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The quickest method to free up RAM (Random Access Memory) for use in FL Studio is to close any background PC applications or to use the “Smart Disable For All Plugins” option under Tools > Macros > Smart Disable. This shuts off any plugins that aren’t currently being used. Quality Over Quantity, Or Is It …

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Ableton Live Lite limitations can be easily overcome with a few hacks.  Create several projects and link them together and suddenly you have way more than the 8-track limitation that everyone laments. Select the right instrument type, expand it and you explode from one track to over 30! So Ableton Live Lite limitations are challenging …

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Importing a WAV file into REAPER is as simple as dragging and dropping the WAV file(s) into a REAPER project. REAPER will automatically create a track for it from there. You can also press Insert>Media file and import a WAV file.  REAPER Importing WAV Files If you don’t know how to import WAV files into …

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With the introduction of Apple Silicon, the MacBook Air is now capable of running even the most demanding apps and software, including Ableton Live, which as of version 11.1, has native support for all Apple Silicon chips. To Mac, Or Not To Mac Sometimes, you may wish to do music production on your computer, especially …

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The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 does not have MIDI inputs, so that you will need a MIDI keyboard with a USB output or purchase a MIDI to USB adapter. Then you can simply plug it into your computer. This is just as effective as having MIDI ports on your Scarlett 2i2. Does Scarlet 2i2 Have MIDI? …

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The zoom function is a necessity for working efficiently in FL Studio. The most straightforward method to zoom in on your piano roll is to hold CTRL+Scroll (CMD+Scroll – MAC) with the mouse wheel. This is interchangeable with the playlist view as well. Zoom Zoom! Time and time again, hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts save time, …

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Grayed-out tracks mean a clip was launched in session view and is still active. This won’t allow you to hear your tracks in arrangement view. At the top right corner of the arrangement view, there is an orange button called the back to arrangement button. Click this to solve the problem. Grayed Out Ableton Tracks …

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The amount of SSD (Solid State Drive) storage that you need for music production depends on how serious of a producer you are, how much music you produce, and the size of your projects, sample libraries, and VST instruments. Generally, I recommend having at least 500GB to 1TB of storage for music production. SSD Storage …

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To correctly map MIDI in Ableton Live, you must first ensure that your MIDI device is plugged in and selected as a MIDI input device within Ableton’s preferences. Then you turn MIDI map mode on and proceed to MIDI map your control surface. Mapping MIDI In Ableton? Have you ever tried to map MIDI in …

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In short, no, but the quality of using an audio interface is far superior. Recording a guitar without an audio interface can be done in several ways. However, the latency will be an issue, so even a cheap audio interface is a solution. Audio Interfaces And Guitarists Most of us guitarists began playing in a …

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Since there is no power button on your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, simply turning off your computer or unplugging the USB cable will turn off the device. You’ll know whether the Focusrite Scarlett is on or off by the green power indicator light next to the volume knob. In this info-packed article, not only will you …

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Collaborating with another musician or artist can be done in many more ways during these modern times than ten years ago. Where “back in the day” band members or singers would have to be present in a studio or recording environment, the internet and technological development have made artist collaborations dramatically easier. Exploit All Avenues …

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To overdub MIDI, you need to have the MIDI arrangement overdub button switched on. Now when you click record, it won’t overwrite the MIDI clip. Why Is Overdubbing MIDI Important? Overdubbing MIDI is a fantastic way to add complex layers to your chords, drums, and melodies. It allows you to expand your sound palette without …

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Record arming a track in REAPER is as simple as clicking the ‘Record Arm’ button (circular red button with a white ring inside) on the track you want to record with. From here, you can also select the desired input from the drop-down input menu. Record Arming In REAPER If you don’t know how to …

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KRK Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors are some of the best monitors available in their price range. While there are plenty of affordable options for a beginner set of studio monitors, I recommend the KRK Rokit 5s for their sufficient low-end, sonic clarity and overall build quality. KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitor Review Having a …

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It is possible, but the honest answer is no and yes. Some producers believe using studio speakers is best and leave using headphones until they listen to a track in its final mixing stages. Alternatively, if you are willing to add third-party software to eliminate latency with Apple Inc wireless headphones, then sure. You spend …

Read More about Can You Produce Music With Airpods? (Or Are They Trash!?)

