Music Production Tips, DAWs and Gear for Beginners

Plain advice on the DAW you pick, the plugins and microphones worth buying, and how to mix, master and finish a song.

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Gear and DAWs

• Best Audio Interface for Singers: Home Recording GuideChoose an audio interface for recording vocals: what to look for, three solid picks, and how to set it up in Logic Pro and GarageBand on Mac.
• What are the Ideal DAWs to Use for Music Mastering and Mixing?Which DAWs suit mixing and mastering? See what to look for in a DAW, how the main options compare, and which fits recording, editing and finishing ...
• 3 Best DAW for Vocal Recording and MixingAre you looking for the best DAW for vocal recording and mixing? Let's take a look at three of the best DAWs out there for vocals.
• FL Studio Producer Edition vs Other EditionsCompare FL Studio Fruity, Producer, Signature and All Plugins: audio recording, plug-ins, lifetime updates and which edition suits vocals.
• The Best Waves Plugins for VocalsDiscover top Waves plugins for vocals to enhance your tracks with our guide on the best tools for a professional sound.
• The Best Wireless Microphones for SingersCompare handheld, headset and lavalier wireless mics for singers, with Shure, Sennheiser and AKG picks and tips for choosing a system.
• How to Update FL Studio and Other Top TipsUnlock the full potential of FL Studio with our guide on updates, plugins, and essential production techniques for all skill levels.
• Unlocking the Power of Reaper: Reaper Plugins and More!Check out the Reaper DAW: Discover features, plugins, recording tips, and platform compatibility in our comprehensive guide for all skill levels.
• PreSonus Studio One: Prime Features, Free Versions, and MoreCheck out our review of Studio One 5's features, versions, and Pro EQ 3. Compare with other DAWs and decide if it's the right choice for your music...
• Cubase 13: In-Depth Review and Comprehensive DAW ComparisonsCubase 13 review: new features, workflow, pricing and how it compares with Logic Pro X and other DAWs, so you can decide if Steinberg's DAW is for ...
• Avid Pro Tools: A Review for Audio ProfessionalsAvid Pro Tools review: what Pro Tools is, who uses it, its main features, pricing and how it compares with other DAWs for recording and mixing audio.
• Ableton Live Review: FL Studio vs Ableton and More!Ableton Live review and comparison with FL Studio. See how each DAW handles workflow, loops, live performance and price, then choose which one fits...
• The Best FL Studio Plugins - Something For Everyone!Best FL Studio plugins for synths, drums, vocals and mixing. See which plugins suit your workflow, what they cost, and which free ones are worth in...
• Apollo Solo vs Twin vs Scarlett 2i2: Which Interface to BuyApollo Solo vs Apollo Twin X vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for home vocals: preamps, UAD plugins, connections and price. See which interface fits you.
• Yamaha HS8 Review: Specs, Setup and AlternativesYamaha HS8 studio monitors: 38 Hz to 30 kHz, 120 W specs, who they suit, how to set them up and when the HS7 or HS5 is a better pick.
• The Best Midi Controller for Logic Pro XBest MIDI controller for Logic Pro X: compare keyboards and pad controllers on keys, pads, price and Logic integration so you can pick one that fit...
• The Best DAW for BeginnersBest DAW for beginners: compare the easiest DAWs on price, learning curve and built-in sounds, and pick one you can start recording music with today.
• The Best Party Speakers for At-Home Music ProducersParty speakers for home studio producers and content creators. Compare soundbars and portable speakers like the JBL PartyBox and see which suit you...
• The Best Microphone For Recording VocalsCompare studio condenser, dynamic and USB microphones for vocals, plus stands, pop filters and mounts. Includes what you need to record at home.
• Best Free DAW for Windows and MacFree DAW for Windows and Mac: compare three options on cost, recording tools and mixing features, and see which one suits your computer and your fi...
• Mic Check, 1, 2: Nailing Your Delivery and Flow in the Rap GameLet's dive into the art of nailing your delivery and flow like a rap boss.
• 5 Best Speakers for Music Productionwe will take a closer look at some of the best speakers for music production that are currently available on the market.
• FL Studio vs Logic Pro: Which DAW Should You Choose?FL Studio vs Logic Pro compared: platforms, price model, beat making, vocal recording and which one fits a Mac or Windows producer.
• FL Studio for Beginners: A Comprehensive GuideFL Studio is a powerful digital audio workstation. We'll be taking a closer look at FL Studio for beginners and how it can help you get started mak...
• HOW TO RECORD VOCALS WITH APOLLO TWIN IN LOGIC + PLUGINSIn this blog post, we'll show you how to record vocals with an Apollo Twin interface and Logic Pro X + pluginsAs a musician, you know that the qual...
• 5 Minute Podcast Microphone Setup TutorialPodcast microphone setup in 5 minutes. Learn mic placement, gain, pop filter use and room tips so your voice sounds clear on your very first record...
• The Best Podcast Mics for CheapIf you're new to podcasting, or looking to take your show to the next level, you may be wondering what the best podcast microphones are. Take a loo...
• 7 HACKS TO RECORD VOCALS PROFESSIONALLYRecording vocals professionally is the key to sounding better, building your fan base and crushing your competition. Here are 7 hacks to record voc...

