Finding the best software for music production is key to getting your workflow right. Electronic music production has come a long way since the early days of analog synthesizers and drum machines. Today, the tools at our disposal are more powerful and versatile than ever, allowing for endless possibilities in sound creation and musical expression. But with so many options available,…
What are the psychological effects of music on the brain? I love the quiet moments when a song transforms my mood in unexpected ways. Music isn’t just a combination of rhythms and harmonies; it’s a powerful catalyst for emotional change. I’m not alone in my experience. It’s a universal truth that music and emotions are intricately linked. Researchers have…
Mastering audio for different platforms can seem confusing. The truth is, no two platforms are the same. Whether it’s YouTube, Spotify, or a podcast, each has its unique set of audio specifications and audience expectations. It all comes down to different LUFS settings and loudness limits. The goal is to ensure your audio content doesn’t just exist but…
Ever spent hours working on a mix, only to feel like something’s missing? You might be crafting a musical masterpiece, but if the EQ (Equalization) isn’t spot-on, your mix can end up sounding muddy, harsh, or flat. Learning how to EQ audio correctly can truly save your mix, transforming it from a chaotic mess into a harmonious blend…
Learning how to make custom ringtones adds a personal touch to your device, making it a fun and unique extension of your personality. Imagine each call from a friend being announced by their favourite song or a funny sound that reminds you of an inside joke. Every message from your family could be accompanied by a sound that perfectly captures…
Starting out in the world of audio, mixing, mastering, and sound design can be quite challenging. The sheer volume of information and tools available can be overwhelming for beginners. Learning the intricacies of audio production requires a solid understanding of various concepts such as equalization, compression, reverb, and many other effects. Each of these components plays a crucial role in shaping…
Reverb or Delay? When is the best time to use either in your mix? Reverb and delay are fundamental effects in both music production and sound design. They shape how we perceive space and time in audio, and knowing when and how to use them can transform a mix from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s dive into what these…
Mastering a track to sound professional and polished is quite simple when you know how to use reference tracks. It’s a crucial technique that helps producers achieve this goal. Here’s everything you need to know about using reference tracks during the mastering process, including how to choose the right ones, the benefits of using them, and detailed steps…
I’ll get to Pro Tools templates in a sec. But first, a bit about me. I’ve been working in audio production and sound design for about 30 years, and I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best in the business. My main focus has been on radio imaging. Given this extensive experience, you might think that…
To Master Mixes for Streaming you’ll need to understand the nuances of loudness normalisation to ensure your tracks sound their best across various streaming platforms. So let’s take a look at what the hell the LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) system is, focusing on Apple Music and Spotify. The Loudness Wars and the Birth of LUFS…
When learning the best techniques for placing instruments in a mix, it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to mix music, and no method is set in stone. Experimentation is key, and the guidelines provided here are meant to serve as a starting point to help you get your bearings. Legendary producers like…
Layering vocals is one of those magical techniques in music production that can transform a track from mundane to magnificent. Whether you’re aiming for the lush harmonies of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or the pristine pop perfection of Ariana Grande, understanding the art and science of vocal layering can take your productions to the next level. In this essay,…
Achieving a professional radio ready mix is the holy grail for music producers, whether you’re working on the latest EDM track, a powerful rock anthem, or a catchy pop tune. The journey from a rough demo to a polished, radio-ready track involves a combination of technical skills, creative decisions, and meticulous attention to detail. In this blog, we’ll…
Let’s take a look at how AI is transforming sound design. Sound design has always been an art form that blends technical skill with creative intuition. In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has entered the scene, offering new tools and possibilities for sound designers. While AI brings many advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges.…
What is normalization is it one of the key factors to getting high-quality sound. But what the hell it it? Let’s slap on the production goggles and do a deep dive into the what, how and why. This will be great if you’re a beginner to intermediate audio engineer, with the technical stuff broken down into simple terms.…