Ableton Live is an incredibly powerful audio recording and mixing tool. Still, contrary to what some may say, it can not be used to record audio directly from YouTube. The good news is that it’s still possible, just not directly. You can use third-party software like Audacity or a YouTube to MP3 converter. Can I …

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You do not need studio monitors to produce music, especially if you are a music production beginner/hobbyist. A quality pair of headphones will work at first. However, suppose you are serious about music/audio production. In that case, you will want to invest in a decent pair of studio monitors.  Studio Monitors And Music Production It …

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Snapping to grid is a super handy tool for your workflow in that it allows you to swap grid sizes when working in different beat/time signatures. To change your grid window selection, look for the drop-down arrow usually labeled “none” in your top toolbar. Time Is Like A River… It ebbs and flows, just like …

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A dedicated audio interface can improve sound quality. The three primary aspects of an audio interface affecting sound quality are digital to analog conversion, clock synchronization, and power isolation. Does A Better Audio Interface Affect Sound Quality? When building up your home studio, It’s easy to underestimate this simple piece of gear. After all, your …

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There are several reasons why your eyes water when you sing. These are both emotional and physical. For instance, unresolved emotions triggered by song lyrics, perhaps nerves have got the better of you, or the song is simply too hard for you to sing. Or it could simply be down to eye irritation or the …

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Typically, you can use a gaming laptop for music production because it has more advanced specifications than a regular laptop. Music/audio production requires sufficient RAM (Random Access Memory), processing power, and memory storage. A gaming laptop usually has all three.  Using A Gaming Laptop For Music/Audio Production A powerful computer to handle music production can …

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Although many people argue that Pro Tools is no longer the industry standard, in my opinion, it still is. The reason for this is its widespread use among professionals and higher-up industries such as film scoring and pro-level mixing/mastering.  Industry Standard DAW These days, many people argue that Pro Tools is no longer the industry …

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MainStage can be used without Logic. Apple MainStage is an entirely different software from Logic Pro and is for live performance instead of music production. Both MainStage and Logic are excellent software, but they are independent of each other.  Using Logic Without MainStage It can be tricky sometimes to know what specifications you need to …

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Although they do have their differences, REAPER and Logic are both incredible DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). REAPER is excellent for recording/tracking, while Logic is great for modern music production. Whether you should go with Logic or REAPER depends on your preference and your audio/music production needs.  REAPER And Logic Shootout  When comparing two incredible DAWs …

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No, unfortunately, Logic Pro cannot run on the iPad. There is not currently an iPhone or iPad app for Logic Pro. However, there is an app called Logic Remote that you can use on your iPhone or iPad to control the Logic session running on your Apple computer externally. Logic Pro For iPad  The fact …

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Most professional studios do not actually use all-in-one off-the-shelf audio interfaces. Instead, they use different combinations of standalone equipment with the features found inside an interface. Any audio interfaces you find in a professional studio tend to be high-end and offer many additional features.  Audio Interfaces In Professional Studios A Lot of times, Larger studios …

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Network as much as possible Engage with rappers or Hip Hop music content on social media Attend Hip Hop / Rap events in person Approach rappers or producers in a friendly manner Getting In Contact With Rappers It can be disheartening if you’re making beats but struggling to get in touch with rappers to work …

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There are a few ways to send FL Studio projects. The most commonly used is a Zipped Loop Package, which will contain all of the associated files, data, and VST info. Simply go to File > Export > Zipped Loop Package. Collaboration! One of my favorite things about being a music producer (and using FL …

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Ultimately this is a process of elimination. While there are a few reasons you may have no sound when you export from FL Studio, the best method is to check that nothing anywhere is muted, that the “export entire project” button in export settings is checked, and that your plugins are not the culprit. The …

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Ableton’s Drum Buss is a stock plugin that simultaneously applies various audio effects. It’s a great way to process drums or shape bass sounds. You can use other stock or third-party plugins to achieve a similar result or even the Audio Effect Racks to create your own “Drum Buss.”  How To Emulate Ableton’s Drum Buss …

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The whole point of using grooves is to add those subtle extra details to a part that breathes a little more life into it. My favorites for this are: Beguine Accent 16ths Calypso Accent 16ths Cha-Cha-Cha Shaker 8ths 127bpm Hip-Hop Wonky 16ths 80bpm Rock Fatback Accent 16ths These grooves seem to get the dynamic range, …

