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…
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.…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