When comparing dynamic and condenser microphones, it’s important to consider their key differences. Dynamic microphones are generally more durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, making them suitable for live performances and recording loud sources. On the other hand, condenser microphones are known for their superior sensitivity and accuracy, making them ideal for capturing delicate nuances in…
Introduction to Multiband Compression for Beginners Whatever type or genre of audio production you’re working on, multiband compression is a powerful tool that can transform your mixes and masters. Whether you’re working on music, podcasts, film soundtracks, or live sound, understanding how to use multiband compression can take your audio to the next level. So let’s talk about…
Parallel compression is a simple but effective technique that really lift your mixes to a new level adding a lot of punch. This method involves blending a heavily compressed version of an audio signal with the original, uncompressed signal. By doing so, you can enhance the overall sound without sacrificing the natural dynamics and tonal qualities. Parallel was…
Audio Mastering: if you get it right, your mix has the power to power people to all sorts of emotions. But get it wrong and you’re just creating a mess of noise that’s gonna damage ears. Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on an Orchestral masterpiece, or adding some professional sound to a podcast, high-quality audio makes all…
Mixing on headphones v studio monitors. Is one better than the other? When mixing audio it’s essential you are able to hear the finer details of every sound so you can make subtle adjustments. What am I talking about?. Headphones, often personal and intimate, provide a direct audio path to your ears without the influence of room acoustics.…
SE Electronics Reflexion Filter Pro Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5 Stars) Since moving to a home studio set up, the SE Electronics Reflexion Filter Pro has been an awesome way to minimise noise and reflections when recording voiceovers. It prevents sound from bouncing around the room and absorbs sound from all angles, so it has significantly improved the clarity and…
Clean and clear audio mixing starts with mastering the basics – balancing levels. Having balance between sounds and frequencies is the key starting point when trying to get a clean and clear mix. When I talk about balance, I’m referring to the individual volume levels of each track. Perfecting takes time and often a bit of trial and…
Never lose your files, with a cloud backup. There are now loads of options out there offering more and more space for less money every day, but is cloud backup really secure? Are your precious files really safe floating out there in cyberspace? Cloud backup involves copying your data to a remote server from a service like Dropbox…
Learning how to remove background noise from your audio is key to getting a clear sound. Whether it’s the hum of your air conditioner, the low rumble of nearby traffic from outside or a bit of chatter from the next room., there’s nothing worse than replaying an audio recording you think sounded perfect, only to find unwanted background…
Before you start recording voiceovers, getting the space you’re recording in set up correctly is number one. A quiet, acoustically treated space can make the difference between an amateur recording and a professional one. The cleaner the audio you record, the less work you’ll need to do later. Preferably no work at all. Aim for a room with…
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ I’m an audio producer and sound designer working for a major radio network from my home studio. It was a few years back that I first made the move to working remotely from the home studio. I was previously in an awesome professional studio in Sydney. One of my first challenges when moving…
So you’ve decided to join the rest of the world and dive into the world of podcasting? Sounds like fun, but the thought of finding the right equipment for recording a podcast can be overwhelming. If this is you, you might be excited to get started but sitting there scratching your head wondering where to begin. So let’s…
In this digital world where we’re all consuming audio constantly, headphones have become more than just an accessory, but a necessity, whether you’re an audiophile or professional producer, a gamer, or just wants to tune out with a good podcast. When it comes to buying the right headphones there are few things to consider. For starters, headphones have…
Working from home was a massive decision. For almost 30 years I’ve worked at a major radio station in a state of the art recording studio. From my experiences in other studios around Sydney, I believe my studio was right up there with the best, with all the equipment and toys you could ever dream of. The room…
Working with audio you accumulate a lot of large audio files, but are external drives still the best way to go, or is it time to start backing up to the cloud? Generally, you’ll most probably have a work drive that you use day to day for things like Pro Tools sessions (or whatever DAW you work with)…
