/prod/
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"Archive Is Down Do I Can't Post Essentials" Edition.
Is it weird that I don't use a limiter on my master track?
I use fl studio, so my tracks automatically come pre loaded with a limiter on the master, but I just realized that when I take it off, I get a much cleaner mix. Are you supposed to have limiters on your master tracks?
I make music with live instrumentation btw, if that counts for anything.
Is it just me or does TAL bassline straight up die if you turn the resonance up? The other frequencies just aren't there any more.
>>64020928
I guess, if you're dead certain you won't be peaking you can ditch the limiter. But if your gain's too low to go past the threshold, I don't see how it could do you any harm either.
I usually keep it for peace of mind in case there's a rogue volume spike, but I don't push it. Got a compressor doing that job more nicely. Though my music's pretty light so I don't really compress a whole lot either.
>>64021457
>The other frequencies just aren't there any more.
Some analog filters do that, and since based on the interface it looks like it's meant to be an SH-101 emulation so that's probably intentional given that the SH-101 is an analog synth.
>>64022007
Interesting. I still think that's a shit property for rez bass, though. Nice as everything else sounds, there ought to be bass synths that handle that just as well.
Maybe I'm using it wrong.
>>64020928
>I use fl studio, so my tracks automatically come pre loaded with a limiter on the master
That has nothing to do with FL Studio.
What you're using is a template.
Why do so many people not read the fucking manual?
>>64022337
>>64020928
i use pro tools, the only time i use a limiter on my master is if i'm planning on putting up a rough mix online for people to listen to. otherwise no limiter & leave plenty of headroom for the mastering engineer.
also, don't trust any engineer that says they mix and master, i just finished working on a project working with a grammy nominated mixing and mastering engineer who sent us masters that had (audible) clipping in them. he fixed it but it just goes to show that mastering should really be left up to strictly mastering engineers.
https://clyp.it/fp2zsx41
I'm hearing a "click" sound at the very last milisecond of this clip, can you hear it? Also, some general feedback would be nice. This is my first beat
mixing ep, trip hop with guitars, anything i should look out for?
>>64022345
yep, you should have chosen "Empty"
you know you can always remove a limiter too right?
>>64020928
I only ever use a compressor on my master track, and never with any gain, purely with a very slight threshold just to make sure nothing clips (although technically your mixing and compressors on your inserts should prevent this from ever happening)
someone posted a youtube playlist that was a guide to sound synthesis here does anyone have a link?
>>64022888
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ04PwFvui1BCUAE9wxmOqHE51mrDv8Ui
>>64022337
>>>64020928
>>I use fl studio, so my tracks automatically come pre loaded with a limiter on the master
>That has nothing to do with FL Studio.
>Why do so many people not read the fucking manual?
Because most people who "own" FL Studio didn't buy it? Buy a Neve compressor and I guarantee you'll read everything you can find written about it. Unless of course you're a rich cunt who specialises in blind purchases.
>>64022817
>I only ever use a compressor on my master track, and never with any gain, purely with a very slight threshold just to make sure nothing clips (although technically your mixing and compressors on your inserts should prevent this from ever happening)
Lots of people like limiters to prevent accidentally deafening themselves if they do something weird, but keeping things under 0 yourself as you go the way you do is usually a good practice whether you have a limiter on the master or not.
Let's rehearse the eternal debate /prod/ : what DAW should a beginner in digital audio production should use and why ?
is this kino?
https://clyp.it/p0eekfma
https://clyp.it/nhucxi0z
who does this remind you of
>>64022602
I forgot to listen for the click. But in my opinion there's a little too much distortion on your piano or whatever that is. Or maybe it shouldn't be throughout the whole thing. I'm a noob, so I don't know if my advice is worth anything.
>>64024242
Asian stuff.
>>64024242
You have picked up the staff of Mana regeneration.
>>64024046
that UI is ass, I think I'd have an aneurism if I had to look at it for more than half an hour
I have a kind of "churchy" hip hop beat with thick organ pads and some choir stuff but I need something for small melodies on the high end, any suggestions?
Don't want to to do bells because I do that way too often already
can't post clyp because I'm on my phone right now
ok ive given up on finding a working crack of u-he satin...anyone got any good crackable alternatives? not only liked the tape emulation part but also the phasing and hiss and 'flutter' effects? anyone know of a good alternative plug-in?
here is a W.I.P
also, could anyone please tell me which key this is in?
https://clyp.it/by5po0ki
>>64024932
D#/Eb minor
do you not have a keyboard of any sort? it's kind of a bad habit to need to ask others for the key
>>64024997
i do not have a keyboard,
could i learn using the piano roll in Ableton?
>>64025026
You'd be wasting a ridiculous amount of time. Just get a cheap keyboard on craigslist and work on scales and ear training.
>>64025043
i got more time than money....
>>64025061
I said wasting, not learning.
If $40 is too much for you, then I suggest you just get a job
>>64024046
It doesn't matter, all modern DAWs are very capable out of the box.
>>64025026
I used the piano roll only for most of my music making years. It will take longer, but you will also become insanely efficient with it over time. I still heavily rely on it, and use the keyboard mostly to audition chords or noodle around for ideas.
>>64024638
xylophone?
>>64024638
Perhaps a rhodes-ish patch that has the bell like percussive parts emphasized. Or a straight up sine wave with some verb on it.
>>64025142
Talking about finding the key here, not composing.
>>64022518
maybe he wanted the clippings to be there? Clipping makes shit louder.
Working on a track thats getting a bit heavy, I normally do ambient relaxing stuff and I'm a bit out of my element here, any advice?
https://clyp.it/sspw0z0t
>>64022602
>https://clyp.it/fp2zsx41
very smooth, I like the distortion, are you using samples? the click you're hearing at the end is the sound wave not ending at zero amplitude (I think)
>>64022764
if sidechaining drums or bass into the guitar make sure its a long attack
>>64024242
Wu tang
>>64024638
look up the ARP 2600
>>64024822
any help anyone can offer??