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Mixing vocals is hard because they are often the most prominent part of a song. This means that any imperfection will stand out more than any other instrument since the listener will pay the most attention to it. There is no room for mistakes when mixing vocals!  Mixing Vocals Is Not Easy! Vocals are arguably …

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There are many ways to learn Ableton. These include completing a course, searching YouTube for great videos and instructors, learning from blogs and other online resources, but best of all rolling up your sleeves, getting down and dirty in Ableton, and just using it. Learning Ableton It can be pretty overwhelming taking on a task …

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You should only place your KRK Rokit 5s horizontally when you absolutely have to for them to fit in your studio. KRK Systems designed Rokit 5s for vertical placement. Placing them otherwise will affect your stereo image and create time alignment issues between your tweeter/subwoofer. KRK Rokit 5 Placement Placing a set of KRK Rokit …

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FL Studio channel rack not showing can be a real headache, but you can use your keyboard shortcut key (F6) to bring it into focus. If the rack doesn’t show immediately, close all open windows (F12) and then use F6 again.  It Was There Last Time… The channel rack is an essential part of your …

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Ableton has a built-in Bitcrusher plugin called “Redux.” A Bitcrusher is an audio effect that applies digital distortion. This is achieved by changing the signal’s sample rate and bit depth. Other parameters such as ‘Dry/Wet’ can be altered to shape the sound further.  Does Ableton Have A Bitcrusher? You might not realize that Ableton has …

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Because KRK Rokit 5’s has sufficient low-end punch and improved clarity, these studio monitors are great for listening to music. Although studio monitors are more for music production, you can use KRK Rokit 5 for music listening. Using KRK Rokit 5 Studio Monitors For Listening To Music Nothing is less satisfying than listening to music …

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If you hear a crackling noise from your KRK Rokit 5 monitor, you will probably need to replace either the subwoofer/tweeter. However, first, check that your power supply and all connections between your studio monitors and audio system are firmly made and that you are using the correct cables. Fixing KRK Rokit Crackling Producing professional …

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If your KRK Rokit monitor is not powering up even with a different power cable, you probably have a blown fuse that you need to replace. Thankfully, KRK Systems’ monitors have a user-replaceable fuse design and a spare fuse located in a port under the power socket. Changing Fuses For KRK Rokit Active Speaker There …

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First, check to see if the MIDI keyboard is registering in Ableton. Second, ensure that you have a virtual instrument on the MIDI track (and that the record arm button is activated). Finally, check that the MIDI keyboard is set up correctly in Ableton. Why Is My MIDI Keyboard Not Working Ableton A MIDI keyboard …

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Pitch bending in Ableton is easy. Most virtual instruments will work with the majority of MIDI controllers’ pitch bend wheel out of the box. However, if needed, you can always manually map the control yourself with Ableton’s MIDI mapping feature. Pitch Bending In Ableton Live If you’re new to electronic music production, you’ve probably heard …

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To automate parameters using the faders/knobs in REAPER, open the ‘Track Envelopes’ menu on the track you want to control, set the ‘Automation mode’ to ‘Latch,’ and locate/arm the envelope that you want to automate. Now, you will automate this parameter by turning the correlating knob/fader. Envelope Automation In REAPER Here’s a scenario, you are …

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To quantize the velocity of MIDI notes in REAPER, open up the ‘MIDI Editor’ by double-clicking the MIDI track that you want to work on, select the MIDI notes that you want to quantize, right-click one of the notes, choose the ‘Note velocity’ dropdown menu, and select your desired velocity. Controlling MIDI Velocity In REAPER …

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If your audio device won’t open, the first thing to check is that your audio drivers are up to date. Check that you are using the correct driver type. Ensure your audio device isn’t in use by another application. Close and reopen Ableton. Reboot your computer.  Failing To Open Audio Device In Ableton When Ableton …

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This issue or error is primarily related to problems with how FL Studio reads audio inputs and drivers. The most common workaround for an “access violation at address” is to go to options > audio settings > change your ASIO driver under the device drop-down. Why Me? What Is This Nonsense?!  Sometimes in life, things …

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Struggling to change BPM Ableton? The simplest way to change the BPM in Ableton is via the tempo bar in the top left corner of the Ableton interface. All you need to do is left-click on the BPM field, type in a new BPM value, and hit the Enter key.  You have started on your …

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