Fresh Beats: Music Production Blogs Digest – Oct 20, 2023
Welcome to a new edition of Fresh Beats!
Every week, we gather the most interesting articles from music production blogs all around. We hunt down everything from the latest production techniques, new trends in the industry, informative interviews, to detailed gear reviews. So let’s jump right in and see what’s been going on this week.
Product Guide
Choosing The Right Headphones for Mixing and Mastering
By: SonicScoop, sonicscoop.com
Are you shopping around for the right headphones for mixing or mastering? Join Justin Colletti and two special guests from Audeze Headphones as they discuss the main types of headphone designs, the pros and cons of each, and how to choose the best type for you. This live stream premieres at 330pm ET TODAY, and they’ll be taking your questions live. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about choosing the right headphones for your music production needs! Read more
Is Music Hardware Environmentally Sustainable?
By: Adam Douglas, www.attackmagazine.com
This blog post explores the environmental impact of music hardware and the efforts being made by companies to address sustainability. It highlights the lack of conversation around this issue in the music industry compared to other electronic devices. The article references Greenpeace’s analysis of electronics manufacturers and emphasizes the importance of reducing carbon emissions in the manufacturing process. Focusrite and Roland are mentioned as examples of companies working towards net zero carbon emissions and reducing their Scope 3 emissions. The post raises questions about the impact of music gear on the environment and invites readers to learn more. Read more
Music Production Tips
The Power of Soundscapes: How to Create Ambience and Atmosphere in Your Tracks
By: Tom Frampton, www.masteringthemix.com
In this blog post, we explore the latest music gear plugins from Mastering The Mix. From FUSER to LEVELS, ANIMATE, and more, these plugins offer essential tools for musicians and producers. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your mix, master your tracks, or add creative effects, Mastering The Mix has you covered. Discover how these plugins can take your music production to the next level and enhance your sound. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your music with these powerful tools. Read more
Making a sample-based hip hop beat
By: fanu, fanumusic.com
In his latest video on Patreon, music producer Fanu shares his process for making a sample-based hip hop beat. He discusses his sampling aesthetic and reveals a useful feature in his audio editor. The video also showcases professional sample stem separation. Fanu hopes viewers will find inspiration in his workflow. Check out the video on Patreon and don’t miss the opportunity to support Fanu by using his affiliate link to Lalal for sample separation. Read more
Career Guide
How to become a DJ: the ultimate guide
By: Sara Simms, blog.native-instruments.com
Are you interested in becoming a DJ? This blog post provides a comprehensive guide on how to start DJing, including information on different types of DJs, the equipment you’ll need, essential techniques, and tips for beginners. It also highlights the benefits of using Traktor, a popular DJ software, and offers insights on music selection, organizing your collection, harmonic mixing, transitions, looping, effects, and reading the crowd. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or aspiring DJ, this post is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the world of DJing. Read more
Product Review
SR Studio’s 1073-style preamp achieves a classic analogue sound at an extremely attractive price
By: John Pickford, musictech.com
Monoprice’s SR Studio 2-Channel 1073-style Microphone Preamp offers an affordable alternative to the iconic Neve 1073 preamp. With an authentic 1073-style sound, plenty of gain, and easy tone creation, this preamp is well-constructed and provides amazing value for money. While it may not be an exact replica of the Neve units, it offers a more intuitive approach with a modern design. The preamp adds warmth and character to audio sources, making it ideal for rock and pop recordings. Overall, it’s a powerful and musical preamp at an attractive price. Read more
Studio Setup
The Most Overlooked Items When Building A Studio
By: Bobby Owsinski, bobbyowsinskiblog.com
Building a studio? Don’t overlook these important items: security alarm system, video wiring, wireless internet connectivity, regular backups, and everyday supplies like paper towels and cleaning supplies. Comfortable furniture, mic stands, headphones, and other session essentials are also often forgotten. Make sure you have everything you need before you start your studio build. Read more
Industry News
Bandcamp layoffs reportedly cut deep into customer service
By: Peter Kirn, cdm.link
Following the sale of Bandcamp from Epic to Songtradr, around half of the company’s staff were laid off, leading to discussions about alternatives. The cuts have affected customer service and editorial departments, raising concerns about the future of the platform. The blog post highlights the issue of artists having to pay multiple times to share their music and get it heard. It also mentions the potential mismatch between Songtradr’s B2B licensing model and Bandcamp’s ethos. The post concludes by emphasizing the importance of music writers and the need for new publications to take root. Read more
Technology
AI Music Production: 11 Insane AI Tools To Turbo-Boost Your Workflow 🤖
By: Simon Haven, www.edmprod.com
Discover 11 insane AI music production tools that can turbo-boost your workflow. From creating weird melodies to separating stems and generating song ideas, these tools are worth your time. Enhance Speech cleans up voice recordings and transforms samples into interesting vocal-like results. Riffusion generates audio samples based on text prompts. LALAL.AI isolates vocals, drums, bass, and more from a sample. Splice Stacks creates AI-powered song ideas that you can customize and save. Explore these tools and take your music production to the next level! Read more