>>64024822
Softube Saturn and the Waves tape emulation. Not as good as Satin but still.
>>64025791
thanks senpai but had trouble finding a working crack of the waves kramer tape ones too, is softube tape or tube emulation? do these have the phasing/flutter effects that satin produces? got so many tunes with that demo crackle in now lol
>>64025826
>had trouble finding a working crack of the waves kramer tape ones
how? they are everywhere.
>>64025857
maybe i was just being a spazz, will look again, thanks anon...
hi /prod/, is ableton a good choice for mastering audio or should i use SADiE/Sequoia?
>>64026597
depends on what you want to do, for mastering as in tweaking the final sound of your product ableton is as good as anything, but if you mean mastering as in PQ editing, authoring and delivering as DDP there is no way around a proper software like wavelab, sequoia or pyramix. also pyramix and sequoia are the only ones I know that can properly master and deliver surround formats
>>64023145
>Because most people who "own" FL Studio didn't buy it?
so fucking what? just because you crack fl studio doesn't mean you get to be ignorant about it's features. do you think that buying fl with automagically make you intimately familiar with it?
there are countless tutorials out there, most of which are probably using cracked version of fl as well
Hi there!
You seem to have made a bit of a mistake in your post. Luckily, the users of 4chan are always willing to help you clear this problem right up! You appear to have used a tripcode when posting, but your identity has nothing at all to do with the conversation! Whoops etc etc
how do you guys not take criticism personally? I always like hearing if someone liked my song be it good or bad but if they said it was bad I accept it but at the same time I feel like a complete loser because I'm really not good at anything and that just confirms it. I have had songs that people have liked when I showed them though. Should criticism make you feel embarrassed?
>>64027216
If u know its good u won't be embarrassed but if deep down you know it's bad then you probably will be
>>64027216
I'm too self-critical myself to be embarassed. No one could hate my tunes more than I do
>>64027171
fall in a well
>>64027216
Accept you're not going to please everyone. What did wonders for me was having my track for a game made fun off in a very popular streamer twich channel by several people, while a lot of others e-mailed me and asked on the game forums about where they could download/buy it. What defines music as good is not universal, and that goes for both how you feel about your track and how others perceive it; try and come from the principle they might have a point and then compare it with your own intentions on the matter.
can someone link a download for fl studio? just got a new laptop,would be much appreciated
>>64027899
http://www.image-line.com/flstudio/
Ableton user here
For submix: Track Groups or Aux Routing, your thoughts?
>>64027216
You can do two things.
One is to continue to accept that you feel under attack when somebody criticizes your work, and to think of ways to manage that negative emotion. Exercise is something I've heard commonly recommended, although meditation also apparently works well. Basically have a way to step back and calm down a bit about it.
The other thing you can do is to treat your critic appropriately. Criticism basically comes from one of two places. One of those places is that the person wants to hurt you - an internet troll, for instance. Sometimes it's a little less malicious, but equally useless, like when somebody tells you "yeah I don't really like songs of that genre." That kind of criticism you should ignore.
The other kind of criticism comes from somebody who's actually on your team. If your goal is to improve your ability at music and make the best music you can, then the critic is doing you a big favor. They are pointing out what you should be working to improve. And they're doing it because they genuinely care about music (just like you), and genuinely care about your music enough to comment. Most people don't care enough to comment, so it is an implicit compliment to receive criticism.
Overall trying to embrace humility as much as you can - not putting yourself down, but accepting that you aren't perfect - will put criticism in a positive light. So the next time your work is criticized and you feel like it is criticizing you as a person, take a step back, work off that negative emotion however you like, and then do your best to be thankful that somebody cares enough about your music to help you become a better musician.
>>64027930
gimme a crack you nigger
>>64027938
Probably a matter of preference
I group stuff because it cleans stuff up a little if I have a lot of tracks (small laptop screen)
>>64028106
>past 2010
>not knowing how to use google
>coming into a prod thread and wanting to be spoonfed
>calling people nigger
just leave and never come back, seriously
>>64027938
just route the tracks to a new audio track to bus them
use the auxes for send effects, as you only have 8 of these
>>64028146
not sure if i follow... are you saying to use the Send Knobs as a means of bussing everything to return channels and use those as a submix?
>>64028236
no
use the sends for send effects
just use normal tracks as buses
>>64028106
also
>not being able to afford FL
>>64028106
Maybe if you ask mummy nicely she'll give you a bit more pocket money
>>64028361
Oh okay, that is the method I have been considering switching to...
Currently my track groups are making it difficult to navigate a launchpad
>>64028507
I use track groups only as a visual thing, otherwise they're not flexible enough
Hi /prod/ i'm the guy who really likes dälek
I'm unsure about the vocal samples what do you think of it, do they fit ?
https://clyp.it/d52qxo0w
>>64025253
The "shining" pad is a bit too loud when the kick comes in, even for the effect you want it to have imo
It's quite nice
>>64028657
they do fit and add a dope vibe to this imo
I made this in 5 minutes using a monotron delay, and garbageband on a school computer cause I'm bored and nobody ever comes in on my Wednesday shift
https://clyp.it/jsqbcw1x
I sometimes experience this thing where I just start creating something in my daw and I'm having a lot of fun and the hours pass and then I have like a half finished track and realize that I don't actually like it very much.
And it doesn't really upset me or anything, because I enjoyed the process but yeah I'd still rather not have that happening.
Any advice on that?
>>64029377
I think knowing when to drop a track is a very important skill, even thought it might feel shit sometimes
just leave it for a week and if you still don't like it ditch it
>>64029377
that happens to me a lot too.
