The very first time I got professional opinion on my mixes, #5 was the problem. I never knew it was called 'editing' though. I call it pre-production, including comping, lining-up tracks and do some tuning. Took me some time to figure out what you were talking about in #5 tip section. And yeah, that's what makes all the difference.
Made *all* of them. Biggest lightbulb is actually something you confirmed - I do a lot of editing. Thought maybe too much. No, you can’t do too much. The biggest problem I have producing and performing my own music has to do with what you said about getting it right at the source. For me, it is unbelievably difficult to both focus on getting my best performance and being concerned with all the technical details behind it. Ideally, you have someone else in the room who critiquing the performance, and telling you “that take works” - “your diction in that line is off” - The only way I have to compensate is to do several takes, review each one, and splice together the best. A lot of editing
Lots of good points here, great info. My only slight disagreement is with part of the editing point. It's important to pull things together, but I think you should talk about what is and isn't too much quantizing, pitch correction, because for decades none of that existed, they just played it again if it wasn't right. I think it depends on the song/genre too. A dance club track, you absolutely want that beat and everything perfect all the way through. Tom Petty or The Rolling Stones, the song will likely not sound right without those nuances. And to me, a good emotional pop ballad will be in between those. If it's too regimented, it may lose some of the emotion.
You're not entirely wrong, however pitch correction did exist before auto tune. It was just a lot more difficult. There was a piece of gear called a harmonizer, and the trick was to run the vocal from tape through the harmonizer, change the pitch by however many cents it needed, then only print the effect back into tape. This was frustratingly time consuming cuz it involved more tape being needed (expensive), so when labels were looking for artists or bands to sign, if it turned out the label would be shelling out more money for the producers to go through that process, the label likely wouldn't take that risk. Editing also existed, and was also just as frustrating. Actually it was more so, because in order to actually edit the timing of say drums, when they were recorded they were often summed into one stereo channel that would then be printed to tape. That tape would have to be physically cut, tapped back together (scotch), and reprinted onto more tape (machine). Again, this happened, but wasn't too common due to labels not finding it worth the money/effort. Even today though, like he kind of mentioned, editing is still just as time consuming desire it technically being easier to do. Even pitch correction. Producers and engineers often have assistants or interns at studios who they put off those tasks to. I've been there myself. Pitch correcting and editing is something that IS done on almost every song in every genre by almost every artist since the mid to late 80s. They're just done at varying degrees. People like to complain about pop music being filled with too much of it, but Heavy Metal has just as much, if not more of it.
@@OrryMaineAgree. I remember Rick Beati talking about his concerns with Auto Tune, but then he, as an aside, said he was NOT talking about pitch correction, and that has been used for a Lon time- so like I did, I think many misunderstand that.
You are 100% right. It wasn't until I started really editing my productions that my music started being able to compete mainstream. I still have to discipline my self not to skimp on this process. I often tell those who want me to mix their music that I cannot polish a turd and to make sure they have excellent performances.
Absolutely agree! Your videos are outstanding Nathan. In the past 24 hours you've helped me immensely with several of your videos for my first production project on Logic Pro. I've heard so many times how important it is to get a great recording at the source. Two things especially resonating right now: 1) Getting arrangement right so as to support the vocal line . This song I'm working on has a lush chorus but trying to discern whether there maybe too much going on, re-thinking what is absolutely necessary 2) Editing. Editing. Editing. I hate it but I need to get better at it. : /
Ty. Desperately in need of a quick advice. When recording sometimes I get a result in different pitch and tempo which is super strange. No snap to grid nothing, idk what that ia and google didnt help much. May be you could share your thoughts on that please? 🙏
This helps me immensely, THANK YOU! This is some of the most enlightened lessons I have ever had. Particularly the parts about making sure you don't go above -6db, and when you speak of arrangements and choosing proper sounds to begin with is very helpful. In another video you spoke of progressively adding more percussion to songs in the next upcoming verses or choruses to make the song evolve and become more interesting as it plays out. All of this is advice I am now putting into practice, so again, THANK YOU!
