When I first learned about the three dimensions of mixing, it was an “aha” moment that transformed my understanding of audio production. You’ll have several of these enlightening moments on your journey to mastering the art of recording and mixing your own music. This concept was first introduced to me through David Gibson’s insightful book, The Art of Mixing. If you’re interested in diving deeper into this approach, I highly recommend checking out his book on Amazon, where you’ll find invaluable insights and practical techniques that can elevate your mixing skills (disclaimer: as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
AMP Music Lab
Mix Prep 101: The Crucial Role of Mixing Preparation in Audio Production
Mix preparation, often referred to as mix prep, is a fundamental step in the audio production process. It involves organizing and optimizing your session before diving into the actual mixing, laying the groundwork for a smooth and efficient workflow. These pro tips will help you get your mix sessions prepped like a professional. Remember, you’re reading this because you’re dedicated to improving your skills—so feel great about yourself!
AMP Formuliacs: Unlocking the Secrets of Major and Minor Scales
When I first started writing songs using the computer, I relied heavily on musical formulas to guide me. Over time, I compiled a system called AMP Formuliacs that has been incredibly effective. In this article, I’ll explain how to play any major or minor scale using simple interval patterns.
Discovering Musical Modes: A Gateway to Creative Songwriting
When you first start writing music, you probably explore the major and minor scales. While these scales are foundational, there are other musical modes that can bring a fresh and unique flavor to your compositions. Many hit songs are written using these modes, and exploring them can open up new creative possibilities. Here’s a list of the different musical modes, along with their interval patterns and some thoughts on each one.
Chords and Popular Progressions: Unlocking the Secrets to Hit Songs
When I first started writing music, I quickly realized that understanding chords is crucial to creating compelling and memorable songs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, knowing how to use chords effectively can make a world of difference in your music production.
Big News: AMP Music Lab now at The Lab Palm Beach
We are thrilled to announce that AMP Music Lab has found an incredible new home at The Lab Palm Beach! This exciting move marks a new chapter for us as we continue to provide top-notch music education and services to our students and the local music community.
Advanced Mastering Techniques: Precise Control and Nuanced Enhancements
Mastering is a crucial stage in the music production process where the final touches are applied to ensure the audio is polished and ready for distribution across various platforms. While basic mastering techniques focus on fundamental processes like EQ, compression, and limiting, advanced mastering techniques take the process to the next level, offering more precise control and nuanced enhancements. Here are some advanced mastering techniques:
The Basic Mastering Signal Chain: The Blueprint of Sonic Excellence
The mastering signal chain, a sequence of carefully applied processes, plays a pivotal role in enhancing a track’s overall sound quality. Understanding the typical signal flow, the role of each component, and the importance of processing order is essential for achieving optimal results.
The Essentials of Music Licensing: Maximize Your Earnings
Back in 2003, I started my music publishing company and have since licensed music on CBS, MTV, Fuel TV, Nickelodeon, and many independent films and advertising projects. This can be a very lucrative revenue stream for your music catalog. On the flip side, I once secured a mechanical license with a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, but after the artist, label, and co-producers took their cuts, there was nearly nothing left for my share. This experience taught me that while many aspiring songwriters dream of working with big artists and labels, less mainstream license deals could be more lucrative for their efforts and aspirations. Let’s break down music licensing and the “two sides.”
Exploring Mixing Approaches: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up
When I first started mixing, I was always using a top-down approach, even though I didn’t know it had a name. That’s probably what you’re doing too. However, I’ve found that mixing bottom-up is incredibly beneficial and can change your perspective on balance and blend. Personally, I use a hybrid approach, but understanding the bottom-up method will revolutionize your mixing process. In this post, I’ll explain what these approaches are and why they’re important.