I found that it usually happens when i work on it too long. So for me, i have benefited from using a default project and default audio/midi tracks, all built around how i prefer to work... e.g.keeping sounds/patches that i like to use in a folder for quick access, setting up a drum rack that can shuffle through different samples for each pad, keep standard reverbs/delays on sends, keeping standard aux submix named/colored/with fx i can easily bus to... all things that may slow me down when working on a new project from scratch.
also agree with >>64029462
Sometimes walking away for a few days works, But if it doesn't, just chalk it up as practice for your next track.
lately i've been doing a lot of resampling, so my projects are always swamped with a ton of audio clips
do you guys ever bounce audio when a track is nearly finished?
i can obviously see not being able to adject things like reverb becoming an issue
although i thought i'd see what u guys do
i use fl studio and i know its generally a messy daw so maybe it isn't such a big of a deal with other daws
>>64029971
I bounce unfinished stuff all the time, mostly to listen to it on the go to get more ideas
I often reimport some of it to the project then to cut up parts of the bounces and rearrange them
Bought a MIDI-usb cable today for my old keyboard, what are some free and easy VSTs to try it?
>>64028858
Thanks anon
>>64029971
?
FL Studio isn't a messy DAW.
>>64029462
Yeah, I guess it's the same for any kind of creative work.
>>64029674
That's actually a great idea, I should really simplify my workflow
I don't ever use send channels. I really see the benefit in terms of workflow but doesn't it kind of limit you in some way?
I wouldn't like having only one kind of reverb for example
>>64030592
Millions of single windows really is kinda messy.
There are other things about it that are really structured and neat like the sampler, piano roll, etc.. I'm an fl user myself but what I really like about ableton is the fact that pretty much everything is in one UI.
>>64027216
I do take it personally. It's to say that what I'm doing isn't impacting someone the way I would want it to. It motivates me to get better. Do you think Kobe learns more from winning or from losing (well, before he got old and shitty)?
also, >>64028089 makes a good point: if what they're saying is valid, use it!
>>64020891
Anyone know of any dynamic range enhancing/expanding plugins? My mixes aren't squashed but I feel as though for a good deal of the length it lacks a whole lot of dynamic contrast.
I'm not just talking about a plugin that'll boost transients but more something that'll accentuate the loud and hush the quiet.
>>64030664
You're exaggerating quite a lot.
>>64030912
shit you're so right
I really am.
does anyone else's sound get fucked when using paulstretch with an interface? like all sound coming out of my comp gets grainy until I unplug the interface.
OK so I guess I'm a fucking retard because I started using bass stabs from sample packs but obviously when I play them at different pitches they change drastically in length.
I've tried setting loops and a million other things but it always sounds like dogshit when the pitch is much higher or lower than the sample root.
What's the secret for working with short, pitched samples?
>>64030852
At least Ableton's stock compressor (and probably most other stock compressors) have an expansion setting-- which, of course cuts the quiets and boosts the louds.
>>64031169
Use a high quality sample, first
Second, there is a way to do this in virtually all DAWs and most samplers. RTM.
First try at tropical house.
Not sure where to go from here.
https://clyp.it/rkmxaqe0
Well, I guess it's not real tropical house since it's missing a pan flute, steel drums and marimba.
>>64029133
>https://clyp.it/jsqbcw1x
Noisy. I love the sound of that dirty little fucking slut delay
What could I do with the circuit board of a midi keyboard? (an alesis QX49)
I'm not that really good with electronics but I'm sure I could figure something out.
>>64031169
what DAW are you using?
>>64031005
no, works fine for me, using a scarlett 2i4
>>64031867
Sunvox
I've read the manual and have tried setting loop points, volume envelopes, and even the Pitch Shifter module for which there is zero documentation in the Sunvox manual.
>>64027216
If someone said your work was "bad", then they didn't critique your work constructively. Everyone would feel negative emotions in that situation, be it "I suck" or "you're a jackass wasting my time".
I find I feel no negative feelings as long as the feedback is constructive. That means critique like this: "That bass drum could hit even harder" "It feels chaotic. Did you use enough compression?" "Considering what I think it is you're going for, you should place the vocals less up front". No problem dealing with that. It also gives me the opportunity to judge for myself whether or not the critique in question is relevant.
how's my dynamic range looking? should the choruses be louder in contrast to the intro/verses? it's pixies style alt rock btw..
>>64029377
I find this is where I'd continue shaping that track into something nice. I don't usually just drop tracks when I don't like them; if I don't like them, that means I overlooked something.
>>64032507
peak levels tell nothing
it's all about RMS or EBU R128 loudness
>>64032507
Looking pretty good
I'd use a gentle limiter to tame those few big peaks
![korg_minilogue_synth_1[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/bJfeo00.jpg "korg_minilogue_synth_1[1].jpg")
Any Minilogue owners here?
Do you (still) like it?
Well now that no one can go
>read the pastebin faggit
What would be the essential MIDI controllers for someone starting out that won't break in a week?
Say I have like 300 bucks to spend.
/prod/ newbie here.
I suck at EQing, and I don't really know where to start. Any tips? ;((
>>64031867
>>64032201
Covered it up with a shitload of delay.
Joyous day.
>>64032994
EQ should first and foremost should be used as a corrective tool and shouldn't be used to dramatically improve a sound, if it needs a lot of work in eq you're better off getting a better source sound. I also try to cut frequencies rather than boost and in general nothing too extreme. That's what I've been told by people much more experienced than I.
Here's my current track I'm working on, feel free to have a listen and any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Cheers pals xo
https://clyp.it/1jdvppjt
>>64033693
>I also try to cut frequencies rather than boost and in general nothing too extreme. That's what I've been told by people much more experienced than I.
Didn't that only count for hardware equalizers?
>>64030664
>I wouldn't like having only one kind of reverb for example
Actually, using the same reverb is a trick to help make your mix gel together.
