Production, Mixing & Sound
Articles on music production for film & TV, mixing techniques, plugins, and the creative process. 305 articles.
With over 4 million streams as Scott Millien and years of composing for film and TV, I write about what actually works in music production — from mixing techniques and plugin reviews to sound design, mastering workflows, and studio setup. These articles cover DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, plus the gear and creative process behind getting a professional sound. Whether you're producing your first beat or refining your mix bus chain, you'll find honest opinions backed by hands-on experience.
305 articles
How to Improve Mono Compatibility
How does improving Mono compatibility benefit the overall system performance? The Mono project is a free and open-source initiative that was developed to help developers easily create cross-platform applications. However, like any development platform, there are always challenges and workarounds tha
What Is a DI Box? Do I Need One to Record Guitar?
How can a DI Box benefit guitar recordings? Guitar recording is a task that requires a proper understanding of the tools and devices you use. One such device that often receives a noted mention within the realm of audio recording is a DI box. Despite its frequent mention, many individuals are unsure
How to Set Up and Use a Patch Bay
What are the key steps in setting up a patch bay? Whether you’re working in a professional recording studio or managing your home studio, a patch bay can be an invaluable tool for managing your equipment connections. However, setting up and operating a patch bay can seem a
5 of the Best Hardware Synthesizers Under $500
What should my first analog synth be? The best synthesizers for beginners are the Korg Minilogue, Hydrasynth Explorer, Arturia Microfreak/Minifreak, Novation Bass Station II, Korg Monologue, Cre8audio East Beast/West Pest, Moog Mavis, Arturia Minibrute 2, Korg Volca Series, and Roland Aira Compact S
How to Use a Vocoder
How to set up a vocoder? How to Set Up a Vocoder Step 1: Creating an Audio track for Modulator Signal (Vocals) Step 2: Creating a MIDI track for Carrier Signal (Synth) Step 3: Adding Vocoder to the track with Vocals A vocoder is one of the more esoteric production tools that
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Turntable
What should one consider before buying their first turntable? With the recent resurgence of vinyl records, the allure and appeal of owning your own turntable have never been higher. Some may argue that vinyl provides a superior, warm analog sound that can’t be duplicated by digital
10 of the Best Waves Plugins for Processing Vocals
What are some top-rated Waves plugins for vocal processing? Creating sublime vocals is the bedrock of any sensational hit. Thankfully, with Waves’ audio plugins, you can process and fine-tune vocals for a professional-grade production. This article outlines ten of the best Waves plugins t
6 Signs That You’re Addicted to Producing Music
Can producing music become an unhealthy obsession? 6 Signs That You’re Addicted to Producing Music From the moment you wake up until the moment you go to bed, music is constantly on your mind. You can’t imagine life without your DAW (Digital Audio Workshop), and you find yours
How to Plan Your First Tour as a DJ/Producer
How can I determine the best locations for shows on my first tour as a DJ/Producer? Getting your foot in the door of the music industry can be a challenging feat, especially if you’re a DJ/Producer starting out in the industry. However, if you’ve finally landed an opportunity to go
Best Black Friday 2021 Deals For Music Producers
What savings can be made on musical instruments during the Black Friday 2021 sales? The day that countless consumers wait for all year has finally arrived - Black Friday. For music producers, both professional and hobbyists, this signifies a splendid opportunity to grab some of th
6 Must-Try Virtual Instruments for Every Music Producer
Are there specific genres or styles of music that these virtual instruments are particularly suited for? The world of music production has been revolutionized by the widespread use of Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins. Now, it is easier than ever to create quality m
Music Production Gear That Every Beginner Needs
What factors should a beginner consider when selecting their first music production gear? The journey of music production can seem daunting, especially when you’re just starting. In the world of music technology, an outrageous amount of production gear exists, which can often lead to c