I think I've seldom seen a channel that, without permanent interruptions and the great beating around the bush, factually, understandably, the subtleties of producing and mastering has brought closer. Big thanks and please keep up the good work! You are a great artist.
No, I'm not going to smash the like button and neither should you yield to peer pressure. I will instead press it gently but with conviction. Thanks for this video! I agree 100% especially with the intentionality bit
Great videos!!! Ive been recording and producing for over 20 years and they always sounded amateur until recently. Thanx to you. Your vids very concise and true. Its much more fun to plug in and play and mix it up. But funny how the final product can never be fixed if you don't take the time and do all of the things you stress.. I wish I would have found your vids years ago. Thank you for all of your amazing advice without all the mumbo jumbo. You deserve all of your success!
The second mistake I- Oof, I instantly remembered my first few tracks, the presets I used were so, so bad... I didn't even bother! Then again, my mixing was also crap. It's not like they're heavenly now, but at least they're decent? ...ehh I go at my own pace. Thank you for mentioning the "peak at -6dB" thing, I'm having trouble recording my voice now that I have a good microphone
Such good advice. From a 35 year veteran E. M. I writer recording artist Hollywood records hit Factory producer artist. I can say without reservation.. Take a ear! Listen and learn.. Thanks mate. Brent /London Hutchins
Glad I'm not the only one being OCD about editing. It makes a huge difference. And I'm not above going back to performers for better takes. You just have to.
i remember when i first started producing my songs, i stacked all these midi tracks just cause i could. now i know it's more about how FEW tracks or sounds you need to make it sound great.
Hey Nathan, I'm new to the channel and new to recording in general. I've found your videos very helpful in understanding some of the complexities of Logic. Thanks for the help and keep up the good work!
Great advice. You can't put icing on a turd... There is no substitution for a great performance. It must be melodic and played with feeling. Usually on the 1st take. Sweet Water.... yes.... my favorite for over 20 years.
You asked for suggestions: At the end of this video you briefly discussed "editing" I would love to hear more on editing possibilities (small per track editing and also entire verse/chorus manipulation). I do a lot of digital editing once the song/recording is close to complete. Quite often I/we realize a better presentation of the song would be to (ex. add a third verse, or repeat the middle 8, or extend the outro or intro, or chorus, etc)...just a suggestion :-)
Smash ... err, caress the 'like' button. This guy gives brilliant, genuine tips. Watching him will improve your musicianship tenfold (especially if you're using Logic Pro). You might as well hit 'subscribe' while you're caressing (or smashing) that 'like' button. Discovering Nathan was a blessing. Whether you write in the same genre, the samples he provides always illustrate the principle of the video. Genuine songwriters emote and mumble in a pattern over harmony (Beatles-style songwriting). Nathan covers everything from silly babbling, song construction and recording to post-production. This is *not* an endorsement. Just a grateful follower spilling his thoughts. 🎸
I think you are such a damn good instructor for me, lately I’ve Started to learn producing and fortunately I can make good use of your tips in your content! I’m a fan right now!!
I know it's not necessarily "safe" and good practice, but as long as your recorded audio isn't clipping but peaking at like -0.5db, is there any harm just applying gain reduction after the fact?
yo man , i really appreciate your drive and the message you carry to get people out of the real life loop they themselves are stuck in ! yes i, heard this rhetoric before from friends but you my friend have resonated. just bust a track in 2.5hrs and was quite impressed with the outcome. I thank you for your wisdom sir. bless.