I keep 2 reverbs on my sends, one close and the other far w/pre on. Obviously you can tweak them to suit each project, but this helps you quickly add width and/or make something sit only in the background with the turn of a couple knob. no thinking about, no searching thru presets...
i am willing to return any feedback. i just want to get some feedback on these 2 songs i made recently. thanks
https://clyp.it/4r0wn4ou
https://clyp.it/hrhgbybv
I don't produce electronic music, but I would really like insight on how to improve my production. Here's a recent track I recorded: https://soundcloud.com/444guitarboy/symbiotic-introspective-cerebrum-trip
I DAW I used is Samplitude Music Studio MX. I'm poor right now so I cannot afford new gear, but what is some helpful advice in post?
>>64024997
Isn't it a B maj???
>>64034837
>https://clyp.it/4r0wn4ou
The idea is good but the beginning is too "mono". Love the synths but there's some dissonance that sounds pretty weird. Play more with effects.
>https://clyp.it/hrhgbybv
Much better intro. I'm digging your chords and the super chill vibe. Nice strings too. You just need more variation in your percussion.
Here's something I'm working on. Needs work still.
https://clyp.it/x5bwhhbn
>>64035530
thank you. i REALLY appreciate it. its hard for me to find someone who will give quality feedback. thats great.
as for your track its really good. it sort of reminds me of dj sprinkles' music. the bassline that comes in around 2:25 really adds atmosphere, same goes for the vocal sample.
>>64035695
Try different vsts. I really like Arturia's but it's a personal preference.
Here's something else I did with vocals from Nina Simone
https://clyp.it/hj1c1p0s
>>64035821
really nice. do you have a bandcamp? im interested
i got an at2020 and i hooked it up to my interface (tascam us-200) and turned on the phantom power and armed a track in ableton and it's making this noise https://clyp.it/0m3p214f any idea why?
for reference, my monitors also make noise when they're hooked up to this interface. here's a clyp of the noise they make (recorded with a different mic that doesnt use phantom power) https://clyp.it/cktnpumy
i turned it up a bit for clarity, they aren't really that noticeable while i'm working. the mic thing is definitely noticeable though
https://instaud.io/mY9
Should I just off myself?
sup /prod/
I'm currently recording with a Focusrite Pro24/Octopre setup which gives great results but when it comes to mixdown I'm back to squinting at a Cubase mixer and moving faders with a mouse. Considering moving to a Presonus digital mixer which would let me do hands-on mixing while keeping everything in the digital domain, anyone used one? Any other good digital mixers in the price range?
Thoughts senpai? https://clyp.it/tohpve3g
https://clyp.it/dpx2htog
Not enough low end? rough draft still
>>64037022
I actually like most of it.
I think the percussion beat that's introduced should have a tiny bit more variation, and the lead introduced in the middle should have a little more rhythm or variation or emphasis at its end or something.
The delay/reverb creates a cool little mini-stutter around 0:32 (unless that was added intentionally) that could maybe be bounced and fucked with somehow, or otherwise developed. Just a random thought, though.
And mixing wise it obviously needs a ton of work on the stereo imaging, levels, frequency spectrum.
>>64037401
Not sure if it's exactly not enough low end, but I think the highs are just too loud and distracting from everything else. I have a cold and my ears have some fluid, so that may be affecting my perception of it, but it's pretty painful to listen to if I turn the volume up at all.
>>64037544
It's loud, yes, I plan on touching up the compressors. So low ends fine to you?
>>64037594
It's impossible for me to really judge the low end properly when the highs are overpowering. The instruments in the low end appear to be fine arrangement- and sound-choice-wise, if that's what you mean (depending on what kind of feel you're going for). Mix-wise, too hard to tell as is, since you need to adjust levels and compress.
>>64037523
Thank you anon.
And so I live to /prod/ another night.
So I'm working on my first track ever, and I'm having this problem where I'm adding so much automation and so many little change ups and flourishes that I don't really know when to leave it be. I don't think there's too much stuff, but rather making slight re-adjustments to MIDI placement, re-recording/re-drawing automation over and over...
I always feel like I can keep making it better and better. But then there's just no end. A few days ago I spent literally 8 hours just tweaking some automation over and over and over.
The worst part is, stuff often does sound better upon re-recording. (Not just better at that moment, but when I wake up the next day and re-listen, it still sounds better.)
How do I know when to stop and just consider myself finished with a certain part of the song?
>>64037910
When you're sick of making it.
>>64037045
I use an Allen & Heath Qu16, pretty much the same thing but spendier. The mixer is magical whether I'm using it standalone or innaDAW. I'm used to analog, so having a parametric EQ, and full fledged comp on each channel is a dream come true.
Digital mixers are the future of control surfaces and I/O. The only downside is that eventually they'll be outdated by newer models.
>>64037921
Well, that's the thing. I'll get sick of it, go do something else, then come back to it the next day and listen and be like "well I think I could just move the distortion a little more here, and pan it a little differently, and tweak the compressor attack, and move the filter back a few Hz, and narrow the EQ Q, and ...".
It's sort of driving me crazy. Some horrific combo of ADHD and OCD.
Sup /prod/sters! Pretty chuffed atm, I got the day free tomorrow and I'v esecured transportation and I'll be heading-up to Cape Neddick to record the waves on the rocks. It's probably the most violent shoreline I've seen in New England so it should be pretty epoch leading up to high tide. I'm moving-away at the end of the year so I've got a bucket list of New English stuff I need to record before I'm gone.
Also it's windier'n horsecocks up there so I sewed some proper windmuffs for my mics. The normal foam ones won't cut it out there.
>>64037022
cool stuff you could easily turn this into a full length track. that synth line sounds cool. i could see a rimshot fading and and the n the kick and just fading things in to be able to make it longer. solid work though, dont give up
>>64038131
lemonbrah?
>>64038190
h-hi
>>64038218
what are you doing in new england? I thought you're in the middle of nowhere, canada
>>64038055
i totally get this but with stuff i make im not anal about little things at all for some reson. i typically mess with synth sounds and never find inspiration until i find a good synth sound then play around with making a pattern and it jjst builds. but as for when to stop id just stop when you feel like it is good. i know thats probably not good advice though
>>64038234
>middle of nowhere, canada
whaa? you must have me confused for someone else. i'm in MA, always have been. well, at least as long as i've been posting around here
>>64038251
I do feel like it's good right now. At least, the parts I've spent a lot of time fine-tuning feel like they're genuinely good. I just keep thinking and thinking I can make them "more good".
