Music Production Knowledge Backlog

Here you can browse the latest published tutorials, guides, tools, articles, music posts, videos, and releases in one timeline. If you want a smaller overview, start with Polarity Music tutorials, Bitwig guides, Building Bitwig Grids, helpers, articles, music videos, releases, or the music hub. If you want something specific, use the search.

Kick 3 is here
Tutorial - Sep 24, 2024 Kick 3 is here

In this video, I discuss the newly released beta version of Kick3, comparing it to Kick Ninja and highlighting its parallel processing approach for better kick drum creation. Despite having the flu, I demonstrate Kick3's features, such as the ability to analyze and separate acoustic drum loops, key tracking, and a modular effects section. While still exploring its potential and acknowledging some bugs, I'm excited about its future use and improvements.

Kick Ninja - AI Pitch Envelope Detection
Tutorial - Sep 20, 2024 Kick Ninja - AI Pitch Envelope Detection

In today's video, I'm introducing the Kick Ninja VST plugin, which stands out from other kick drum synthesizers because it allows you to recreate kick drums from samples using AI and features pitch tracking for customizable 808 and trap sounds. You can drag in samples to analyze and mimic the pitch envelope and attack phase, and there's also a useful export feature to easily drag samples into your DAW. The plugin includes typical oscillator and sampler functions, along with distortion and compression, making it a versatile tool for creating unique kick sounds.

Cyberpunk and Dark Techno Basics in Bitwig
Tutorial - Sep 19, 2024 Cyberpunk and Dark Techno Basics in Bitwig

In today's video, I explore how to create cyberpunk, dark techno, and 90s Prodigy-style sounds using basic subtractive synthesis techniques, focusing on raw sounds and heavy distortion. I walk you through setting up a monophonic saw wave, creating a repetitive bass pattern, and adding various effects like LP filtering, diode distortion, and bit reduction to achieve a signature cyberpunk vibe. Lastly, I show how to complement the synths with simple drum patterns and side-chaining for added depth and rhythm, and mention that the project file will be available on my Patreon.

EDM Chords with Bitwig's Note Grid
Tutorial - Sep 18, 2024 EDM Chords with Bitwig's Note Grid

In today's video, I demonstrated how to create interesting harmonic ideas using Bitwig's note grid by setting up chords with a pedal tone and fifths, making it simple to form complex chords and EDM sounds. I also added elements like an arpeggiator, reverb, and delay to enhance the sound, and showed how to manage different channels for more intricate compositions. This technique allows for quick and easy creation of harmonies without the need for complex chord progressions.

EDM from Scratch in Bitwig
Tutorial - Sep 17, 2024 EDM from Scratch in Bitwig

In this video, I dive into creating music in Bitwig Studio with a BPM of 127, starting with laying down some basic chords and building up the track from there. I demonstrate how to make a bassline, add percussion, and enhance the sounds using various effects and modulators. Finally, I group and tweak the elements to achieve a cohesive track, offering tips and insights along the way.

Plugins are not Dead
Tutorial - Sep 16, 2024 Plugins are not Dead

Hey guys, today I reacted to a video by WeaverBeats discussing the claimed "death of music production plugins." While I disagree with some points, like the idea that plugin companies are doomed, I do think there's potential for innovation, especially with AI and modular environments. Let me know your thoughts on this topic and my video format in the comments below!

Linear Phase Frequency Splitters in Bitwig
Tutorial - Sep 13, 2024 Linear Phase Frequency Splitters in Bitwig

In this video, I demonstrate how to split audio signals into multiple frequency ranges without introducing significant phase issues, particularly in Bitwig Studio. While traditional analog-modeled EQs and tools like Ozone 8 introduce phase offsets or latency, I showcase methods such as using the spectral FX frequency split in Bitwig and custom convolution presets to achieve clean splits. I provide these custom presets for free in the description so viewers can experiment and give feedback.

