rule #1: we do not talk about....

Realize there are countless different methods to employ when constructing a groove.
A groove is usually seen in the notes and how they are clustered together. Whether drums notes or leads that swing and move, I don't think a lot of amatures attempt doing this with certain effects. Or maybe they do it to a small degree, but don't incorporate envelopes as drawings. Most people I assume construct thier envelopes (and lfos) using mostly knobs, but when its drawn out in front of you as clips, you can add additional grooves to it that you can't really visualize by only using circular knobs.

When envelopes are drawn out like saw blades in a line, you can make them interact in really powerful and new ways. Take advantage of ANYTHING you can in your sequencer that can STRENGTHEN a groove. This is one thing I'm mentioning now. But even equal envelopes are smart to draw out or at least learn to incorporate visually. It really does give you a new dimension to your music because you can add a swing where there was none before. You can drop and add filter sequences in steps over a bassline. You can add swing to the sequence if you wish that would be much more difficult and sometimes impossible with knobs.

Also equal automations play a vastly deeper dynamic then filter automations. In terms of overall volume, drawing out equal envs can almost be done so certain sounds notch at the millisecond they NEED to be loudest, then dropout the millisecond another sound NEEDS to be loudest. With equalizers, you have a finer degree of intricacy drawing automations as envelopes. Peak the bass at 180hz the second the note hits then shave it out for whatever different element hits next. The next element may just be the same bass note with a bp filter lfoing up instead of a prior bass note on a lp filter lfoing down. You can draw all this out in tight little clips to create grooves.
Practice doing this and you will learn a lot of cool little ways to construct deeper grooves. Its fun because it may be different then what you normally focus on, and it is ultimately a skill worth having because of the new dimension it gives you in your mixes.

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quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik That's largely reflected in exactly what is going on in these forums and in this very thread (nobody even mentioned music until page 2!) - everybody wants to talk about synths, gear, software, DAWs, techniques, etc., but hardly anybody talks about what goes into a making a killer hook/melody/harmony and, when they do, the thread typically dissolves into a discussion of whether or not music theory is necessary.

It seems like most of your threads are geared toward talking about new products or gear lust. That being said, I don't mind hearing about special offers and discounts.

I think most people don't care around these parts. The general attitude is "Engineering first, music second."

I haven't seen too much theory hate lately though. *knock on wood*

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quote:

Originally posted by dj_alfi change your avatar for fucks sake.

usually you can notice just how much of a huge impact a number of accumulated influences (over a long space of time) a professional artist puts into their work. So many different subtle (or not so subtle) factors that the average listening doesn't hear and comes to the conclusion that all the ideas were 100% those of the artist.

It is apparent to me that most of the very good artists who break into the mainstream while remaining of a sophisticated nature are those who stay true to their long term musical influences instead of shutting them out and/or replacing them with a short term influence in an attempt to appeal to a market they would not normally appeal to.

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quote:

Originally posted by floyd741 Actually, there are rules for making music. Whether or not you follow them is up to you but there are rules.

I'm pretty sure that negates the definition of "rule". Any rule left up to someone's discretion is nothing more than a guideline or a suggestion.

On that note, I think learning music theory helped my music more than anything else. I used to think "music is about creativity, who needs rules" but it really helped me be able to utilize my creativity effectively in a song. Even learning the basics help, because they reinforce what you probably already learned through trial and error.

The only people who really say music theory is unnecessary are people who haven't taken time to learn it. Anyone who's studied it usually can vouch for its importance, which on its own should give it enough credibility.

quote:

Originally posted by Beatflux It seems like most of your threads are geared toward talking about new products or gear lust. That being said, I don't mind hearing about special offers and discounts.

That's hardly fair. Yes, I do like talking about gear and I like to spread the news of special offers whenever I hear about them to help other people save money. But I also go out of my way to be helpful and help people improve or troubleshoot an issue whenever I can and the vast majority of my posts are intended to be helpful.




edit: n/m - I misread the last part of your post.

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Last edited by cryophonik on Jan-23-2010 at 19:12

quote:

Originally posted by DEAD_MOOSE It is apparent to me that most of the very good artists who break into the mainstream while remaining of a sophisticated nature are those who stay true to their long term musical influences instead of shutting them out and/or replacing them with a short term influence in an attempt to appeal to a market they would not normally appeal to.

I hardly think that is true, I'm not a fan of him but Sander Van Doorn changes what he does regularly and maintains a strong following, then we also have the case of Armin Van Buuren though that is too long of a story.

On topic though, heres a pretty interesting write up, its more focused on i guess pop music but the site itself has invaluable information.

http://www.tweakheadz.com/perfect_mix.html

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Last edited by Stef on Jan-23-2010 at 21:28

quote:

Originally posted by Stef On topic though, heres a pretty interesting write up, its more focused on i guess pop music but the site itself has invaluable information.

Here? Where?

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Love this thread.

Just further expanding on a few other points already mentioned:



Have patience!
It has been mentioned, but music production is a lengthy process. It's important to take your time and not be afraid to go back several steps in your production process to correct or fix any problems you may come across.

If the track is sounding muddy or not quite right, try soloing each individual track and listening to how it sounds, see if you can hear anything (effects or eq range) that doesn't need to be there. Try soloing groups together (such as bass and bassdrum or the synth section)
And doing the same as above.

Failing that, don't be afraid to bypass all your effects and lower every volume slider on the mixer and start your mixing process from scratch, gradually reintroducing the effects as you go and stopping every time the mix starts to sound a little off. editing your mix in smaller chunks is much easier than identifying problems with everything playing.

Be careful with reverb!!!

More so than any other processing effect. Applying reverb expands the frequencies of the sound it is applied to, so using too much can seriously muddy up your overall mix.

Pay special attention to the decay setting. If your sound doesn't need lots of tail at the end, then cut it as much as you can without messing the sound you are going for.

The same goes for size and dampening settings. unless the sound you are going for requires excessive levels, then cut it down.

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quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut Here? Where?

Apologies, still hungover from last night

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