>>64038310
try to find a good stopping point, if you think its good id leave it at that. i completely get where youre coming from and what youre feeling though
Can anyone rec me a good laptop off of Amazon for production? I got a new HP notebook for $350-something but it doesn't seem like it'll be powerful enough to host software and keep up with what I'm trying to do with it. I'd like it to stay under $500. I'll be doing basic home studio recording with it and a Focusrite interface. Any help would be much appreciated.
>tfw going to have to buy a drum set and recording mic because i cant get ableton to work
anyone with physical drum sets know whether i should buy acoustic vs electric? i didn't even know there WERE electric drums until now
>>64038464
acoustic drums
they sound better
you learn how to mic drums
they dont sound like ass
>>64038464
Electric drum kits sound like ass. I've never heard them used well.
>>64038663
>>64038726
thanks, i'll check out the acoustic
>>64038726
>I've never heard them used well.
You just haven't looked hard enough. Check out this sick fill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
>>64038892
wow
>>64037228
any feedback?
>>64037228
dope stuff homie. that bell synth is nice
>>64037228
>https://clyp.it/tohpve3g
absolutely memetic, what is this exactly? 80s club music?
>>64039135
Thanks senpai, its just a SQ8L preset
>>64039152
Yeah man, thats what I was going for
>>64036563
update: using my mixer's phantom power and running that into the inputs of my interface solves the problem.
is the phantom power on my interface fucked or is it possibly some kind of grounding issue that might be causing that/the noise with from monitors?
how would i even go about fixing a grounding issue with my interface? does having the monitors on a separate powerstrip change anything? that still wouldn't explain the microphone though
i dont know about ground issues and phantom power and shit as my posts are probably revealing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar1Dq-M2ok4
guys this video scares the shit out of me
>>64039844
Why? I mean, they could also make a video where they simulate being deaf...
The only thing that should scare you is the thought of not protecting your ears.
>>64024046
Ableton or FL because they are very visual and therefore have the Best workflow for a beginner to learn the basics.
>>64039909
I know. But some of this is inevitable. There's a good chance that, as a male, I'll have mild hearing loss at like 55! Only 33 more years of decent hearing, then I'll have to make like solo piano compositions or some shit. I've been protecting my ears religiously all my life, but I only have up to 18kHz, and only in my right ear (maybe 16.5kHz on my left).
Am I being a worrywart?
>>64040041
Just focus on protecting your ears rather than worrying about what might happen.
There's no guarantee you'll have any hearing loss whatsoever in old age. And even if you do, Beethoven composed masterpieces when he was almost 100% fucking deaf.
Even with some hearing loss, ability to compare to reference tracks means you can still create and mix music. You just might enjoy it less.
Also, in 33 years they'll probably have awesome tiny hearing aids that can fully compensate for any hearing loss and change your frequency response back to the norm.
So, yes, you're being a worrywart. Your concern should be going to some concert and having your ear drums explode or listening to something very loud for hours, not a general fear that your hearing will randomly vanish.
One tip though: you should supplemenet magnesium every day. Many studies show magnesium helps prevent both temporary and permanent hearing loss. Google it. There are even cases of people taking megadoses of magnesium immediately after being exposed to crazy loud sounds and retaining their hearing. Magnesium is also good to supplement for other reasons. Most people are deficient in it.
>>64040317
>>64040041
So last week my college had a performance of a couple of works one of my professors made. I set up the PA to play some fixed media provided by a laptop. First there was a ground loop hum, so I added a DI box. Then there was this ~9,000 hz whine still present. I mentioned it to my professor during the regearsal, and he says that he can't hear it, so it must not be there. When it came time for the performance, all of the students were complaining about it, and none of the professors noticed it. So I take it upon myself to roll off a bit of high end on the mixer. Problem solved.
Sure enough, he still says "if I can't hear it, it bust not be there" and returns the channels to the original settings, and the whine was back for the duration of the piece.
I'm still not sure if that was a stunt or not. I mean I know he probably didn't hear it, but he also loves to mess with people when he has performances.
>>64040317
You're right, really. Thanks. I hope you're right about these incredible tiny hearing aids, but it would require incredibly precise deep-ear stimulation (or literal in-brain stimulation) which is quite far from the current science. In any case, it's good reason not to make a career out of music.
>>64040818
wow. Like, My Bloody Valentine wouldn't sound good without >9kHz and with diminished 3kHz-9kHz. Imagine that.
>>64040878
I should have specified, surgical parametric EQ, not that three knob trash. Nice job being a condescending prick though, MBV doesn't sound good regardless of the mix
>working on project I've worked half a year on
>learnt so much, everything's finally coming together
>sounds awesome, really enjoying it, just needs one finishing touch
>add vocals
WOW EVERYTHING IS RUINED
>>64041076
How is saying having a normal hearing range is necessary to enjoy My Bloody Valentine condescending?
>MBV doesn't sound good regardless of the mix
that, my friend, is condescending
>>64041645
I thought you were saying that cutting the bad freq would make the music sound bad, and that the "imagine that" was the condescending remark.
still dont like mbv
>>64041218
welcome to mixing vocals
https://clyp.it/nchc3h45
https://clyp.it/wpultnup
Need some feedback pls
https://clyp.it/sncsfg0w
the result of weed+redbull night.
>>64041848
they sound good, you need yo round your ideas to make something out of that but you are going well!
>>64039844
does that graph implies that hearing loss is strongest with the higher frequencies? because I kinda have the opposite problem, high frequencies botter the fuck out of me, even when people around me don't care about it. does that mean I have great hearing?