Camel Crusher in Bitwig
Tutorial - Sep 11, 2024 Camel Crusher in Bitwig

In today's video, I walk you through my attempt to replicate the beloved early 2000s plugin, CamelCrusher, inside of Bitwig Studio, focusing on its Tube and Mac distortion algorithms, and the filter. Although I left out the compressor and some features like preset saving, I think my version gets pretty close to the original, especially in hitting the key harmonics. You can try my free preset by downloading it from the link in the description, it's a handy alternative to the non-resizable 32-bit VST.

Wider - Make mono signals wide and stereo
Tutorial - Sep 10, 2024 Wider - Make mono signals wide and stereo

In this video, I attempt to recreate the WIDER 2.0 plug-in by Infected Mushroom inside Bitwig Studio. I demonstrate how the original plug-in works by creating peaks and dips in the frequency spectrum, which cancel out in mono, and then I showcase my own preset that mimics this effect, with added controls for more customization. Finally, I highlight that my preset may sound slightly better and more natural due to the included convolution reverb on the side channel.

Bitwig Pitfalls of Audio Import
Tutorial - Sep 04, 2024 Bitwig Pitfalls of Audio Import

In this video, I discuss the frustrating issues I encountered while trying to import and seamlessly loop wave files in Bitwig Studio. Specifically, the software automatically offsets the start point and defaults to a stretch mode that introduces unwanted artifacts when the BPM is changed. Although there are ways to circumvent these issues, such as holding down the control key during import, these solutions are not well-communicated and make the process overly complicated.

Make Textures with an EQ
Tutorial - Sep 01, 2024 Make Textures with an EQ

In this video, I demonstrate two tips in Bitwig Studio. The first tip is about adding dirtiness to kick drums using either distortion, noise modulation, or using the EQ with a render modulator. The second tip is about creating a mono effect below a certain frequency using the mid-side split and a high pass filter.

Scale Finder - based on Notes
Webtool - Sep 01, 2024 Scale Finder - based on Notes

Here you can select notes on your piano keyboard, and it'll show you the corresponding scales. So if you have a melody or a chord progression, you can use this to find out which scales include those notes.

Bass Sound Generator for Bitwig
Tutorial - Aug 29, 2024 Bass Sound Generator for Bitwig

In this video, I introduce a preset called Bass Sound Generator that generates a new bass sound every time a key is pressed on a MIDI keyboard. I demonstrate how to create random Bass sound patterns and add drums to create variety in the track. The preset is available for download on my Patreon page.

Custom Filters in Bitwig
Tutorial - Aug 26, 2024 Custom Filters in Bitwig

In this video, I demonstrate how to create unique and interesting filter shapes using Bitwig Studio's Grid and all-pass modules. By combining a dry signal with various all-pass filters and using invert and blend modules, it is possible to create custom filter types with different peaking frequencies and characteristics. These filters can be manipulated and modulated to create dynamic and evolving sounds in Bitwig Studio.

Friday Bitwig Jam Catchy Melodic Track
Tutorial - Aug 23, 2024 Friday Bitwig Jam Catchy Melodic Track

In this video, I start by using polymer to create a quad progression with a saw 16 fat spread out. I then add chorus and delay effects, as well as a no transpose and a global modulator. Next, I record the sound into audio and put it into a sampler, applying reverb and using the transpose feature. I also create a bass from the recorded sound and add percussion elements to create an interesting pattern. Finally, I introduce a lead sound and make some adjustments to the cutoff, volume, and randomization. I end the video with a crash and thank the viewers for watching.

Multipressor - EQ based Multiband Compressor Expander for Bitwig
Tutorial - Aug 19, 2024 Multipressor - EQ based Multiband Compressor Expander for Bitwig

In this video, I demonstrate a preset called "Multipressor" that I've created. It functions as a multi-band compressor, allowing for the avoidance of phase issues and frequency dips. The preset offers controls for thresholds, ratio, attack/release, and input gain, as well as the ability to adjust the reaction time and gain reduction of different frequency bands.

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