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Feb 28, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I demonstrate how I use Arcade by Output to help me get in the right mood to make music. I show how to search for different genres, download samples, and use my keyboard to play loops. I explain how I build upon the samples, adding my own sounds, drum sounds, and synthesis to the track. I explain how I use the plugin to add color and texture to my music and to make it more unique.
Feb 25, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I demonstrate my workflow for gain staging a track. I start by going to the settings and changing the default new track volume to 0dB. I then select all of the tracks and set them to 0dB in the inspector. I then group the tracks together into meaningful subgroups like drums, bass, and music. I then gain stage all of the tracks, starting with the kick, by using the peak limiter to bring the volume up to the ceiling of the threshold. I then apply different gain staging methods, like limiters and clippers, to the different subgroups. Finally, I bring all of the subgroups together into an "all" group, which is my master chain, and use a track reference track to compare my track to.
Feb 24, 2022 Tutorial
In this video I showed how I use audio effects racks to save time and create interesting sounds. I demonstrated how to use a mixer, recorder, step-smoother and attenuator to create ghost notes at the end of a drum loop. I also showed how to use the FX grid and gate modules to create a delay or reverb effect that occurs when the snare is triggered. Finally, I explained how these audio effects racks can be saved as presets and used in other projects.
Feb 23, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I discussed why it's important to balance your frequencies before going into a limiter or clipper. I showed how to do this easily by using a tilt setting, or by using a VST plugin like Ozone 8 and using the Matching EQ feature. I also showed a method of using multiple band pass filters with a reference level tool to reach the same goal. Finally, I discussed the importance of not overdoing the brightness as it can lead to an overly sharp mix.
Feb 22, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I showed how to use subtractive synthesizers to create simple and easy bass, lead, hoover, and kick drum sounds. I started by explaining what a subtractive synthesizer is and how to create a sine wave with one. I then showed how to create a kick drum using one envelope and how to create a lead sound using unison. I also showed how to create a hoover sound using two pulse waves and pulse width modulation. Lastly, I discussed how to create synthwave basses using distortion and the monophonic mode.
Feb 21, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I discuss my workflow process when it comes to mixing down dance floor tunes. I stress the importance of starting with the creation process and how that influences the mixing process. I demonstrate how to use a transient shaper, a limiter, and a clip to reduce dynamics and create a punchy sound. I also discuss the importance of frequency balance and how it is influenced by the length of the samples and the BPM. Finally, I discuss how to create a hierarchy in the mix by making the kick drum the loudest part and then gradually reducing the volume of the snare and high hat.
Feb 18, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I shared my thoughts on the new sample manager Cosmos by Waves, comparing it to my other sample managers like XO, Atlas, and Sononym. I found that Cosmos offers a lot of additional attributes for samples, which makes it easier to filter down to what you need. I also liked the Galaxy/Cosmos space where you can drag samples directly out. I found Sononym to be more suited for research, as it has a similarity search feature which takes a lot of attributes into consideration. I found Atlas to have better integration of its space, and XO to have the advantage of being able to export multiple samples simultaneously. In conclusion, I found all the sample managers to have different benefits and I use them all for different tasks.
Feb 17, 2022 Tutorial
I recently discovered that you can use XO as a sample browser in Bitwig Studio. By holding control and dragging samples out of XO, you can put them in samplots, drum machines, tracks and clips. You can also use a drum sequencer with the same mapping as XO and export the entire drum hit or individual samples. This makes it easier to review samples, select the right sample and quickly drag them into Bitwig. It's the missing sample browser I always wanted and makes for an efficient workflow.
Feb 16, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I discuss the new Note Grid device in Bitwig Studio 4.2 and how it can be used to create interesting patterns and chord progressions. I explain how the Note Grid is similar to the Poly Grid and FX Grid devices, but is specifically dedicated to node functions. I demonstrate how to use the Note Grid to create polyphonic and monophonic sounds as well as how to use it to harmonize with a chord track. Finally, I demonstrate how to use the Note Grid to target individual notes and transpose them.
Feb 11, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I show how to create a simple SynthWave track in Bitwig Studio. I demonstrate how to create a dreamy lead sound, a bass sound, and a drum beat. I also discuss how to use a breath controller and arpeggiator to make the track more interesting. Additionally, I talk about how to use a VHS preset and a texture plugin to add texture and atmosphere to the track. Finally, I show how to arrange the track into a cohesive song.