Music Production Knowledge Backlog
Here you can find my latest published content. Use the Search!
Jul 12, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I talk about the question of why Bitwig's grid is better than a modular VST. I argue that while other modular environments may offer more features, the deep integration of the grid within Bitwig allows for a more streamlined and creative workflow. It's not about the specific features, but rather about how you approach making music. Bitwig's grid provides the right-sized modules to quickly bring your ideas to life and have fun while doing it. I also touch on the idea that Bitwig is in the right position in terms of pricing, features, and workflow, and that it offers a playful and enjoyable experience.
Jul 11, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I talk about the release of Bitwig Studio 3.0 and how excited I am that it's finally available for download. I mention that there is a demo version available for those who want to try it out. I also mention that users can download the presets I created for the grid by going to the settings and packages section. I demonstrate how to use the presets with the MPE controller and discuss the different types of presets I created, including pads and beat patterns. I also mention the idea of randomizing presets and demonstrate how it works using the pulley synth and the grid. I discuss the limitation of not being able to persist the generated presets, but overall, I express my excitement for the new release and invite viewers to provide feedback and bug reports for future improvements. I conclude the video by thanking the viewers for watching and wishing them fun with Bitwig 3.0.
Jul 10, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I talk about the resonator device in Bitwig Studio, which is like an EQ but can do a lot more. Someone asked about creating an 808 kick drum, and I show how to do it using the resonator. I explain the synthesis method for an 808 kick drum and demonstrate how to create a sine wave burst, use an ADSR envelope, and mix it with the resonator output to achieve the desired sound. I also show another use case for the resonator, which is using it to create melodies or chords from a drum loop. By setting different octaves of the resonator bank to different notes, you can create unique melodies. Lastly, I show how to use the resonator to add tonality to vocals and create pads. Overall, the resonator is a versatile device that has a lot of potential for creative sound design.
Jul 09, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I discuss Mr. Bill's tutorials for Ableton Live, which can also be applied to Bitwig Studio. I demonstrate a trick using multiple FX3 devices to create a phasing effect, as well as amplifying the artifacts of a reverb using tool devices. I also show how to sample and manipulate the glitchy sounds created. I encourage viewers to check out Mr. Bill's tutorials and try out these techniques in Bitwig Studio.
Jul 07, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I talk about a diatonic transposer that can be used in Bitwig to create chord progressions. By using the diatonic transposer, you can correct wrong notes to the right notes of a scale, making it easier to create chord progressions that stay within a specific scale. I demonstrate how to use the diatonic transposer in Bitwig by choosing a scale and mode, and then using the multi-note function to duplicate the notes to different keys. This allows you to easily find starting chord progressions. I also show how to use the diatonic transposer with an arpeggiator to experiment with chord changes, and how to use it with a bassline by using the note receiver and the arpeggiator. Additionally, I introduce the plugin "Cthulu" which allows you to choose specific notes from a chord to create melody lines. I explain that while diatonic chords can be a good starting point, it's important to break out of the diatonic scale scheme at times to add variation and interest to your compositions. I hope this tutorial provides some ideas for creating interesting melody lines and chord progressions, and I encourage viewers to comment with any questions or tutorial requests.
Jul 02, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I show you how to create a step sequencer that generates a melody on a click and in scale. I start by setting up a polygrid and creating a clock using a scaler. Then, I use a counter to create the step sequencer and apply some math to get clean integer values for each step. I use a dice to generate random notes and a comparing module to trigger the steps. I also use a pitch scaler to narrow down the range of the notes and a pitch quantize module to further refine the melody. Finally, I demonstrate how to use logic operators like smaller and bigger to manipulate the signals. Overall, it's a basic setup, but you can customize and expand on it as you wish.
Jul 01, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I explore using the zero crossings module in Bitwig Studio to change the pitch of a sine oscillator. I demonstrate how to set up the pulley grid and select the microphone input as the hardware input. To clean up the signal and make the pitch changes smoother, I use an LFO device. I also show how to trigger the gate signal using voice input from the microphone. I use a select module and a constant with a gain to achieve this. I discuss the concept of an inverted threshold and mention that using a gate length module can slow down the switching of the select box. Finally, I mention the possibility of using pitch scalar plugins for pitch quantization and the potential for creating pads and vocal sounds with these techniques.
Jun 28, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I demonstrated how to use your voice as a phase input signal to an oscillator. I showed how you can use the pulley grid and the hardware input module to phase distort a triangle oscillator using your voice or microphone as an input. I also discussed how you can shape your voice using distortion, high-pass, and low-pass filters before applying it to the phase input. Additionally, I showed how you can use the zero crossing module to create a pitch signal from a sine wave, allowing you to sing and have the oscillator follow your pitch. Overall, using your voice as a phase input signal can lead to interesting and unique sounds in bass lines or lead sounds.
Jun 20, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I try to create a pet-like sound inside Bitwig using the Swarm Oscillator. I start by exchanging the envelope with an RDSR and adding a modulator with random settings. I then modulate the spread value and pitch offset. I activate more voices and add all-pass filters to create a stereo effect. I also use delay and tape modules for a unique sound. I add filters and mixers to enhance the sound and use an attenuator for volume control. I experiment with different modulations and create a sequence using gates and pitches. I use logic devices to control the sequence and add a face-in device for further modulation. Overall, I explore different ideas and modules to create a textured pet sound.
Jun 18, 2019 Tutorial
In this video, I show you how to create a Noyo Funk bass using synthesis techniques in the pulley grid. I start by swapping out an envelope for an ADSR to have more control, and I change the triangle to a phase one oscillator. Then, I clone the oscillator and phase modulate one with the other. This creates a nice sounding bass quickly. I also add some effects like an all pass filter and distortion to enhance the sound. I use EQ and a macro knob to further shape the bass. The key is to experiment with different parameters and create movement in the right ranges. I also demonstrate how to create different variations of the bass sound by making small edits and changes. Finally, I share the patch I created in my guitar repository. Overall, it's a fast and easy way to create a Noyo Funk bass.
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