>>64040041
>I'll have to make like solo piano compositions
you still need hearing for that unless you know your music theory 150%
>>64039844
Most people have a constant ringing that blocks out sounds. far more irritating than just a dulled down sense of high frequencies.
So, thoughts on vst or sample libraries that would be essential for composing music for films?
Thanks
How do I keep the tempo on the sample I'm slicing the same without the master tempo affecting it in Ableton? I set my warp points, slice to new MIDI track, can play everything just fine but if my master tempo is higher or lower it just plays the sample faster
I've been trying to google this but I can't word it properly so I dont get relevant results
>>64043649
nevermind, i kind of figured it out by messing out with settings
>>64043621
Kontakt and all of the libraries
>brass, string, wind, piano, drums
>>64043621
>>64044362
I agree with the response you got, and I also wanna say that a QUALITY reverb is just as important as the library themselves. If your goal is to emulate a real orchestra, you should consider that most of these libraries are recorded in different spaces, that have different natural room characteristics. Mixing and matching libraries that have different room reflections can be a dead giveaway to the listener that something is artificial.
The good news is, most of the higher end libraries for orchestral instruments will include close or spot mics, that contain little of this room sound. The reason this is useful, is because You can use these close mics as an opportunity to provide your own reverb, thus uniting these various libraries in a space (read: reverb) of your choosing.
In my orchestral compositions, I use only the dry / close mic instruments, and I use Altiverb 7 to provide this room sound. The Todd-AO scoring stage impulses are very popular in the digital orchestra world.
My method is to use 6 Altiverb instances, three pairs of Early Reflection and Tails, corresponding to the various distances that the instruments would naturally be in an orchestra. Altiverb already provides this because they will record a room impulse at different distances from the click-speaker (in Todd-AO preset, 3.5 meter, 8 meter, 13 meter. Strings get the 3.5 meter ER and Tail, Woodwinds get the 8 meter, Brass and perc get the 13m.
You don't NEED altiverb, a similar effect can be achieved with a carefully planned algorithmic reverb of your choosing.
Should I get a Korg Minilogue or Moog Mother 32 to partner with my Minibrute?
Minilogue is polyphonic and probably more useful on its own. Not enough keys for a poly tho IMO.
Mother 32 has all them juicy patch points and the sequencer. Seems like a good gateway for modular but that just seems like a pit I don't have enough money to fill (even though I want to).
>>64037961
I'm also used to analog, hence the desire for a good hands-on mixer. There'll be new models but I'm not so sure something like this will go obsolete very quickly, it should last me a good few years. I'll look at the Allen & Heath though, I'm in the enviable position of being able to say money isn't an issue.
>>64044868
cont'd:
To expand on this a bit more, its worth learning about the contributions that early reflections have on establishing depth in the mix. Especially in large spaces like a scoring stage that you are trying to emulate. A general theory is that the closest instruments (strings), ERs will have the longest predelay (takes longer for the sound to reflect off the back wall), with the brass having the shortest predelay on the ER (Less time to reflect to the listener).
The above is true of most algorithmic reverbs, but the Todd-AO impulses in altiverb are the rare exception, where the Tail itself must be manually delayed (this is why I separate it). This is due to how this particular room was captured.
Check out the reverb video from the "Visual Orchestration" tutorial series to learn a bit more about this, and check out this thread on vi-control for a more detailed treatment of this method:
http://vi-control.net/community/threads/tutorial-applying-early-reflections-to-get-that-sound.9139/
>>64044362
I do love Kontakt but I have a hell of a time figuring out just routing instruments to individual outputs. I always end up creating several instances of Kontakt so I avoid the routing section, I need to wrap my head round that sometime.
>>64043621
And here are a few select libraries that are current go-to for orchestral scoring:
Brass and horns: Sample Modeling's trumpets, trombones, horns. Note that these are extremely DRY libraries, that require you to supply your own reverb. I use the technique I outlined above.
Strings: These days I mostly use Spitfire Sable strings, great options like polyphonic legato, modulation of legato transition time as well as a few alternate legato / portamento types, and a variety of mic positions to play with. Good articulation options as well. Orchestral Tools Berlin Strings also ranks highly, and has a somewhat more delicate, romantic sound. More articulations than sable, but missing a few functions sable provides.
Percussion: Spitfire Orchestral Percussion (Good General perc lib), Nine Volt Audio Taiko 2, Spitfire Audio Hans Zimmer Percussion, Orchestral Tools Timpani, For ethnic perc, Evolution Series World Percussion 2.0
Piano: Imperfect Samples Fazioli Ebony Concert Grand
Woodwinds: Orchestral Tools Berlin Woodwinds all the way.
whoa doepfer has a theremin eurorack module
someone gib 10k to throw into the black hole of modular stuff pls
>>64045115
>Implying 10k would satisfy you.
How would you go on about imitating a hang/handpan sound with a synth?
I think there's sine and square harmonics in it?
reverb helps and you want a kind of plucky sound I guess but with not too much mid harmonics or something
I never tried recreating the sound of an instrument before so I don't really know how to start
>>64045292
lol good luck mate that'd be worse than a piano to do
so, I have this melody I want to work with. how exactly do I make a song out of it? build chords first? bassline? drums?
>>64045919
It doesn't need to sound exactly like a real instrument, I'm just trying to catch the timbre and vibe etc
>>64046125
which synth do yo plan to use? wavetable synthesis would probably be the way to go
>>64045292
Bell harmonics are notoriously difficult to replicate. Basically the three options for synthesis are FM, as it generates an infinite range of harmonics that diminish the further they are in pitch from the carrier, spectrum analysis then resynthesis, which there aren't many successful implementations of, and samples, which always suck for acoustic stuff.
Don't worry about reverb, the sound of the inner chamber should be synthesized if everything else is.