Plugins and software

• The Best Tape Emulation PluginsTape emulation plugins add warmth, soft saturation and gentle compression. See our picks and how to use them on vocals and the mix bus.
• A Soundtoys Review: From Bundles to Iconic PluginsSoundtoys review: how the bundles compare, what the effects plugins do on vocals, drums and guitars, and whether they are worth the price for your ...
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Piano VST PluginsBest piano VST plugins compared: grand, upright and electric piano libraries, with free and paid options, sound character, CPU load and what each s...
• Best Reverb Plugins 2023Reverb plugins compared: our picks of good reverb VSTs for vocals, drums and guitars, from free options to paid favourites, with what each one does...
• 15 Best Free Compressor VST Plugins15 free compressor VST plug-ins, which ones suit vocals, and starting points for ratio, attack, release and gain reduction.

Mixing and mastering

• LANDR Review - Landr Mastering and eMasterd ComparisonDive into our LANDR review: features, comparison with eMastered, and tips for artists. Discover if LANDR's mastering services fit your music needs.
• The Ultimate Electric Guitar EQ Guide: Crafting the Perfect MixGuitar EQ guide for electric guitar: which frequencies to cut and boost for clean tone, body and bite, so your guitar fits the mix without fighting...
• Unleash Your Verbal Arsenal: Mastering Wordplay in RapSo, buckle up, grab your pens, and let's dive deep into the world of wordplay.
• The Original 7 Step Mastering FormulaThe original 7 step mastering formula - Free PDF download. Get a quick overview and checklist to guide you through the 7 step formula as you’re mas...

Songwriting and arranging

• How to Make a Good SongExplore essential songwriting tips on melody, lyrics, and recording. Discover how to craft hit songs and express your unique musical voice.
• 8 Tips on How to Write Raps and Craft Killer LyricsSo, grab a pen, maybe a snack (brain food, right?), and let's lay down some tips on how to write raps that'll have heads nodding and jaws dropping.
• Songlorious: There's A Song in Every StoryLooking for a unique and personal gift? Well, now there is! Thanks to Songlorious reviews, personalized song gifting has never been easier or more ...
• The Fastest Way To Write Songs (This Works Every Time)There is a fast way to write songs faster that always works. It's a process that I've perfected over the years, and it never fails me. Keep reading...
• Understanding Song Structure and ArrangementsHow to arrange a song so it keeps people listening. Learn how to order your intro, verse, chorus and bridge, build energy, and avoid sections that ...

Production basics

• Reason Studios: A Producer's PowerhouseReason 11 and 12 review: using Reason as a VST plugin, the Rack, new devices and pricing, plus what it offers producers compared with other DAWs.
• Bitwig Studio Uncovered: A Comprehensive GuideBitwig Studio workflow explained: modular tools, clip launching and sound design. See what it does well, where it falls short and who should use th...
• Best Left Handed Telecaster and Telecaster Style GuitarsLeft handed Telecaster guide: Fender models and Telecaster-style guitars for lefties, compared on tone, feel and price so you can choose one worth ...
• Rap Connections 101: How to Network With Rappers and ProducersA practical guide to rap networking: where to meet artists and producers, what to say in a first message, and how to run a first collaboration.
• 5 Best Colleges for Music ProductionIf you're looking for the best colleges for music production, then you've come to the right place.
• Music Production 101 - The Artform & ScienceMusic production 101: learn what producers do, from recording and arranging to mixing and mastering, and the basic skills to start making finished ...
• Best Free Music Making Software for BeginnersMost advanced music production software allows musicians to work digitally with sounds, regardless of whether or not access to a live band or equip...
• Best Laptop for Music ProductionLaptops for music production and editing, compared on CPU, RAM, storage and ports. See which models handle big sessions and which suit a smaller bu...
• How To Become a Music Producer Without SchoolIn this blog post, we will explore how to become a music producer without school or having a degree in the subject.
• The Best Free Music Making Software - 25 of Our Favorite Freewarewant free music maker software? we've decided to compile a list of the best music software that you can download for free. Check it out!
• Setting Up Home Recording Studio On a BudgetIf you’re a music artist and want to set up a home recording studio, this post will probably help you make some choices about what equipment you ne...
• Artist Development Tools and ResourcesArtist development tools and resources for rappers, producers and content creators. Practical steps to grow an audience, build skills and release m...
• 5 BEST UK DRILL PRODUCERSWe have searched the web for the 5 Best UK Drill Producers for you to checkout. Find out the producers behind the UK drill instrumentals
• Get an Endless Stream of Movie Clips In Logic ProWant to use or Insert a specific phrase/exerpt from a movie into your song? no more wasting time mining the Hollywood vaults for words and lines yo...
• Famous Trumpet Players: From the 1920's to TodayFamous trumpet players from the 1920s to today. Learn who they are, what made each stand out, and which recordings are the best place to start list...