That second note... really need folx take that to heart... thanks for being honest its important, I have people around me who will be honest about this with my music. Appreciate this honest transparent discussion
you should do a video for beginners in logic pro! the transition from garageband to logic for example. and what equipment is best for a home studio. talk about what your first home studio was like and if you had to invest any or you bought it piece by piece after time. a lot of people wanting to produce are stopped by the financial cost of the equipment. like me for example, i have a 2019 macbook air, total price with insurance was 1800$ and now im producing on my macbook air from home instead of my local studio's imac. Btw i am now in the process of converting to logic pro, and recently found out my 1800$ mac cant handle a project on garageband so now i'll be getting a 3000$ Macbook pro. yey! more money! and thats not forgetting the cost of a plugin, mic, midi, headphones & so forth.
the overproducing thing is what I needed to hear! I spend days on one track and as time went I felt like it started to sound bad... chances are it's the complexcity... Imma go try it now, see if I can save it by simplifying.
there’s actually a lot of experimental indie folk type music that uses being somewhat out of tune, off the grid and out of time as a expressive interesting element.
Finally found the right coach ! In my case, I have to watch myself getting lazy because I am "only writing song demos" for artists and record cos (their artists). I can do masters (I am no competition for the guys that truly master - there are not too many.) Thank you for your excellent "reminder" and also complete site about Logic!
@Nathan Larsen Music I write (also over time) as a writer, rock (when it was great), pop, new country post 2018 and EDM (Trance ideas to DJS). How is the last 2 for a "combo"! LOL !! Logic ProX 10.5.1, Slate Dig, Eventide "New Fangled" stuff and an embarrassing number of other toys! Yep, got a problem! I can tell you are the real deal - musician + ! Keep up the great work in everything !
This is pretty cool!!, and I can tell, fixing drums it’s kind of a pain on the ass but it’s even worse to not fix them and listen to the whole thing falling apart. great video bro, as always!!
That video is really really good! opened my eyes on the things I have to care more. I try to do everything as it comes wich means that I balance all my volumes when I create the track and every added track I manage the volume so it comes easier in the mastering process. I believe my biggest mistake is to over-layering (Love what you said; Layers must be one sound) and not necessarily have the best take at the beginning; sometimes what I do for vocal is to do a take, tune it(flex) over-take it and delete the old one. nice content mate!
Hey Nathan, nice Videos you are doing here.Regarding to point 1.) There is a Plug In which repairs clipping. It is Part of the iZotope RX Bundle (Even in the Elements Version) is called RX8 De-Clip and does an incredible Job...
Yeah man,..just discovered your channel,....its just the best on recording,...love most the vocal processing tricks and overall advice,.....very very useful & valuable ,...your awesome
New strings scratch a lot but sound brighter. I kinda started obsessing about it. I like bright but the scratching is also more pronounced. As much as I try to play with less scratching while recording can't avoid it. Wouldn't it be weird trying to edit out the scratches when this is what real guitar sounds like? I could just filter the frequencies that scratch the most but than I will lose the punch. See, this kind of stupid questions arise. Maybe a problem that doesn't really need solving but I've been asked before if I can somehow remove the scratching.
What I'd recommend is to adjust the mic placement if you are getting too much scratching - most of that is placement of the mic. Put it more "to the side" of the bow to capture more of the natural resonance and less bow noise. There is a time and place for more or less - sometimes I intentionally was more of that "resin" sound to add some air and whispy-ness but it just depends on the scenario Filtering it out won't really work great cause then you lose all the presence the strings naturally have. Mic placement is gonna make the biggest difference. You could try a De-Esser but that might not work (I haven't tried that personally but It'd be worth a shot)
You need to be really familiar with your track, i mean play and sing it for a couple of weeks to really get to know it musically, then keep your voice in fine fettle, exercises, rehearsal - getting the takes right is huge and not easy but worth the effort
Hey Nathan, long term listener first time commenter (if thats a thing) Any chance you could do a video on EQing mids, it can be quite challenging separating acoustic guitar, vocals and snare drums without overly relying on gates. Thanks and all the best
Hey hey Craig! First off - thanks for sticking around! That's awesome. Second - I can definitely do a video on EQ -- I think rather than doing just a video on "Mids" though it'd be better to really show things in more context overall. I'll put some thought into how Id like to package that so it's most valuable!
All Facts! I’m a big advocate of editing and proper transparent pitch modification. Some of this may be a little controversial like some genres simply don’t believe in some of these tried, tested and valuable rules like editing and pitch correction but, for the mainstream you nailed it Nathan! Nicely done!