>>64045292
Thats a very specific timbre. I've played one plenty and I guess you could start with a steel drum sounding synth, with quick decay.
there are a few different tunings, look through these and chose a tuning and stick to it:
http://www.balisteelpan.com/
I think I still have a recording of my buddies hang drum around somewhere. I recorded the notes to see how well tuned the scale was (they're all tuned by hand with hammers)
>>64046026
work out the chords that the melody implies. work out which key its in, work out what tempo is it, what the inherent rhythm is. Work out what scale the melody is in and the chords that can be made from that scale.
Has anyone used Syntorial before? It's on special for 40% off this week but i want a solid recommendation before committing. I've just started learning music synthesis (Watched those 80s beginner synth tutorial videos and fucked around making patches for a couple of weeks), is it geared at beginners?
>>64046159
>wavetable synthesis would probably be the way to go
lmao, no. If the instrument he wanted to emulate was the PPG wave maybe, but wavetables don't really don't do acoustic emulations very well.
>>64046245
>>64045292
I dug up the recordings of my mates hang
https://clyp.it/a5ssr1hm
some major clipping on some of the notes but you get the gist. note the interference from the drum not being totally in tune after each note.
His was in the "ake bono" scale, and pretty close to a = 440
>>64046159
I was trying to do it with fm, I don't know if wavetable synths are the way to go desu
>>64046207
thanks, resynthesis is a good idea. I think I'll switch over to FL and try it with harmor.
>>64046245
thanks that's very helpful.
A friend of mine has one too but I never got around to recording it, thanks a ton for
the upload dude! >>64046364
might use one of the unclipped notes as a starting point
>not being totally in tune after each note.
yeah that's an important part of the sound too, thanks for calling that to my attention.
I'll upload a clyp as soon as I have something that sounds remotely like a handpan.
Which could take a while
>>64020891
is this any good?
i've been listening to this loop on repeat for way too long and I don;t even know if it sounds good anymore.
https://clyp.it/5bcn3zwu
>>64046806
Utter garbage, could not be worse if you tried
>>64046828
wow, jelly much?
>>64046806
>https://clyp.it/5bcn3zwu
I'd quantize the drums a little, it also sounds kinda dull because there isn't a lot of high end (can obviously also be used on purpose)
bretty chill tho
>>64046806
this live vinly plugin is way to obvious... and yeah you need some high end
>>64044362
>all of the libraries
there are literally thousands lol
>>64037045
>>64037961
>>64044898
I think there is currently a gap in the market for compact digital mixers.
I would never get either of those consoles because they would take up too much desk space and they aren't very mobile.
Why cant there be a unit the size of a livid ds1 with motorized faders and 6 endless/led encoders per strip? they could just take my money...
>>64047715
The QU-16 is perfectly small, but it's not a laptop DJ mix controller that you're talking about, there needs to be plenty of space on the back for all of the XLR ins and outs.
And it is quite mobile, we move it around a lot. Then again, it's one of the smaller pieces I need to move, usually have to move a Quad PA and a 15" sub.
You might be conflating mix controllers with actual mixers.
>>64047809
I just assumed the qu-16 and the like were glorified mix controllers that sent midi data to control aspects of a daw but with the feel of a real console... i take it they are a stand alone mixer, if so they are priced pretty well...
but yeah, i meant mixer controllers
>>64048054
Yeah, the QU-16 has 16 input channels, each with XLR and quarter inch ins. There's also 12 outputs on XLRs as well.
It's about a third of the weight, and half the size of the mixer it replaced
Guys, i can't find a better place on 4chan to ask this. What's the best beginner dj controller? Obviously, not directly related to /prod/, but close enough.
I've been suggested Novation Twitch, Newmark Mixtrack Pro and Pioneer DDJ WEGO3, but i can't decide between them... Any other suggestions more than welcome as well!
Looking to start home recording and I was going to get an audio interface; to use with FL Studio or Pro Tools. I wanted to get something with four inputs to record drums and other acoustic stuff and my friend (who works in a studio) recommended me a Tascam US-1200. I wanted to see if any of you had any experience with it or if any body knew of anything potentially better around the same price. I'm willing to pay around $250 if I have to but, I'd like to keep the price down. Thanks in advance!
Does anyone have any advice on melody writing? How can I make a catchy, repetitive melody without making it sound repetitive? That doesn't make any sense, but I always hear people say the best melody has repetition but whenever I listen to music the melody doesn't sound repetitive while not sounding random.
>>64049067
Just play. A melody usually comes from just playing out notes. You play out the notes, you hear it and you think "that sounds good." And there you have it.
This is my experience, at least.
https://clyp.it/s1d1zwy5
some random shit i made in 2 hours
where do I go from here?
>>64049067
well you have to realise it's not only the melody, you also need a good chord progression as the foundation for good melody, as the notes you're using in melodies usually form chords.
>>64049735
that's pretty sweet
how much experience do you have?
>>64049883
Thanks
Been prodding for a year now. Not much electronic music though, but it's fun
hey /prod/
i'd like to get some feedback on a couple tracks I made
1. https://clyp.it/upiosnk5
2. https://clyp.it/3ltwqllh
made them entirely with maschine, no other DAW
>>64049984
i like the beat but i must say the bells are way to cheesy in my opinion... also some nasty cliping there on the kicks
>>64020891
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obe02lLwyps
How do they get such clean 808's and hats?
So nice
>>64050057
you're talking about the second right?
>>64050137
yes mate the second one
>>64050164
I figured, I'm just really tried
I'll go fix the clipping, would you say anything was off about the first one?
https://clyp.it/bsu3ok10
since everybody is posting their tracks i might do aswell... always had the feeling that i was making bad copys of artists i like so i tried to clear my mind and this is one of the current projects... what you think?
How do I into replicating that early LCD Soundsystem sound?
you guys might get more feedback if you give feedback as well and not just dropping links, just saying
>>64050206
>https://clyp.it/upiosnk5
like i said i kind like the beat and the feel of the song but for me the bells are to damn annoying( get atleast rid of the low end reverb)... maybe pitch the hats and get some variotion in them, but thats for you to decide
>>64050234
they don't want feedback, they want attention
>>64050234
how do you know whos droping links and who is giving feedback, mate?
