30 Music Production Tips in Under 16 Minutes

Summary

In this insightful video, a seasoned music producer shares 30 essential tips for creating professional-sounding music in a home studio. From investing in sound libraries to mastering acoustic treatment, the tips cover recording techniques, mixing strategies, and creative approaches to songwriting and production. The producer also emphasizes the importance of finishing songs, serving clients, and maintaining enjoyment in the creative process for a sustainable music career.

Takeaways

• 🎼 Invest in sound libraries before effects plugins for a more professional sound.
• 🎸 Avoid recording with cheap-sounding instruments; ensure the instrument has a great sound quality.
• 🎤 Use dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B for bedroom studios without professional acoustic treatment.
• 🔊 Invest in good acoustic treatment to achieve clearer vocals and better overall sound quality.
• 📊 The fader is the most important mixing tool; proper volume adjustment is crucial before adding effects.
• 🔄 To find the right volume level, start too loud or too quiet and find the middle ground.
• 🌐 Use two separate reverbs for vocals to create a sense of width and depth.
• 🎵 Add a breath before pronouncing words like 'I' in vocals for a softer effect.
• 🔉 Boost frequencies to add crispiness or character to vocals, rather than only using subtractive EQ.
• 🥁 For drum programming, use existing loops as a starting point and customize them to your needs.
• 📋 Aim to stay under -6 dB when recording to avoid clipping and allow for better dynamic range.
• 🔍 Scrub the timeline to check for arrangement interest; if it sounds the same, it may need reworking.
• 📝 Always have a recording app ready to capture song ideas as they come.
• 🚶 Take breaks and allow your mind to wander to solve production problems creatively.
• 🥋 Understand the balance between top-end and low-end in kick drums for a well-rounded sound.
• ⏰ Set a timer to increase production speed and focus on making significant changes first.
• 🎧 Record multiple vocal takes to create a huge pop vocal sound through layering and doubling.
• 🔊 Be cautious not to overload the low end; let the bass and kick carry the low frequencies.
• 🎹 Use different chord inversions in various tracks to add uniqueness to your production.
• 📚 Learn music theory to understand how music works and improve your creative capabilities.
• 🔑 Use clipping in addition to limiting for increased loudness and a more natural sound.
• 🔄 Save different versions of your productions, especially when working with clients for revisions.
• 🚫 Know when to abandon a production that isn't working out and redirect your creative energy elsewhere.
• 🏆 Finish your songs to avoid having many unfinished tracks and to build a complete portfolio.
• 🤝 Focus on serving clients rather than yourself to build a successful career as a producer.
• 🔍 Mute unnecessary elements to simplify your production and enhance clarity.
• 🔁 Add additional processing to effects like reverbs and delays to make them more interesting.
• 🎉 Remember to have fun in music production, as enjoyment is key to creativity and sustainability.

Q & A

Why is it recommended to invest in sound libraries before effects plugins?

Investing in sound libraries is recommended because professional sounding music requires access to high-quality sounds, which have a greater impact on the overall production quality than effects plugins like EQs and compressors.

What is the main reason for not recording with cheap instruments?

Cheap instruments often produce inferior sound quality, which can negatively affect the overall recording. It's better to use instruments that sound great, even if they are not very expensive.

Why is a dynamic mic suggested for recording vocals in a bedroom studio without professional acoustic treatment?

Dynamic mics, like the Shure SM7B, are less sensitive than large diaphragm condenser mics, making them more suitable for untreated rooms as they are less likely to pick up unwanted room noise and reflections.

What is the most important tool in mixing, according to the script?

The most important tool in mixing is the fader, as many mixing issues stem from volume problems rather than issues with EQ, compression, or reverb.

What is a quick method to set the appropriate volume level for any element in a mix?

The method involves turning the volume up until it's clearly too loud, then turning it down until it's clearly too quiet, and finally splitting the difference. This technique helps in finding the right balance for the volume.

How can using two separate reverbs enhance vocal recordings?

Using a combination of a longer reverb and a shorter room reverb can give vocals a sense of width and space, making them feel bigger and more dynamic.

What is a practical tip for capturing song ideas that come at random times?

Using a good recording app on your phone to document song ideas as they come can ensure that you don't forget great ideas. The user mentions using Voice Record Pro for this purpose.

How can setting a timer help in producing music faster?

Setting a timer for one hour and committing to producing as much as possible within that time limit can help focus on making big moves and avoid getting bogged down in mundane details.

Why is it important to be cautious with the low end in music production?

Overloading the low end can create a cluttered mix. It's crucial to ensure that only essential elements like the bass and kick carry the low end, allowing other elements to fill higher frequency ranges without causing issues.

What is the advice given for producers who often don't finish their songs?

Producers are encouraged to finish their songs and not let them sit unfinished on their hard drives. Completing songs, even if they feel they only need a few more tweaks, is crucial for moving forward and potentially having a career in music production.