100% Thanks! Yeah, the whole editing thing has gotten me into some conversations that didn't make some people happy... but... I'm not gonna lie and tell people they don't need to do it.
Good points you're bringing up for sure. It's so easy to make your song sound amateur when you fail to get it right at the source. I had to learn that when I recorded live drums for the first time. I did not take enough time to really fine-tune everything and tinker with mic positions. The result was a recording of a drum set that sounds passable but can just never reach greatness. I'd say regarding your last point: how much you should edit is really greatly depending on the genre of the song and the kind of sound you're going for. If you're thinking about modern "overproduced" pop music, yep, every note better be exactly on pitch and locked to the grid timing wise. Same holds true to extreme tech metal (which I listen to a lot). But looking over to maybe blues or stoner rock, it might actually be advantageous if things are not perfect, because they can make it sound and feel more organic and real.
first time watching your channel...love the NE rep. I use to live in Omaha for several years. Ranch Bowl Entertainment Center alumni. Keep up the great content
Hi Nathan it was really great to watch your video about how to use Buses on Logic Pro.Thanks for that. Just wondering if you have any videos of making Drum Beats, step by step for example Kick , Snare, Hi Hat etc ... it would be great. And also what is exactly mean by Midi Thru ? Thanks in advance
Your channel is awesome. I record a totally different kind of music at home (layered guitars, no vocals) but your tips helped me a lot improving the overall sound quality. For example different voicings of the same chord progression instead of double tracking for thickness (no. 4). No. 5, you’re totally right, I am going to try it out right away. That video on busses was also mind blowing. Thanks a lot!
Hey, I'm a guitarist/songwriter, and I really dig your keyboard skills. Idea: Basic Keyboard/Midi Recording for non-keyboardists. I know where all the notes are, but some basic keyboard performance tips into Logic would be awesome. Thanks for your help! (I just grabbed the Spitfire free app - and love it!)
Love the video idea!! I was thinking of making a video like that actually -- something like "Piano Basics for Producers" or something to help out the "non-piano" peeps. Thanks!! And yes, Spitfire Labs is DOPE!
@@NathanJamesLarsen Very cool - Sign me up! There was another free sample library you stumbled upon when loading Spitfire, something by the BBC. Do you have any more info about that one?
@@TyRobertsmedia Yeah the BBC Orchestra is free if you go to their website and do a survey. Takes about 2 weeks for them to send it to you but yeah totally worth it. Just google it and you'll find it quickly.
I have a basement studio. Just straight concrete walls will room curtain dividers. I have studio monitors . I love them but I also know I can't trust them fully because of the bad environment. My only option is to mix on my headphones. I have sennheiser 280 pro but I also just bought audiotechnica x40 headphones for a upgrade. My question is is there anything else I can do to improve my recording environment? I also own a townotes captor
Interesting how the best mixes were made in the 70s with zero drum editing and vocal pitching. And it had soul. Good informative videos on logic though.
I was talking with a producer a while back, about how some folks “back then” just did really good takes, almost like they had automatic compression and could hover around -6db or the equivalent on analogue gear. For making something groove vs locking to a grid, John Bonham is a great example here, he didn’t play to a grid, but there is a clear pulse in his playing. A good groove is half about playing in time, the other half is applying dynamics (accents, ghost notes) to make the listener get where the 1 is in the pattern.
You are right bro. But, you must understand most of those guys were true musicians unlike many of us today who do not play actual instruments. For instance singers like Patte Labelle, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, the Gibson Brothers and many more singers from the 70s, and some in the 80s really knew how to sing not just carry a note but truly sing.
All you need today is a dope beat. a catchy hook and good marketing to make a hit. Most of the stars today would not have a chance in the 60s and 70s even the 80s. So in a way it a blessing and a curse. Today, every now and then a really good band and singer stands out
@@perrykeshahwalker5321 Thanks for explaining. I know. I am a true musician myself. The idea of quantizing good drums is like putting autotune on Patti LaBelle, it takes all the soul out. If you want to make pop, fine. I know it customary, but it makes it sound very stiff. It's a pop thing.
