Latest Articles
-
Compressor Settings Explained
Compressor settings explained in plain English — threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee and make-up gain, with starter values for vocals, drums and bass.
-
What Is a Sampler in Music Production?
Curious what is a sampler and how producers use one? This guide explains sampling, key controls, common mistakes, and the best free samplers to start with.
-
Subtractive vs FM Synthesis
Subtractive vs FM synthesis explained in plain English: how each method builds sound, what they’re best at, the key controls, and which to learn first.
-
What Is a Wavetable Synth?
Wondering what is a wavetable synth? Learn how wavetable synthesis scans single-cycle waveforms to create evolving, modern sounds, plus free plugins to try.
-
How to Use Autotune
Learn how to use autotune the right way — set the key and scale, dial in retune speed, fix wrong notes, and get natural or hard-tuned vocals with…
-
What Is a Channel Strip Plugin?
What is a channel strip plugin? Learn how this all-in-one mixing tool combines EQ, compression, gating and saturation, plus how to use one on a vocal.
-
What Is Tape Emulation in Music?
What is tape emulation? Learn how tape saturation plugins add warmth, glue and analog character to your mixes, which controls matter, and where to start.
-
What Is a Multiband Compressor?
What is a multiband compressor? Learn how it splits audio into frequency bands for targeted control, when to reach for one, and how to set it up cleanly.
-
What Is a Transient Shaper?
What is a transient shaper? Learn how this mixing tool sculpts the attack and sustain of a sound to add punch, tame harshness, and shape drums and bass.
-
What Is a De-Esser and How to Use One
What is a de-esser? Learn how this frequency-specific compressor tames harsh “S” sounds on vocals, how to set one up, and the best free de-esser plugins.