Production, Mixing & Sound
Articles on music production for film & TV, mixing techniques, plugins, and the creative process. 308 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.
297 articles tagged Production
The 6 Best Music Studio Headphones for Producers
How do cost, durability, and sound quality factor in when choosing the best music studio headphones for producers? Producing music requires a keen ear for detail. In every layer of instrumentation, vocals, and outputs, a professional producer seeks pristine clarity. One vital to
The Best Choir VST Plugins for Heavenly Harmonies
What are some of the best choir VST plugins for creating heavenly harmonies? Whether you are a seasoned composer, a budding music producer, an independent artist or simply someone who enjoys experimenting with a mix of sounds, Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins are a
How to Record Yourself Playing Guitar
What are some techniques for filming myself playing the guitar for PAA? Guitar is an incredibly versatile instrument, and countless people use it to express themselves and share their creativity. If you’ve been honing your craft and spending countless hours practicing your favori
Can You Produce Music If You Don’t Play an Instrument?
How can someone without instrumental skills communicate effectively with musicians during the production process? There’s a common misconception that one needs to know how to play an instrument to produce music. However, the reality is far from this belief. Thanks to advancements in tec
How to Record Vocals Through a Hardware Compressor
Are there specific hardware compressors that are recommended for recording vocals? Vocal recording is an essential component of music production. It requires more than simply holding a microphone and singing or rapping your parts. It requires careful technique and preparation
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
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
5 Tips to Build a Better Brand as an Artist
Is there a particular tip that is more important or impactful than others for artists looking to improve their brand Creativity fuels an artist’s work, and passion brings it to life. However, if this creative energy does not reach the right audience, then an artist’s potential may r
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 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
How to Correctly Clip Your Master Bus
How does PAA improve the sound quality when clipping the Master Bus? Clipping your Master Bus is a crucial step in the music production process that needs to get done correctly. The Master Bus, often referred to as the stereo bus or mix bus, is where all your tracks are mixed
6 Benefits of Using a Mastering DAW
Can using a Mastering DAW offer valuable effects and plugins for sound enhancement? In the realm of music production, the significance of an efficient, feature-enriched, and easy-to-use mastering Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) cannot be understated. Whether you’re an a