>>64050208
I like it, sounds good from a mix and a musical perspective
>>64050215
Analog monosynths
Modular synth
Organ processed through synth filters
Yamaha CP-70 piano
Agogo bells
Drum machine + drum kit
I'm a huge LCD fag, so my setup tends to reflect that.
>>64050661
that is a nice setup, what's in the modular? and a CP-70, nice choice, I love the sound of those old electromechanical keyboards
pic related, my modular, I use this and a DSI Propeht 08 module
>>64050733
It's pretty small.
1 vco
1 vcf
1 vca
1 eg
A fixed filter bank/resonator from the polymoog (amazing for brass, strings, and choirs from a polysynth)
Clipper/rectifier
Envelope follower
A big odnes martenot style expression block
I also have another row with only a midi to CV and a sample and hold module. I use a beatstep pro now, and I have a better sample and hold on my Moog CP-251
>CP-70
Love it so much, got it for like $300 too. I want to install some mics so I can get both the acoustic sound and the honky-tonk sound
>>64050939
I've got the Beatstep Pro, pretty impressive machine for the price, thinking of buying another and syncing them to run more of the oscillators.
CP-70 for $300 is outrageous. Those things were unattainably expensive back in the day, you did well there. Now no one even knows what a CP-70 is, they just think it's a preset on a Nord.
>>64048924
maybe see which ones have the most template options on djtechtools.com
>>64051068
>inably expensive back in the day, you did well there. Now no one even knows what a CP-70 is, they just think it's a preset on a Nord
Lmao, too true. I find too many emulations overemphasize the tacky sound and not the piano sound.
I tend to find gear for super cheap, especially in the northwest side of Minneapolis. Craigslist is awesome.
>>64051194
if I could actually play keys then I'd fill the house with Hammonds and Rhodes pianos and Wurlys. As it is, I have to settle for the modular, Cubase and far too many guitars.
>>64051263
Lol, I got a Hammond frankenB3 and a Leslie for $600
>>64050358
You're supposed to give feedback when you're sharing your stuff.
>>64051324
god damn that's a bargain, did you sell it on?
>>64051399
Nope, still have it. Might sell it if I get a more proper B3
>>64038131
what do you use to make your own wind protection? I've been looking into getting a muff for my recorder but they're all expensive as fuck for minimal material.
>>64051339
i am not!
give feedback and droped my track just not in the same post. No need to get so cheeky mate
https://clyp.it/fzdlddy1
How can I improve this?
>>64041848
Not bad, you just need to make them more musically interesting. "rebrec" could have an amen break sound off at the 1 minute mark, with that harmony you put there and it'd be goat.
I made this:
https://clyp.it/jmp4rcnk
I have no music experience whatsoever (except for listening and appreciating, i guess), I just acquainted myself with a music program for about a month and then decided to give it a try. what you think?
>>64053583
It's very good for a beginner, a few notes sound a bit off, and you could stand to lower that reverb on the keys but it's pretty good otherwise
>>64053583
>https://clyp.it/jmp4rcnk
The good news, a critical ear, some time, and the right tools is all you will need. Sounds like you are on your way.
bamp
Anyone know how to install cracked waves plugins on macbook?
>>64055688
yea just install them? I did that what problem do you have
>tfw making a song with strict separation of composing and sound design for the first time
this feels so fucking good
having a template with 4 or so kontakt channels that are already routed also helps a lot, used to just have 4 instances of kontakt open which fucks my laptop
>tfw you start by trying to make techno but end up saying "fuck it" to so many rules you're no longer in techno land but some fucked up uncharted area of the music world
Been experimenting with textures and sound design, anyone willing to take a listen and tell me if its absolute trash or not?
it's a tad 'experimental' (shit), but I guess thats the whole point
https://clyp.it/ixqdqbbi
>>64056622
>>tfw you start by trying to make techno but end up saying "fuck it" to so many rules you're no longer in techno land but some fucked up uncharted area of the music world
Wonderful.
Post it.
>>64056675
It's pretty good, it sounds like Metrosong to me.
Only thing I feel to be missing are strings, but that's more personal preference than anything.
>>64024046
As an engineer or as an artist?
As an artist, Ableton will give you the freedom to create music quite easily out of the box, with a learning curve that will encourage you to experiment more with your tracks.
As an engineer, Pro Tools, there's a free version you can learn it on and you're more likely to learn very valuable lessons from working with something that promotes quick work flow and recording/editing techniques that promotes proper routing and an idea into audio production, and if you get popular you can brag about it I guess
Or use any other DAW that you like the look of if you want to, but all the composers in my area use Ableton (some use logic) or record in Pro Tools
>>64033838
Nah dude, it can add some audible hiss to some audio (depending on the recording/instrument ofc)
You can of course use it to add as an effect, just be careful with it
https://clyp.it/mq12livm
tfw u dnt know if you hate a song you made or love it.
>>64056165
I don't know how to install them lol
>>64022104
Just use a standalone filter
Guys!
Join the /prod/ discord. Still kinda dead so we need more bodies who dont have IRC for instant feedback, collabing with fellow 4 leaf clover website members, music sharing, DAW/VST discussion and memes.
Join and come be part of the community :)
https://discord.gg/0wV1D4bx326p7sL3
>>64051627
pick up some craft fur from wherever (I get mine from Michael's but any craft place shoudl have it). Make sure two things:
1. it's synthetic
2. the back is a mesh cloth that the fur is stritched from
they have a bunch of colors to choose from, get one of the "long hair" ones - you want as much fur/mic ratio as possible. then you have to sew it. cut out the shape you need, sew it inside-out, being careful not to tie up all the hair in the process. when the sewing is done, turn it back outside-in and viola!
it'll take some practice and looking at some sewing tutorials. i had to make quite a few before i figured-out wtf i was sposta do
