Phat Sam's "How to get started in Music Production" Thread

[Phat_Sam]

Some rules/ tips I would suggest for a newbie:

1) Purchase for a purpose - Buying gear is addictive, don't be one of those guys who has a bunch of shit that he don't klnow how to use. Which leads me to my next point.

2) Learn your equiptment - If you buy something, learn how to use it properly, study your tools.

Can't stress these enough. I was a bit addicted to buying hardware I didn't need. I've ended up buying shit cos I thought I needed it (and partly cos it looked fancy) and then either ended up wasting money or selling it and losing money.

Now I know people may bite me for this, but if u want to learn synthesis, YouTube all the tutorials you can find about your synth and work through them. Even if you don't want to know how to make the sound, all info is good info. I've spent hours looking through videos on how to make Trance Synths and FX to dirty Skrillex wobbles and growls to liquid basslines to hip hop strings. Each video on their own might not help much but together they will help you learn how to use your weapon of choice.

Knowledge is power!

(Cheers for the Sticky! )

[T:M]

Now I know people may bite me for this, but if u want to learn synthesis, YouTube all the tutorials you can find about your synth and work through them. Even if you don't want to know how to make the sound, all info is good info. I've spent hours looking through videos on how to make Trance Synths and FX to dirty Skrillex wobbles and growls to liquid basslines to hip hop strings. Each video on their own might not help much but together they will help you learn how to use your weapon of choice.

I've got to second this! I'd also like to add that it's good to watch synth tutorials in general even if you don't have the synth. You'll find the same basic stuff from synth to synth, so even if you don't have Sylenth (or Massive or any other synth for that matter) whats stopping you from trying that technique/method/idea in your own favorite synth? The same goes for DAWs too! Just because you use one DAW doesn't mean you won't benefit from watching videos that focus on another DAW!

I don't think I could even begin to tell you how much I've learned from watching Reason, Massive, Sylenth, FL Studio, etc. videos I've watched when I don't even own any of those!!!

[Freek]

there's already been 4 "new to producing" threads since this one was created/stickied. i think from now on we should all post extremely unhelpfull advice or basically just complete rubbish that makes no sense on any of these threads from now on!

[logikz]

problem is noone looks at the stickies. its weird really.

[Freek]

when the only response they get is illegible slur accompanied by pictures of a gorrila trying to dry hump an elephant, im sure they'll start investigating..

[Phat_Sam]

when the only response they get is illegible slur accompanied by pictures of a gorrila trying to dry hump an elephant, im sure they'll start investigating..

This.

Some EQ tutorials and tips for you all:

http://www.dnbscene.com/article/88-t...te-eq-tutorial

http://audio.tutsplus.com/tutorials/...-to-better-eq/

Quite an oldschool/shitty looking website but all the info needed is there:
http://www.dak.com/reviews/tutorial_frequencies.cfm

Peeeeeeeeeace. x

---------- Post added at 00:04 ---------- Previous post was at 00:01 ----------

Also, not the page I wanted/tried to find but this is such a good thing for anyone trying to mix things down:

VISUAL MIXING TIPS:
http://www.ocularstudio.com/visual-aid-art-mixing

[Mr Fletch]

I've been meaning to post something useful in here for a while now but never got round to it. So heres my input.

1st off you need to decide what DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) you want to use. There is plenty of options out there for you to choose, so the best way to decide which one is right for you, is to go and grab the demo's of each of them and give them a try. Don't worry if you choose FL Studio, and everyone you speak to uses Ableton or Logic, it really doesnt matter, as they all do the same thing essentially, it's just how they are presented to you that differs, so going with the one you feel most at ease with is the right choice.

Now, once you have your DAW, you are set to start making some beats. If you really are at the start of your production journey, then at this point I really wouldnt worry about what synth's or samples you need to be getting, as most DAW's come pre packed with a few synth's and basic samples to get you started. They may sound like shit, but for now it's about learning how to get beats made. Once you are more confident in building a simple drum loop or sound, then you can venture out into the big wide world and acquire more resources.

Also, something I must point out, is this....If you are asking around on here, or any other forum how to do something, and someone responds using some technical terminology you arent familiar with, dont feel disheartened, EQ'ing, Compressing, Phasing, Mixdowns etc are all something you will build a knowledge of over time. If you are serious about production, then you'll be in it for the long haul, and gradually the technical side of things will become easier. For now, just spend your time focusing on how to get those rythyms from your head, into real time audio.

As others have said before, youtube is the best resource for learning production. There are an unlimited amount of tutorials on youtube that cover the real basics of just getting started, right through to some of the really advanced technical stuff. Just type in the name of your DAW and then whatever it is you want to learn, chances are you'll have a good choice of video's to watch. Also, while we are discussing the learning aspect of it, go grab yourself a copy of Computer Music magazine, or Future Music magazine once a month from your local newsagents. Each month you get a dvd disc with a whole heap of royalty free samples, free synth's, Masterclasses with professional big name producers, and tutorials. In the magazine, there's always walkthrough's on creating different sounds, building different genres of music and some helpful Q&A's too.

So this should be enough to get you started. I'll come back soon and add more....

[Freek]

Something i have picked up on recently and im really starting to notice it more....

There really isnt any point in just trying to sign 2 tunes for one release on 1 label.

Your release comes and goes and unless you've got another release lined up people will forget who you are pretty quickly (unless you are a supasta producer)

So my next advice would be, perfect your skill and make sure you have between 10 and 20 tunes finished and ready to be signed/mastered/released.

Then send em out to various label and try and get about 4/5 releases lined up straight away. Then whilst the label is worrying about the promo for your releases, you can concentrate on the next 10 to 20 tunes and repeat the process.

Unless your tunes really are just god awfull you'll build up a fanbase and quick as you will always be popping up in the featured/new releases sections on all the shops. Familiarity is a brilliant tool to use to your advantage.

Dear god this doesnt mean make a tune, delete the bassline, make another tune with template... i mean make and finish 10 to 20 tunes, this could take years, but aslong as their finished and you're happy with em send em out...

[NRXRecordings]

Nice thread!

[DirtySpleen]

I may be a Noob, but atleast i read the Stickies first ;D

I find it interesting reading about the Business/Label side of music, Keep those coming

[RATCUB]

Very helpful stuff here. Thank you.

[AnthonyDNB]

Very good thread

[Beckz MC]

Got Nuendo 4 today time to get on the beats.

[D-Jhepz]

guys... how do you accurately change the tempo of a loop etc to match the song? i use logic and say i found a house loop of hats that i really enjoy-simple no shuffle or anything but its at 128 and my tempo is 180. i cant just time stretch cos it fucks the dynamics up and the only other thing would be to chop it up but is there not an easy more effective way?

[Phat_Sam]

guys... how do you accurately change the tempo of a loop etc to match the song? i use logic and say i found a house loop of hats that i really enjoy-simple no shuffle or anything but its at 128 and my tempo is 180. i cant just time stretch cos it fucks the dynamics up and the only other thing would be to chop it up but is there not an easy more effective way?

Not really the best thread to be asking in... Ask in main production section.

(Still... try Flex Timing it)