Music Production MAGIC

Phantom power is a +48V electrical charge sent through an XLR cable to power condenser microphones and active DI boxes. You need phantom power when using condenser mics, but not with dynamic mics. Be careful — phantom power can damage vintage ribbon mics if used improperly.

So you're plugging ...

Do you need an audio interface for music production?
You need an audio interface if you plan to record vocals, instruments, or connect professional speakers. If you’re focused mainly on electronic production or beatmaking inside a DAW, you can start without one — but an interface improves sound qual...

Is it better to mix on headphones or speakers? 🎧 🔊

Both headphones and speakers have pros and cons for mixing.

• Speakers provide a natural, spacious sound but require good room acoustics.

• Headphones reveal fine details and avoid room issues but can distort stereo image and bass perception.

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How do you set up studio monitors at home?
To set up your home studio speakers properly:

1. Place your desk away from the wall

2. Form an equilateral triangle between your two speakers and your head

3. Keep speakers at ear level, pointed toward your ears

4. Avoid placing them too close to wa

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Frequency refers to how many times a sound wave vibrates per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies sound like treble around 5-10kHz, mid-range tones are around 1kHz, and lower frequencies like bass are around 100Hz. Frequency determines pitch, and understanding it is essential for EQ, m...

How do I install the UAD Luna DAW for free?

1. Create an Account on the UAD website

2. Go to "Shop" and Download Luna (Mac only)

3. Install Luna

4. Create an iLok Account

5. Authorize Luna with iLok License Manager

6. Launch Luna and Start a Practice Session

Luna is Universal A...

The 7 core responsibilities of a music producer are:

1. Production – shaping the overall vision and sound

2. Songwriting – guiding the melody, lyrics, and structure

3. Pre-Production – planning, demoing, and preparing the session

4. Recording – capturing performances with quality and vibe

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The seven main types of music makers are:

1. Musician – plays instruments and performs live or in-studio

2. Singer – uses their voice as their primary instrument

3. Rapper – speaks rhythmically with flow, tone, and wordplay

4. Beatmaker – creates rhythms and instrumentals, often in DAWs

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 The four types of audio engineers are:

1. Assistant Engineer – supports the session with prep and documentation.

2. Recording Engineer – captures performances with microphones and gear.

3. Mixing Engineer – balances, blends, and processes the multitrack session.

4. Mastering Engineer – fina

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 ELI5 Decibels (dB):

1. Origin and Scale

• The Bel is a unit named after Alexander Graham Bell, but it's too big for everyday use.

• So we use 1/10th of a Bel = 1 decibel (dB).

• Think of dB as a way to measure change — like a ruler for comparing sound or signal levels, not an absolute amo

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You tweak the faders, turn up the master, throw on a limiter, and yet somehow…
your mix still sounds flat, small, or quiet next to everything else.

You’re not alone. Dane’s been there. Ashley too. Garrett? He’s thinking maybe he needs better speakers.

Here’s the truth no one told you:
Your mix doe...

Before you chase perfection, master these foundations.

What are the 3 kinds of songs every artist should learn to write?

1. Emotion-Driven Songs – Capture raw feelings, stories, or personal truths.

2. Structure-Driven Songs – Use proven forms like verse-chorus or AABA to create flow.

3. Chara...

So, you want to make music — not just hum ideas into your phone or drop bars over YouTube beats — but actually record, produce, and mix your own tracks. Maybe you’re a singer-songwriter, a beatmaker, or just someone with a fire in your chest and no idea where to start.

Good news: You don’t need a f...

You’ve got songs in your head, rhythms in your chest, and maybe a few voice memos stacked up on your phone. You’re ready to build your home studio and bring your music to life — but where do you start?

Don’t worry. You don’t need racks of vintage gear or a closet full of cables. You just need a few...

If you're working in a bedroom, garage, or even a custom-built creative man-cave, every home producer has faced the same frustration: your mix sounds great in your studio, but falls flat everywhere else. One track sounds quiet and muddy, another is piercing and distorted. So how do you find that swe...

Everything you need to know to pick the right version, install it, and start making music.

Pro Tools has been called the "industry standard" for decades — and for good reason. It’s the DAW used in high-end studios, post-production houses, and Grammy-winning albums. But if you’re just starting out, ...