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🎧 15 Pro Tips to Make Your Music Sound AMAZING [2024]

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Have you ever spent hours working on a track, only to feel like something’s missing? 🤔 You’re not alone! Many musicians and producers struggle to make their music truly stand out. This is where our team at Custom Song™ comes in. We’ve spent years honing our craft and seeing what makes a track sound truly professional. In this post, we’ll share 15 proven tips and techniques to help you take your music from good to great. We’ll dive into techniques like EQ, compression, and parallel processing, all while exploring the exciting evolution of music production. We’ll even delve into the essential art of ear training!

Quick Answer

Want to create music that sounds professional and captivating? Here are a few key insights from our blog post:

  • Embrace the latest tools! 💻 The digital revolution transformed the music industry, making producing easier than ever.
  • Focus on clarity and balance. 🎧 Use EQs, compressors, and other tools to shape the sonic landscape and make your music stand out.
  • Learn the art of mastering your own music. 🏆 This final stage can make a huge difference in the overall impact and quality of your music.

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Get ready to elevate your music production to the next level!

Table of Contents

  1. Quick Tips and Facts
  2. The Evolution of Music Production: From Tape to DAW
  3. Are you a beginner or intermediate producer who’s ready to take your productions to the next level?
  4. Choose the right instruments and ranges
  5. Use busses/groups for control and speed
  6. Compress little by little in stages for better-sounding results
  7. Cut out unneeded frequencies carefully, but ruthlessly
  8. Utilise contrast and balance in various ways across your mixes
  9. Add character with harmonics and distortion
  10. Use your ears, eyes and references to dial in your low-end
  11. Use parallel processing for compression, distortion and other effects
  12. EQ/Compress your effects returns
  13. Carefully craft the stereo field with mid-side processing
  14. Use referencing to make mixes translate to other speakers
  15. Calibrate your ears and brain
  16. Make Your Music Sound Better – Conclusion:
  17. Simplify the Music Production Process with This Easy-to-Follow Checklist and Video Guide
  18. Conclusion
  19. Recommended Links
  20. Reference Links

Quick Tips and Facts

Making music sound better is a journey, not a destination. 🎧 It involves mastering techniques, understanding your tools, and constantly refining your creative ear. We’re here to guide you on this journey, and we can help you craft a custom song you’ll be proud of. You’ll learn about concepts like frequency, dynamics, and effects, as well as using the right tools like EQs, compressors, and DAWs, and discover how to create a better mix. But you’ll hear it from our team of experienced music producers, so we’ll sprinkle in some real-world wisdom and tips.

  • Think like a listener – What makes a song stand out? What makes it enjoyable to listen to? The good news is that you’ve already spent some time listening to music, so you already have some great experience.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment – The world of music production is about exploring options and being creative. Just have fun! You can learn so much by just trying things out and seeing what sounds best to you.
  • Start with a solid foundation – Before diving too deeply into mixing techniques, ensure your track is built on a good arrangement and instrumentation; this lays a solid foundation for mixing and mastering.

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The Evolution of Music Production: From Tape to DAW

Video: The Evolution of Music Production.







Remember those clunky, gigantic analog mixing boards? 🤯 Music production has evolved from a physical, hands-on process using tape, mixers, and racks of gear to the digital, software-based environment we know today. The shift to digital audio workstations (DAWs) has brought incredible flexibility, accessibility, and power to the fingertips of every music creator.

Here’s how the industry transformed:

Era Key Features & Tools Benefits
Analog (1960s – 1990s) Tape, mixers, outboard gear, and microphones Warmth, complexity, unique sound character
Digital (1990s – Present) DAWs, plugins, MIDI controllers, and digital audio interfaces Flexibility, accessibility, ease of editing, unlimited ‘undo’

The digital revolution democratized music production. No longer was it a privilege of the elite, but now, you can create professional-sounding music with a computer and software. DAWs offer incredibly powerful tools, including virtual instruments, audio effects, and much more. Check out our article on the benefits of personalized music.

This shift to digital has also led to a new wave of music producers who are masters of the digital realm. 💻 These producers often combine the warmth and character of analog equipment with the precision and flexibility of digital tools.

Are you a beginner or intermediate producer who’s ready to take your productions to the next level?

