Reversing Audio is one of my FAVORITE ways to add interest and texture to productions. It’s really fun and kind of addictive… Watch me make different textures and loops with reversed piano that you can use in your own projects..

This is a great way to get into making your own home grown library of loops and samples.

Now GO MAKE MUSIC!

Kirk

In this video I take you through a mini masterclass in compression using a midi piano as our sound source. I will talk about all the controls of a compressor and how to use them to get the sound your want.

Are you working on pop rock or hip hop music that needs a piano to sit well in the mix… Meaning not jump out too much but also not get lost but at the same time feel close and intimate in the soft sections???

Compression is the way to go.

(04:50) We will dive deep into attack time and how much that can change your sound.

Ever wanted to know the difference between a “squishy” piano and a “plinky” piano??

Well here’s your chance! : )

The video is about 12 minutes long so I suggests pulling up your favorite piano instrument and giving yourself about 20 minutes after this video to play around with the concepts inside and see what you discover!

For more in-depth training with compression check out my compression masterclass HERE

...

 Intro

This is a quick and easy synth to build yourself and will introduce you to the world of synthesis while giving you a very usable sound. You can use these concepts for other synthesizers besides alchemy.

Step 1 Oscillators

First Set up 4 oscillators 1 sine wav pitched down 2 octaves. This is the main part of your sound. Next, add a triangle wave either on or two octaves pitched down. Next you will add two more sine wavs on pitched down one octave and one left at its original octave. Blend these to tase with the individual volume knobs

Step 2 Filters

Using an high pass filter (HP), cut the lows from triangle wav and the one sine that was pitched down one octave. This will help resolve any potential low end conflicts between the oscillators.

Step 3 Envelope

For maximum punch set a fast attack. Then do a medium decay and medium to long sustain with a relatively short release.

Step 4 Modulation

Using a secondary AHDSR (ie envelope), create...

Here are five key commands I use all the time to speed up my process and focus on making music. If you get these under your fingers you will spend more time being creative and less lime mousing around!!

#1 Command + U = Set Locators by Selection
#2 Option + " = Create New Marker
#3 Control + L = Convert Lopps to New Regions
#4 Control + B = Bounce in Place
#5 A = Show / Hide Automation

There are a TON more key commands but this should get you started.. if you haven't already download the PDF below with loads of other key commands! 

Go Make Music

Kirk

DOWNLOAD THE LOGIC SHORTCUTS

Working with drums in Logic can be a lot of fun, but one question I get a lot is:

How can I separate my drum tracks so I can mix the individual pieces separately?

This can be useful if you want to:

• Add effects to different parts of the kit
• Adjust levels of individual drums
• Arrange / Edit different drums quickly

I will go over three approaches in this video and hopefully you will pick up a tip that makes your creative flow faster and more enjoyable!

Now GO MAKE MUSIC

Imagine if you could hold one tool in your hand that would magically turn into 4 tools depending g on  the job you were doing. How much faster would your workflow be? A TON FASTER!! Setting up the multi tool is a huge step towards becoming a pro in  both pre and post production!

This is demonstrated in Logic Pro but can very easily be set up in other programs.

Try it out and get used to the new tools!

Now GO MAKE MUSIC

Hear is a fun way to experiment with imaging and placement of your sounds in the stereo field.

When I fist saw Binaural panning as an option I thought it was only for sources that were recorded with a binaural microphone. But once I turned it on with a traditional stereo source I instantly knew something was happening to my track.. and it was cool!!

Watch me walk through the basics of binaural panning in Logic and then pull up your own sounds and experiment.

One word of caution.. I imagine that doing this on too many tracks could cause some phase issues and image smearing…so use with caution… this is pretty new to me as well.. but if it sounds good it is good! : )

Now GO MAKE MUSIC