When working with Pro Tools, the choice between using Audio Suite plug-ins and plug-ins on a track usually depends on the specific needs of your audio editing or mixing session. Audio Suite Plug ins Audio Suite plug-ins in Pro Tools are designed for offline processing. This means that they apply effects or processing directly and permanently to the…
It’s something most sound designers have asked at some point – where do you find those massive monster growls and roar sound effects? You know, the kind they have in Jurassic Park. There’s only so far you can go with a standard sound effects library when you want to have a unique creature sound and you can spend…
Ever needed to create the sound of a specific space and tried and failed to get it right using a reverb or delay? This is where convolution reverb comes in. What is Convolution Reverb? Convolution reverb is a type of audio effect that makes it sound like a recording was made in a different space, like your bedroom,…
Have you ever heard a song and been inspired to pull it apart and remix it? To do it, you need the music split up into separate parts, or stems, so you have the drums, bass, guitar, vocals and synth all isolated. Then, you can reassemble it however you like. Another creative use of isolated parts is sampling.…
One of the cool things about sound design is that it’s always evolving. There are constant tech advancements and there’s always someone pushing the limits to be innovative creatively. New sounds are continually reshaping the way we experience audio in media. So, what are some of the new trends emerging in the sound design world? And what are…
There are times when you are producing using a piece of music and you want to remove vocals from a song to make an edit work better or just have another voice over the music without it fighting with the vocals of the track. Removing vocals can also help musicians learn a song, by allowing them to study…
When it comes to audio production and music, it’s often about making your stuff stand out and cut through with impact. One way to do that is to punctuate your work with hard hitting impact sounds. In post production, it might mean adding an ear bleeding noise or hit to the start of a promo. In music, you…
So you can’t play an instrument, but want to make music? It is possible, thanks to the magic of computers, virtual instruments and MIDI. All you need ear for music and melody and a little understanding of how harmony works. If you’re anything like me, it will just involve a lot of searching for chord progressions and drum…
Introduction to the Science of Sound One of the things that draws me to audio production is the science of sound. When I first started out, my manager at the time kept banging on about the ‘sound sphere’ and how everything had to fit seamlessly within it. It was like this mystical universe that I had to learn…
Dubler 2 Sound Junkee Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5 stars) Where to Get It – Quickest and Easiest way to get it is from Amazon. Writing MIDI just got a whole lot easier. With The Dubler 2 by Vochlea Music you can now turn your humming, singing or mouth noises into MIDI melodies, chords and beats. So, now those of…
Using Vocal FX plugins for vocal production, whether for music or voice over, revolves around capturing a voice and then transforming it into something compelling that sits perfectly in a mix, or makes the listener believe it’s in another setting or place. In music, the voice is often the centrepiece, carrying the melody and the message of the…
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) Where to Buy Komplete Audio 6: Native Instruments Website, AmazonBest For: Home studios, music producers, on-the-go recording Introduction: An Overview of the Komplete Audio 6 Native Instruments’ Komplete Audio 6 MK2 is an easy to use audio interface that you connect to your laptop via USB to get straight into making music production and audio production.…
Wanna finally nail that perfect workflow and get your creativity and efficiency going? 🤔 The first and most basic thing to consider is music and SFX library organization. Whether you’re a pro sound designer looking for a new way to organise things, a music producer who wants things to come together fast, or an audio nerd just stepping…
Sound design is the secret sauce that brings all your favourite movies and music to life. That explosion has more impact, those beats hit that little bit harder. From the subtle click of a door latch in a tense thriller to the sweeping orchestral crescendo in a romantic epic, or an epic drop in EDM, sound design is…
So you want to build a home recording studio? It isn’t just a set of walls packed with gear—it’s gonna be the place you spend most of your life from now on ha ha! So get it right and enjoy! It’s where your raw, unpolished ideas could be turned into classic songs, or innovative sound design, whatever you’re…
