”
• Rome: “Hell Money”
• “Bleep – A Guide To Electronic Music”
• The Birthday Massacre: “Hide and Seek”
• Karin Park: “Highwire Poetry”
• X Marks the Pedwalk: “The Sun, The Cold and My Underwater Fear”
• Delerium: “Music Box Opera”
• Not Lars: “Worry”
• Katatonia: “Dead End Kings”
• Bossa Machine: “The Fat and Ugly Man EP”
• Marlow: “No Heart”
• Mr Meeble: “Liar”
• Grendel: “Epr // Edp”
• In Strict Confidence: “Morpheus (Heqc Remix)”
