What about the 7 things that help me in music production enormously
Many tools, tricks, and tips can work wonders in enhancing your music production journey. In this article, we’ll explore seven indispensable elements that have revolutionized my approach and help me in music production. From time-saving techniques to fostering a good vibe and minimizing compromises in sound creation, these key ingredients have become invaluable assets in my music production arsenal. Let’s dive in and discover how these elements can elevate your own creative process.
1. Templates (DAW Presets & Templates)
I like templates because they’re like having a musical blueprint ready to go whenever I start a new project in my home recording setup. They make everything so much simpler right from the beginning.
When I open up my DAW Pro Tools Studio from Avid, templates save me from starting with a blank canvas. Instead, they lay down the foundation with all the basics already set up. It’s like having my favorite tools and instruments neatly arranged on a workbench, waiting for me to dive in.
I appreciate how customizable templates are. Whether I’m diving into an acoustical ballad theme or crafting a rocking hook, I can tailor my templates to suit the vibe I’m going for. It’s like having a personalized roadmap for each musical journey I embark on.
But what sells me on templates is how they save me time. Instead of spending ages tinkering with settings and configurations, I can jump straight into the creative process. Templates streamline everything, allowing me more time to explore different sounds and ideas.
They become one of the most handy parts in the studio, helping me stay organized and efficient without sacrificing any creativity. And the best part? I can always tweak and refine my templates to better suit my evolving style and workflow.
So, when I think about templates, I see them as more than just time-savers of the 7 things that help me in music production – they’re essential tools that enhance my recording experience. With templates by my side, I feel empowered to make music with ease and excitement, knowing that every project starts off on the right note.
2. Well-chosen plugins
When it comes to making music by hand, I’ve learned that less can truly be more, especially when it comes to plugins. Instead of drowning in a sea of options with massive bundles, I’ve found it’s better to have a select few plugins that I know like the back of my hand. Sure, I might have more than just ten in my arsenal, but you catch my drift.
By sticking to a core set of plugins that I’m intimately familiar with, I’ve discovered that I can save heaps of time. I’ll occasionally test out a new plugin or two, but only if they bring something truly unique to the table – something I don’t already have in my toolkit.
Most of the plugins I rely on these days have something special about them. Maybe it’s not just the sound they produce, but the way they’re designed or how intuitive they are to use. It’s about more than just the sound – it’s about how seamlessly they fit into my workflow.
Sure, I used to be guilty of collecting plugins like they were play cards. But since I’ve stopped trying to catch ’em all and instead focused on refining my collection, I’ve noticed a considerable improvement in my mixing speed. Now, I don’t waste much time cycling through a dozen different plugins for one task. I trust in my favorites that I know will get the job done right. And I am still on the learning curve of my whole collection.
And don’t forget about the update time. By keeping my plugin collection lean and mean, I spend way less time worrying about keeping everything up to date. I’ve built a near rock-solid system that I can rely on day in and day out, without constantly chasing the latest shiny object.
While I may still have a few too many plugins kicking around, I’ve learned the value of quality over quantity for the 7 things that help me in music production. By focusing on the plugins that truly enhance my creativity and workflow, I’ve found my groove in the world of handmade music production – and I’m never looking back. Knowing my plug-ins better and saving the update time help me in music production.
Do you want to know what kind of plugin you really need? Take a look at one of my other blog posts: What kind of audio plugins do you need? A plugin classification can help.
3. Shortcuts and Magic Mouse
Discovering shortcuts was a game-changer for me, sparked by watching one of my mentors effortlessly navigate Pro Tools at lightning speed. It was like a light bulb moment – I knew I had to absorb every shortcut I came across. Back then, we couldn’t customize shortcuts in Pro Tools, but the hours I spent learning them in my mid-20s still pay dividends today.
Even with various controllers and workflows at my disposal, shortcuts remain my go-to. Paired with the Apple Magic Mouse, they’re unstoppable and help me in music production. Remember the old Mighty Mouse with the ball on top? Total nightmare. But the Magic Mouse? It flipped that experience on its head.
Some folks love it, and some aren’t fans of the ergonomics, but for me, it’s the ultimate design in mouse technology. With touch capabilities, I can scroll both vertically and horizontally in my DAW, trigger shortcuts with a simple tap, and breeze through tasks faster than ever before. It’s like having a supercharged tool at my fingertips, revolutionizing the way I work and help me in music production.
4. Functional gear and instruments
The fourth point of the 7 things that help me in music production is about instruments and gear. Having functional instruments and hardware analog gear at the recording front end is like having a rock-solid foundation you can always count on.
You leave it set up one day, and it’s ready to roll the next – no fuss, no hassle. Sure, things can go wrong occasionally, but it’s all about how easily and quickly you can fix them. And that’s where analog gear shines.