Video: 3 Habits That Made Me A Full Time Music Producer By 22.







Let’s get right down to the practical tips and tricks:

Choose the right instruments and ranges

  • Imagine your music as a rainbow. 🌈 Each instrument lives within a specific frequency range, adding its own color to the overall soundscape. Choose the right instruments that fit well together and have distinct roles within this musical “rainbow.” For example: a strong, powerful kick drum, a smooth bass line, shimmering cymbals, and a soaring melody.
  • Don’t crowd the middle. 🎹 Avoid having too many instruments all trying to occupy the same frequency range (the “mid-range”), as this can lead to a muddy and congested mix. Instead, spread out your instruments.
  • Use frequency-slotting. 🎧 This is where you intentionally assign specific frequencies to each instrument. This promotes clarity and avoids “masking” (where one sound covers up another). You can use EQ to make room for each instrument and ensure that it shines through!
  • Consider side-chaining. 🤔 This technique, where you use one instrument (often the kick drum) to rhythmically duck the volume of other instruments, can be a clever way to resolve conflicts and create space in the mix. It also adds punch and dynamics.

Use busses/groups for control and speed

  • Think of busses/groups as organizational tools within your DAW. Rather than applying effects to each individual track, you can create a group, or “bus,” and apply them all at once. This saves time and processing power, which becomes super important if you’re working with many tracks.
  • Use busses/groups to manage levels and apply effects. 😊 You can easily adjust, say, the overall volume of all your drums or the reverb on all your vocals. You’ll find this very handy when you’re iterating on your mix.

Compress little by little in stages for better-sounding results

  • Compression is like a musical corset. 💪 It helps to even out the dynamics of a track by reducing the difference between the loudest and quietest parts. However, too much compression can sound lifeless and squashed.
  • Start with a light hand. ✌️ Compress a little bit at a time using two or even more compressors in stages. This approach creates a more natural and desirable result than if you tried to do it all at once.
  • Use a fast compressor for transients and a slower compressor for overall dynamics. ⏰ A fast compressor will help to smooth out harsh peaks in the audio, while a slower compressor will help to bring up the quieter parts. Again, this creates a more balanced mix.

Cut out unneeded frequencies carefully, but ruthlessly

  • EQ is like a musical surgeon. 🔪 It lets you remove specific frequencies that can muddy or clutter a mix. Think of it as sculpting the sound to remove unwanted elements.
  • Use low-cut filters to remove unwanted low frequencies (except for your kick and bass, which need that low-end punch). 🦶 This will help to clean up the bottom end of your mix.
  • Use high-cut filters to remove unwanted high frequencies, such as harshness in the cymbals. 🎩
  • Utilize parametric EQs to target specific frequencies precisely. This gives you granular control of the tonal shape of any instrument.

Utilise contrast and balance in various ways across your mixes

  • Think of your mix as a story with different chapters – Some parts will demand more attention, while others are quieter and more subtle.
  • Emphasise loud parts even further by using contrast and balance. If you have a high-energy chorus, consider using softer or quieter sections to make the chorus even more powerful.
  • **Clean sounds help your distorted sounds stand out! ** 🤔 This contrast provides contrast and creates interest.

Add character with harmonics and distortion

  • Harmonics and distortion can add a vibrant and dynamic touch to your sounds. Think about how distortion is used in rock guitar, a soulful saxophone solo, or a thick synth bass. 🎶
  • Use your DAW’s sends to experiment with distortion. This can give you a lot of control, allowing you to apply distortion only to specific frequency ranges or audio devices without overdoing it.

Use your ears, eyes and references to dial in your low-end

  • The low-end is the foundation of your mix. 🏛 Get it right, and your music will have a punchy, powerful, and satisfying presence. Get it wrong, and your tracks will sound thin and lifeless.
  • Visual analyzers 👁️ help you identify frequency clashes, allowing you to carve out space in the low-end for your bass and kick drum. Use tools like “Izotope RX” or “Sonic Visualiser” to make this visual.
  • Reference tracks are your secret weapon 🎧 Listen to tracks in the same genre as yours to see how professional producers approach the low-end. Ask yourself: “What is this track doing?” “How can I emulate this?”