Need help with using Roland V Drums to trigger drum kit designer. Do you have instruction on this? I can get the v drum to trigger drum kit designer but have problems with output volume and clipping. I don’t use the Roland sounds but use the drum pads to trigger midi to drum kit designer.
Could you do a garage band upgrade to logic video for the guys who only just want to play guitar and play bass and use logic drums to make Simple Hard Rock songs! Sometimes maybe use the guitar to add a Cello or something! Keep it simple! Most of your videos are for people who are doing pop or New Age music it seems but I’m still learning bits and pieces but I’m having trouble with just finding it easy to do the basic Guitar recording tracks and not getting confused about all the extra tracks in the background it saves! I’m great on Garage band but logic not so much! Thanks!
Hey Nathan, first of all I want to say that this channel is a stream of knowledge, thanks bro! 5) When you talk about rhythmic editing you mean editing the drum in order to quantize it strictly to the click or rhythmically editing the rest of the instruments to the drum? In order not to loose the groove, would it be better to record the drum first and than stick the rest of the instruments to it? I am a drummer, but sometimes I records songs: I record the guitar, the bass, vocals and than when I play the drum I struggle to make everything sits correctly in time, of course it’s me but maybe you have some tip ;) thanks and keep up, great work man ....
Hey! So yes I mean editing the drums to the grid. Even top level drummers are edited. It doesn't drain the life out of it if the performance is really great. Rhythm isn't what "gives life" - that's more about expression and dynamics. So an amazing drum edited is still sound way better than an amateur drummer edited. Both are rhythmically accurate but they won't be the same at all in terms of how it actually sounds
Ok this might be a weird opinion but what if I like the sound of clipping on my guitar? Like I’ll have it clean and just under clipping then when I want it to distort for a second I play a bit louder
I'm a 100% WTSC Disabled Veteran, due to brain damage, I'm deaf in Left ear (except for constant ringing). Not knowing what I'm doing, I've already purchased a Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD, Zoom Q4n Handy Video Recorder, and a Zoom R8 recorder /sampler /interface /controller. I have no idea what to do with them to make a Music video for TH-cam as a legacy for my grand-daughter for viewing after I'm gone. The videos I've watched says I need stereo monitors, but everything I hear is monoaural with only one ear working (with hearing loss)... any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated... I need a plan...
I finally slayed Flex Pitch. Oh boy, we did not agree with each other at first. I'm extra meticulous with my editing, I hope it shows in what I sent you?
I'm also relatively new to home music production, but I'm a professional musician and I think the major problem is that, a lot of people that produce music at home, don't know music theory at all, or have a minimum understanding of arranging, styles, composition etc... So, the same way we all approach this kind of TH-cam channels to learn more about DAW's, plug ins, etc, I think people should also subscribe and follow music theory videos online to improve their skills....
Hey :) I'm using FL Studio for 3 years now. I don't know why but my vocals sounds a lot better after recording when they hit -10.4 db (peaks) in the DAW Master Track (without any effects/plugins etc.) fit's much more in the mix. But now i have issues because i overthink everything and have bad thoughts I got my mix wrong! But overall i like how it sound's, It's wide, bright, smooth etc.... my songs need only the cherry on the cake (i hope u know what i mean) :D A crystal clear Vocal ! if been sitting on it for day's but i don't get it. :( ...
There is a plug-in Levels that is metering plug and anyone will achieve PRO audio level with Levels. It is a box with mesurment for many scenarios and there is no problem with Levels and best thing is that it teaches you basics wich are overrun by more complex information but truth is Mixing and Mastering are simple process and biggest mistake is at the start of placing mic's / good choice of sounds as Nathan sad. So if you start good it will be good
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Are you making any of these mistakes? Which one here was the biggest lightbulb for you?