What is Sound Design? Imagine settling down for a movie night. The scene opens with a quiet town, but there’s no chirping of crickets, no distant barking of a dog, just silence. A character walks through a forest, but there’s no crunch of leaves underfoot, no whisper of wind through the trees. Later, there’s a dramatic showdown at…
When choosing a microphone, several factors come into play, each influencing the final audio output. One of the primary considerations is the purpose of the microphone. Are you recording voiceovers, vocals for music, capturing ambient sounds, podcasting, or doing voice overs? Different applications often require different microphone characteristics. The type of microphone is another crucial factor. There are…
In audio production, Equalisation (EQ) and Compression are not just tools on a checklist; they’re the essence of how we craft a mix. Whether it’s giving a vocal its distinct clarity or ensuring that bass line sits just right, these tools play a crucial role in shaping the sonic quality of a track. But there’s a persistent debate…
Most of my adult life, I’ve wandered aimlessly down the paths of writing and ideas scratching my head trying to come up with something new, funny, interesting or compelling. The search for ideas never ends and it never gets any easier. Constantly failing, sometimes creating gold, Jerry. Some days, words, notes, and sounds come effortlessly, creating masterpieces. But,…
There are many Free Audio Editing Programs out there in out-there-land, and in the age of podcasts, vlogs, and digital music, audio editing has become an essential skill for many content creators. Whether you’re a budding podcaster or a seasoned musician, having the right tools can make all the difference. Fortunately, there are several free audio editing programs…
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Keyboard is one of the great midi keyboard to have in your studio for it’s versatility and compact design. in music production and sound design, a MIDI keyboard is an indispensable tool. At its core, a MIDI keyboard acts as a bridge, translating physical touch into digital signals, allowing producers to interact with software…
So you want to learn audio production? It’s one part creative thinking and one part tech wizardry. To fully master the art you need to be able to balance both. It means always learning new techniques and experimenting with new ideas and sounds. From editing and mixing, recording to mastering and then remixing! There is so much to…
Pro Tools review: Pro Tools is the industry standard for audio production software pretty much everywhere in the world, including in most studios here in Sydney. Whether you’re a musician, sound designer, audio engineer, or producer, Pro Tools gives you an awesome platform for creating, editing, mixing, and mastering audio content at the highest level, at super fast…
Want to learn sound design? Here’s a step-by-step guide to not just stay afloat but to swim with style. By “style”, I mean mastering your first mix. Learning sound design is your first step toward creating professional-quality audio. You Can’t Polish a Turd First and foremost, the quality of your recording is paramount. Whether you’re belting out a…
So, you’ve decided to learn audio production? Congratulations! You’re stepping into a world where art meets science, with a dash of madness. As someone who’s been playing with his knobs for three decades, let me guide you. Together, we’ll explore the complex and captivating world of sound, where every day is a new adventure in creativity. The Four…
Whether you’re in music, sound design, podcasting, or post-production, choosing the best laptop for audio production can make or break your workflow and creativity. The right laptop is your trusty sidekick on the path to sonic perfection. And then there’s the question … Choosing a Laptop: Do you go Windows or Mac? There are many things to consider…
It’s now easier than ever for musos, audio geeks, podcasters, and content creators to set up a home recording studio. Why spend money on expensive outboard gear, when you can do everything within the box on a laptop. While the tools and equipment have become more affordable and user-friendly, there are still many common mistakes people make when…
So, you’ve decided to set up your own home recording studio—great choice! But with so many options out there, what is the best audio mixing software for you? There are numerous DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) available, each suited to different types of audio projects, from music production to podcasting. The challenge is finding the right one for your…
Finding the right home recording studio equipment is essential when creating your own recording space, and selecting the right gear can be as varied as choosing what to watch on a lazy Sunday. Whether you go for high-end equipment or stick to a budget with just the basics, it’s all about building a setup that suits your needs,…
Hey! Mike here. I’m a sound junkee. I’ve worked in audio production and voice overs my whole life and during that time I’ve spent countless days and hours searching for audio gear and software to help make my workflow better and the sounds I output world-class. When I was a kid… I had the stereo cassette deck set…
