3/06/2012

Better Music Production Using Computer Technology

By CT Aletniq


Music industry professionals, just like everybody else, must stay informed about the latest technological advancements in their field. I am a fan of Pro Tools software and I often use waves plugins, Reason 6 and the MOX from Yamaha for certain musical projects. I use a range of sounds in my work including everything from YouTube rips to vintage samplers to traditional vinyl. The most successful producers around have embraced the computer age and are able to utilize all available resources, including live musicians. Creative mixing techniques combine various synthesized sounds with the work of live guitar players, drummers and bass players to produce contemporary beats with an organic foundation.

Computers and software, whether you like it or not, is an integral part of the music making process. I have chosen Pro Tools as my platform although I also use Logic and Cubase by Steinberg because of the different features they each offer. Most major recording studios in the world use Pro Tools so it makes it really easy when I have to finish off a mix in a major studio or if I have to bring home a session I started in a larger studio to my personal studio. Most large studios are not going to be running the latest software because of reliability. This can cause minor issues in relation to plugins that run in real-time. A competent producer or engineer can compensate for any of these issues with the plugins that are at hand in the studio.

All musicians should educate themselves on the tech side of making music. You don't have to be a bona fide engineer but the basics will help move your musical projects along more efficiently. For starters, musicians should have a portable USB drive. Bring it to the studio on every session so that you not only have the stereo bounces of your work, but the session files and .wav files. You can always take this drive to another studio and continue your work. That is why it is important to ask what platform your engineer or producer is using.

There are many different platforms to record music on and there is no such thing as "the best" system. Just know what system your producer prefers and make sure he gives you all files necessary to transport your session files to another studio. Making music today is complex and requires powerful computers and innovative software. knowing about this technology and the proper terms allows you to communicate efficiently with your record producer.

Professional projects usually require working in multiple studios. Recording, mixing/editing and mastering are the steps required too make a song sound "radio ready". This process will require at least two different studios and sometimes three or more depending on the scope of the project. It is really up to the record producer to develop a plan according to the artists budget and goals. When working with multiple studios, it is important to understand compatibility issues with software platforms and file systems. It is the producers job to make sure that the transition process runs smoothly so the artist can concentrate on the music and the creativity of the performance.




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