Synths & Sound Design

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5 Tips For Mixing & Mastering With Waves SSL 4000 Bundle

The original SSL consoles were the sound of '80s & '90s pop and rock. The Waves SSL 4000 collection brings the 4000 E & G consoles to software and we've compiled 5 tips to help you get the most from i

6 Simple Alternative Guitar Tunings Every Guitarist Should Try

Want to freshen up your guitar playing or recording? Trying alternative tunings could be just what the doctor ordered. Here's 6 simple, yet alternative, guitar tunings Rich Tozzoli recommends.

Logic Pro X: How to get the Classic Vocoder (singing synth) Effect

The vocoder can be heard on many hit records by artists like ELO, Kraftwerk and Daft Punk. In this comprehensive tutorial, Joe Albano, shows how to create your own vocoder effects in Logic Pro X.

The Mellotron'"A Brief History from Analog Beginnings to the Digital Realm

Before the Synth, was the Mellotron. In this engaging article, Lynda Arnold explores its history from its analog beginnings all the way into the digital realm.

From Auto-Tune to Flex Pitch: The Highs & Lows of Pitch Correction Plug-Ins in the Modern Studio

"Auto-Tune" is ubiquitous with pitch corrected pop vocals. But pitch correction processors can be used both creatively and to correct performance errors. Joe Albano delves deep into the main players.

5 Steps to Getting Started With Native Instruments Kontakt

Kontakt has become one of the most popular and respected software samplers for modern musicians. If you're relatively new to Kontakt then these 5 steps will get you up and running in no time.

Analog vs Digital: The Psychology & Science Behind the Most Contentious Debate in Audio, Part 2

In part 2, Shane Berry continues his exploration into the science and psychology of the current conundrum for music producers: Which is better: analog or digital?

5 Sound Design Tips for Ableton Live's Sampler

Simpler is Live's workhorse sampler. For those with Live Suite, Sampler is the bundled fully-featured stallion. It's a powerful device with unique features and potential for inspiring sound design.

Creating a Mapped Multi-Out Patch with Propellerhead Reason's NN-XT

Why would you want multiple outputs from a sampler? What good are these in Reason's NN-XT? G.W. Childs shows creative and CPU-saving reasons for using multi-outs in Propellerhead's NN-XT sampler.

Get Creative with Logic Pro X Alchemy's Synth Performance Controls (Video)

The super-synth, Alchemy, is the most recent (and BIG) addition to Logic Pro X 10.2. In this video tutorial, David Earl, explores the performance controls, transform pads and snapshots.

How to Revitalise Your DJ Mixes Using External Analog Effects

If you want to stand out from the crowd and help your DJ mixes sound and feel deeper then it can be worth adding external analog effects to your set. And it's a lot easier than you might think...

Performing One Shot Samples & Vocal Stabs in Logic Pro

Making your own playable instrument from single samples need not be a chore. Darren Burgos shows how to make chopped up vocal stabs ideal for Trap, Hip Hop and House in a few clicks in Logic Pro X.

6 Advanced Tips for Working with VST Instruments in Cubase

Steinberg were behind the original VST format, so it makes sense that Cubase has some nifty features when it comes to working with VST Instruments. Hollin Jones highlights 6 of the them.

Create an '80s Analog Hard-Sync Sound in Logic Pro X Retro Synth

Logic Pro's Retro Synth emulates the sound of four classic synthesizer types: traditional Analog; analog (Hard) Sync; digital Wavetable; and digital FM. In this tutorial Joe Albano explores Hard Sync.

How to Create EDM Pitched Rises in GarageBand

Never, ever underestimate GarageBand. Logic Pro's younger sibling is powerful and easy to use with club-ready synths, loops, and drum kits built-right in.