When something breaks down on the analog side, you often have the power to fix it yourself. Try doing that with digital gear! There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing that if a piece of analog gear has broken down, you can roll up your sleeves and tackle the issue head-on.
Now, I’m not saying the old analog days were better. I mean, I love the endless possibilities we have with today’s technology. But let’s face it – we’re becoming increasingly reliant on computers and software from bigger and smaller companies.
That’s why having functional analog gear is like a breath of fresh air. Whether it’s a trusty guitar that stays in tune, an amp where you can swap out tubes or fuses on your own, or simply being able to troubleshoot a faulty cable. All of that brings a sense of satisfaction and peace of mind.
While I am grateful for the remarkable tools and opportunities digital technology brings, there is something special about knowing I can rely on good old-fashioned analog gear when needed. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most reliable.
5. Fader Control at your fingertips
Let me tell you, I adore my magic mouse, but when it comes to handling faders or their movements, using a mouse just doesn’t cut it for me. I’ve even experimented with touch displays on my iPad, but the moment I tried to simulate fader movements, I missed the tactile sensation of real faders instantly.
Buttons are neat, and knobs are fine, but for me, faders are non-negotiable. I could live without knobs or buttons – they’re just a click or slide on a mouse away – but a fader? It’s like strumming a guitar string.
For me, the fader is the heart of my mixing process. It’s the most musical control point, and I crave that analog console feel. I spent years with a Digi 003 Control, and while those faders weren’t top-notch, they were leagues ahead of working with a mouse. Now, I’ve upgraded to an SSL UF8 from an Avid Artist Mix, and let me tell you, these faders are in a league of their own.
Whether I’m whipping up a quick rough mix, tweaking fader movements in the automation station, or playing the faders like an instrument during the mixing stages, it’s a crucial part of my workflow and help me in music production. I simply can’t do without – even in the digital realm. There’s just something magical about the tactile feedback and responsiveness of real faders that elevates my entire mixing experience.
6. Near-zero or low latency recording chain
Let me tell you why having a low-latency or better near zero-latency recording chain in your home music setup is an absolute must-have in my view for my production.
First off, forget about worrying over latency in the digital realm – it’s like having a weight lifted off your shoulders. You’re diving straight into your creative flow.
And speaking of flow, having zero compromises in your playback and recording chain means you’re getting the purest, most authentic sound possible. No check back if the sound is good after the recording. You can hear exactly what you are doing inside the recording chain.
Plus, being on the ball during recording means fewer headaches down the line. Think about it: when you nail your takes with precision timing, there’s way less editing to do afterward. It’s like getting it right the first time, every time.
Here is another kicker – when your monitoring is top-notch, your performance skyrockets. It’s like having your team behind you, pushing you to achieve your goals. You are focused and delivering your best performances yet.
And a side note on DSP monitoring. With DSP, I’m not just hearing my recordings – I’m shaping them into something truly wonderful and coming very near to the vision of how I would like to have the sound right from the beginning.
There are plenty of options out there for achieving low-latency recording. Whether you’re rocking Universal Audio UAD Apollo, Pro Tools AAX DSP, RME Total Mix, or something else entirely, the key is finding what clicks for you. Personally, I’ve found my sweet spot with the UAD and Apollo System – it’s like they were tailor-made for my workflow.
7. Ready steady recording setup in your own feel-good space
Having a dedicated space for your home recording music setup is phenomenal.
First off, it’s like having your little oasis where you can escape into your musical world. Whether it’s a cozy corner or a full-fledged studio, having that space to call your own is pure bliss.
Now, with all the digital wizardry at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless. From virtual instruments to endless tracks, the digital realm offers a wealth of creative tools to explore.
But here’s the thing – having options is one thing, but feeling truly comfortable and at ease in your space is another. That’s where the magic happens.
Picture this: a room designed with your workflow in mind, where everything is within arm’s reach. No more wasting time shuffling back and forth – you can dive straight into recording or mixing without missing a beat.
And let’s not forget about confidence in your equipment from point four. Knowing that your gear is reliable and up to the task gives you the peace of mind to focus on what matters – making music.
When you combine all these elements – a comfortable space, streamlined workflow, and reliable equipment – it’s like stepping into a musical wonderland. You’ll lose yourself for hours, crafting tracks, recording vocals, and mixing your masterpiece.
So, if you’re lucky enough to have a ready, steady working system in your home recording setup, cherish it. Because when everything falls into place, making music isn’t just a thing to do – it’s an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
I hope you liked discovering the 7 elements that have significantly boosted and help me in music production. From time-saving techniques to fostering a positive vibe and minimizing compromises in sound creation, these tips are essential for elevating your creative process. Maybe they can help you as well to transform your music production experience.
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Niels from Joker Tone Course