Use parallel processing for compression, distortion and other effects

  • Parallel processing is a trick for adding effects without drastically affecting your main audio signal. 🙃 It’s like adding a side dish to your main course.
  • Duplicate a track or create a send, then apply effects to the copy. By blending the original signal with the processed signal, you can carefully dial in the amount of effect you want.

EQ/Compress your effects returns

  • Effects like reverb and delay are like spice. 🌶 They add depth and character, but too much can overwhelm your mix.
  • EQ and compress your effects returns to ensure they integrate smoothly into the rest of the music. You can also use low-cut filters to eliminate muddiness and ensure these effects don’t compete with your instruments.

Carefully craft the stereo field with mid-side processing

  • Mid-side processing lets you focus on the center (mid) and the sides (side) of the stereo field, allowing you to create wider or narrower stereo images.
  • Use mid-side EQs to target and control specific frequencies within the stereo field. You can create more room for certain instruments while also shaping the overall stereo image.

Use referencing to make mixes translate to other speakers

  • You might think your mix sounds absolutely amazing on your headphones. 🎧 But how will it translate to a car stereo, a laptop speaker, or a giant concert PA system?
  • Reference your mix on different playback systems to ensure that it sounds consistent and balanced across various listening situations.
  • Use plugins or software such as MixChecker Pro to simulate the sound of different speakers with just a few clicks. This can save you a lot of time!

Calibrate your ears and brain

  • **Your ears are your most important mixing tools.**👂 Training them to hear frequencies clearly and identify potential problems can dramatically improve your mixes.
  • Ear training apps like “TrainYourEars” can help you practice identifying different frequencies and train your listening skills to make adjustments with greater accuracy.

Make Your Music Sound Better – Conclusion:

woman in beige shirt sitting on chair

It takes time and practice to develop a great ear for mixing, but it’s worth the effort! You’ve learned about essential techniques, tools, and concepts to improve your sound. We also highlighted important aspects of the evolution of music production. Remember to experiment and adjust your approach based on your project’s needs and your creative instincts!

Simplify the Music Production Process with This Easy-to-Follow Checklist and Video Guide

Video: Music Production For Beginners (Step By Step Masterclass).







[LINK TO YOUR CHECKLIST AND VIDEO GUIDE] – Include a relevant link and call to action

Conclusion

man in black suit jacket

We’re thrilled to have been your guides on this journey to improve your music’s sound! We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the history of music production to essential mixing techniques. Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning; your music will thank you for it! Remember, it’s not just about the technicalities; it’s about expressing your unique creative voice. 💖 And if you’re looking for a custom song creation service to help you bring your musical vision to life, give Custom Song™ a try. We’d love to help you create a unique and personalized musical experience!

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FAQ

bokeh photography of condenser microphone

How can I get better at music production?

Practice is key! 💪 Choose a song you love, and try to recreate its sound. This is a great way to learn from existing mixes and develop your ear for producing music. Also, use online tutorials, masterclasses, and music production books to gain knowledge and understand production techniques.

Read more about “How Much Does It Really Cost to License a Song for a Game in 2024? … 🎵”

What are some tips to improve my music making?

  • Listen to new music in your genre, and pay attention to how your favorite producers use different techniques. 👂 You can get a lot of inspiration through this.
  • Learn the fundamentals of music theory and harmony. 💡 Understanding how music works will help you make better choices and create more cohesive arrangements.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things! 🎉 You might discover a sound or technique you never expected.

How do you get better at music?

It’s all about consistent practice and a thirst for knowledge! Listen critically, analyze your work, and constantly challenge yourself.

  • Learn basic music theory. 🎹 This will help you understand chord progressions and melodies more easily.
  • Practice regularly. 🎤 The more you play, the better you’ll become. This is a great habit to maintain.

Read more about “Unlock Your Inner Songwriter: How to Write Your First Song Lyrics … 🎤”

How to make good music?

There’s no single “right” way to make music. It’s about finding your unique voice and expressing yourself. Here are a few pointers:

  • Focus on making music that you love. 💖 Don’t worry about what other people think, just create music that you enjoy making! This helps build consistency and confidence.
  • Embrace collaboration. 🤝 Working with other musicians can help you learn new skills and find new sources of creativity.

Read more about “How Much Does it Really Cost to Create a Hit Song in 2024? 💰”

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