Product Releases
Spitfire Audio announces Eric Whitacre Contrast, available to preorder
By: Ronnie, rekkerd.org
Spitfire Audio has announced Eric Whitacre Contrast, a new sample library that pushes the boundaries of traditional choral performance. Curated by Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre, the library features all-new performances from 19 world-class singers, offering 245 contemporary techniques. The library is available for pre-order at a 20% discount and will be released on October 26th, 2023. Eric Whitacre Choir owners can save 40% until October 31st, 2023. Read more
Arturia Efx MOTIONS – Adding Movement To Your Tracks
By: Fab, audionewsroom.net
Arturia has released a new plugin called Efx MOTIONS, which adds movement and variations to tracks. The plugin features moving filters, distortion, beat repeating, and more. It allows users to draw curves and envelopes to animate sounds, create automations and polyrhythmic motion, and easily switch between different effects. Efx MOTIONS is a multi-fx toolbox for modern producers, offering convenience and saving time. The plugin is currently on sale as part of the FX Collection 4 for approximately $/€ 84. Read more
Ohm Force Releases Frohmager Free Filter Plugin
By: Producer Feed, www.producerfeed.com
Ohm Force has released Frohmager, a follow-up to their popular Frohmage filter plugin. Enriched with a modulation matrix and their brand new Macros² system, Frohmager offers a cult classic low pass resonant filter with added modulation capabilities. The plugin is available in VST, AU, and AAX formats for Windows and macOS. For more information and to download Frohmager, visit the Ohm Force website. Read more
Qu-Bit Electronix released Mojave
By: Noizefield, www.noizefield.com
Qu-Bit Electronix has released Mojave, a live granular processor inspired by the American Southwest desert. This hardware module allows users to create unique sonic landscapes using microscopic bits of audio. With melodic and rhythmic controls, users can generate clock-synced granular arpeggios and manipulate acoustic audio. Mojave is not limited to modular signals and includes an onboard microphone. The module can be configured via USB drive and the Narwhal web app. A portion of the proceeds from Mojave will go towards conserving the Mojave desert. Price: $399.00. Read more
djay Pro for Windows launches with Neural Mix tech, where DJs can isolate track elements
By: Torie Richardson, djtechtools.com
Algoriddim has released the Windows edition of its flagship djay Pro software, featuring Neural Mix technology that allows DJs to isolate track elements in real time. The software also offers seamless integration of analog and digital worlds with its DVS feature, as well as the ability to play tracks directly from Beatport and Beatsource. The base version is free, with a subscription option for access to all features. Windows users can download djay Pro for free on the Microsoft Store. Read more
Free Resources
900+ Free Bass Samples & Bass Sample Packs
By: Mark V., hiphopmakers.com
Looking for deep bass sounds to add to your music projects? Check out this collection of 900+ free bass samples and sample packs. From guitar bass loops to synth bass samples, these royalty-free samples are perfect for both personal and commercial music projects. Explore websites like SampleRadar, 99 Sounds, and Pixabay for a wide selection of bass lines, one-shots, and loops. Download the samples in WAV format and start experimenting with new sounds today! Read more
Software Update
Bitwig Studio 5.1: 10 New Characters
By: ask.audio
Bitwig Studio 5.1 introduces 10 new modules — four filters and six waveshapers — with 10 different sonic personalities. The filters and waveshapers can be loaded into new audio FX containers or used as patch modules within The Grid. Additional voice stacking modulators have established their own category, and important workflow improvements make audio editing faster and the mixer smarter. The new filters and waveshapers provide more options for coloring sounds, with each module offering unique sonic qualities. Filter+ and Sweep devices allow for easy integration of the filters and waveshapers into any track. Read more
Limited-Time Offers
Waves Kramer HLS Channel Is FREE Until October 21st!
By: Tomislav Zlatic, bedroomproducersblog.com
Waves Audio and Gearspace are offering the Kramer HLS Channel plugin for free until October 21st. The plugin is a virtual console channel strip that emulates the Helios analog mixing console. It features a 3-band equalizer, preamp saturation, and the ability to add noise and hum to the signal. The plugin is compatible with 64-bit VST3, AU, and AAX plugin hosts on Windows and macOS. To claim your free copy, visit the promo page and log in to your Waves Audio user account. Read more
Trick or Treat Yourself: 20% Discount on All Online Professional Courses
By: Greta Flores-Trevino, plus.pointblankmusicschool.com
Get ready to treat yourself this Halloween with a 20% discount on all online professional courses at Point Blank. Use the code Spooky20 to take advantage of this limited-time offer. Whether you’re in North or South America or anywhere else in the world, you can benefit from this discount. Don’t miss out on the chance to study music production from the comfort of your own home. Check out Point Blank’s Music Production Advanced Diploma or Music Production Complete Diploma to get started. This offer ends on October 31st, so act fast! Read more
Conclusion
Hope you’ve found these articles insightful and inspiring, sparking new ideas for your own music production journey. Be sure to tune in next week for another round of fascinating posts from the music production blogosphere!
