5 of the Best Hardware Synthesizers Under $500

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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 Series.

When considering the transition from software plugins to hardware synthesizers, price can often be a huge factor. So here’s a rundown on the best hardware synthesizers you can snag for less than $500.

Korg Minilogue XD

The Korg Minilogue XD consistently appears at the top of budget synthesizers, and there’s a good reason for it. This polyphonic analog synthesizer delivers an effective synthesis engine with high versatility. Its capability to create anything from lush pads, snappy basses to sparkling leads makes it an ideal choice for a variety of sonic applications.[[1]]

Behringer MS-1

The Behringer MS-1 is dubbed as a ‘monophonic beast’. It is a remake of a popular vintage synthesizer with the addition of some modern features. It delivers a raw and powerful monophonic sound capable of delivering captivating leads and rumbling basses.[[3]]

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4 of the Best Music Studio Desks for Producers

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What is the standard height of a study table in cm?

While the standard height of an office desk is 73-80 cm, the ideal situation is when the height of the desk depends on its user. Tall people need to raise their chair so when their feet are flat on the floor, their legs are at right angle to their back.

Music producers spend countless hours working in their studios, and it’s essential to have a workspace that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A spacious, well-designed studio desk can enhance workflow, organization, and ergonomics, all of which contribute to productivity and creativity. Let’s explore four of the best music studio desks that are highly recommended for producers.

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5 Tools to Help You Work With Artists Remotely

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Does this phone have a voice recorder?

Swipe up from the bottom of the phone screen to open the app drawer. Tap on the Recorder app to open it. When you first open the Recorder app, it will ask your permission to allow the app to record audio.

In the wake of advancements in technology and the unprecedented circumstances prompted by the pandemic, the need for effective remote collaboration tools is growing exponentially. These are especially critical in the creative world, where artists, musicians, and producers require effective means to collaborate and keep their creative juices flowing, even while apart.

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3 of the Best Audio Interfaces Under $200

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Why is Apollo audio interface so expensive?

1. DSP Processing. The DSP processing available in Apollo interfaces is probably the main criterion that justifies its very high prices. It’s an aspect that can increase your productivity tenfold in the recording phase.

Audio interfaces are essential tools for musicians and podcasters as they allow for high-quality audio recording and playback. A professional audio interface can deliver clear, crisp, and studio-level sound, bridging the gap between your microphone instruments and your computer. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to find a high-quality option. In fact, several top-rated audio interfaces fall under the $200 mark. Let’s take a detailed look at three of the best ones available on the market right now.

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4 Tips for Building a Music Production PC

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What you need to build a PC for music production?

The build list for your music production PC Quad-core / 2.4Ghz clock speed processor minimum, No less than 8GB of RAM (but 16GB will be more efficient), At least 500GB of storage (SSD preferable), 1TB will be more cost-effective in the long term, A motherboard compatible with your components and enough USB inputs Building a music production PC requires thoughtful consideration, expert advice, and precision. With the right tools and insights, anyone, from beginners to professionals, can create a machine that enhances music production efficiency. In this article, we will guide you through 4 strategic tips that will inspire you to build your personalized, high-performance music production PC.

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How to Wrap Audio Cables the Right Way

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How do you wrap an audio cable?

(1-Minute Tutorial)

Audio cables are essential equipment in any audio setup, be it for your home theater, professional studio, or live concerts. Prolonging the life span of your cables requires proper handling, especially when wrapping them up for storage. Wrapping your cables the right way not only increases their lifespan but also helps maintain their integrity and function. This ultimately results in saving cost and improving the sound quality.

Practical Approaches to Wrapping Audio Cables

There are essential rules of thumb when it comes to the correct way to wrap your audio cables. Let’s take a closer look at these points:

Don’t Pinch Your Cables: Avoid pinching the cable as it can damage the interior wiring resulting in decreased sound quality or total failure of the cable[1].

Don’t Tie Your Cables: It might be tempting to tie your cables into a knot for fast and easy unrolling. However, this will cause stress on the cable and cause potential damage[1].

Proper Technique for Cable Wrapping

One technique is to start by making a simple loop, reach under the cable, grab onto it, and turn your wrist like you’re scooping out ice cream[2].

Another technique is the over-over technique. If you’re right-handed, start with the connector in your left hand. Slightly twist the cables using the fingers of your right hand[3].

You must take considerable care while executing this. Do not apply too much pressure or twist the cable too much as it might lead to interior cable damage.

Follow these simple and effective methods to wrap your audio cables properly, ensure their long life, and maintain excellent sound quality.

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25 of the Best VST Plugins on the Market

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What plugins do pop producers use?

Top 10 Pop Music and R&B Plugins & Kontakt Libraries 2023 Ujam SPARKLE 2 (Plugin), Native Instruments Vocal Colors NEW* (Kontakt Library), Native Instruments Playbox (Kontakt Library), Native Instruments Glaze (Kontakt Library), UJAM Beatmaker KANDY (Plugin), UJAM – Symphonic Elements STRIIIING (Plugin)

When it comes to enhancing your music production workflow, nothing can stand in precedence better than the right VST plugins. Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins are essentially the tools you need for building your perfect sound palette. They provide you with immeasurable power to create and manipulate music in a digital architecture. Here, we have compiled a list of 25 of the best VST plugins currently on the market.

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The Difference Between Mixing And Mastering

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Which is harder mixing or mastering?

Since mixing involves more individual elements, it can be considered more complex than mastering. With that in mind, that certainly doesn’t make it easier than the mastering process. Mastering and mixing can each take years of training to pin down, and oftentimes, the respective engineers never stop learning.

When it comes to producing a piece of music, there are two essential steps involved: mixing and mastering. While these processes share some similarities, they also have distinctive roles to play in turning raw sounds into a polished final product.

The Art of Mixing

Mixing is the process where individual tracks are blended together to create a cohesive piece. It’s about creating balance and emotion in a song. Therefore, the main objective of mixing is to make various instruments sound good together. This involves adjusting levels, panning instruments left or right, equalizing, compressing, and adding effects like reverb and delay [3].

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Audio Signal Levels Explained: Mic, Instrument, Line, and Speaker

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What are the levels of audio signal?

There are three main audio signal levels: mic level (millivolts), line level (around 1 volt) and speaker level (around 10 volts or more).

In the world of audio, understanding different signal levels and how they operate is crucial for high-quality sound production. Audio signals fall into four major categories: microphone (mic) level, instrument level, line level, and speaker level.

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The 5 Best Online Music Production Courses

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Where is the best place to learn music production?

Udemy is another online learning platform with thousands of courses on everything from creative hobbies to professional skills. Their music courses will teach you everything you want to know about music production, instruments, vocal techniques, music theory, and much more.

In the current digital age, learning and honing your skills from the comfort of your home have become exceedingly easy. From a plethora of online courses, music aspirants can choose to study high-quality music production courses from globally reputed institutions. Here are our top five picks for online music production courses.

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