Nathan Larsen Music by far my biggest mistake was layering too many things for the sake of, rather than making them count and have a purpose
I used to do all of these. Still too lazy to edit things to perfection. =/
But I try to do it better and better. Thanks. ;)
Really got excited about the concept of leaving room for vocals in a certain frequency and intensionality in your choices. Thanks!
The very first time I got professional opinion on my mixes, #5 was the problem. I never knew it was called 'editing' though. I call it pre-production, including comping, lining-up tracks and do some tuning.
Took me some time to figure out what you were talking about in #5 tip section. And yeah, that's what makes all the difference.
Made *all* of them. Biggest lightbulb is actually something you confirmed - I do a lot of editing. Thought maybe too much. No, you can’t do too much.
The biggest problem I have producing and performing my own music has to do with what you said about getting it right at the source. For me, it is unbelievably difficult to both focus on getting my best performance and being concerned with all the technical details behind it. Ideally, you have someone else in the room who critiquing the performance, and telling you “that take works” - “your diction in that line is off” -
The only way I have to compensate is to do several takes, review each one, and splice together the best. A lot of editing
Lots of good points here, great info. My only slight disagreement is with part of the editing point. It's important to pull things together, but I think you should talk about what is and isn't too much quantizing, pitch correction, because for decades none of that existed, they just played it again if it wasn't right. I think it depends on the song/genre too. A dance club track, you absolutely want that beat and everything perfect all the way through. Tom Petty or The Rolling Stones, the song will likely not sound right without those nuances. And to me, a good emotional pop ballad will be in between those. If it's too regimented, it may lose some of the emotion.
This. Also though editing doesn’t always mean quantizing
You're not entirely wrong, however pitch correction did exist before auto tune. It was just a lot more difficult. There was a piece of gear called a harmonizer, and the trick was to run the vocal from tape through the harmonizer, change the pitch by however many cents it needed, then only print the effect back into tape. This was frustratingly time consuming cuz it involved more tape being needed (expensive), so when labels were looking for artists or bands to sign, if it turned out the label would be shelling out more money for the producers to go through that process, the label likely wouldn't take that risk.
Editing also existed, and was also just as frustrating. Actually it was more so, because in order to actually edit the timing of say drums, when they were recorded they were often summed into one stereo channel that would then be printed to tape. That tape would have to be physically cut, tapped back together (scotch), and reprinted onto more tape (machine). Again, this happened, but wasn't too common due to labels not finding it worth the money/effort.
Even today though, like he kind of mentioned, editing is still just as time consuming desire it technically being easier to do. Even pitch correction. Producers and engineers often have assistants or interns at studios who they put off those tasks to. I've been there myself. Pitch correcting and editing is something that IS done on almost every song in every genre by almost every artist since the mid to late 80s. They're just done at varying degrees. People like to complain about pop music being filled with too much of it, but Heavy Metal has just as much, if not more of it.
@@OrryMaineAgree. I remember Rick Beati talking about his concerns with Auto Tune, but then he, as an aside, said he was NOT talking about pitch correction, and that has been used for a Lon time- so like I did, I think many misunderstand that.
Glad I found your channel man! As a Logic Pro X user the quality of your videos and topics are perfect
🙏🙏 love hearing that! Thanks!
@@NathanJamesLarsen do you not flex time for drums, you prefer Pro Tools or simply dragging stuff around for drums in Logic?
You are 100% right. It wasn't until I started really editing my productions that my music started being able to compete mainstream. I still have to discipline my self not to skimp on this process. I often tell those who want me to mix their music that I cannot polish a turd and to make sure they have excellent performances.
Great topic, and universal in that it is not DAW specific.
Absolutely agree! Your videos are outstanding Nathan. In the past 24 hours you've helped me immensely with several of your videos for my first production project on Logic Pro. I've heard so many times how important it is to get a great recording at the source. Two things especially resonating right now: 1) Getting arrangement right so as to support the vocal line . This song I'm working on has a lush chorus but trying to discern whether there maybe too much going on, re-thinking what is absolutely necessary 2) Editing. Editing. Editing. I hate it but I need to get better at it. : /
I’m just starting as well, how is the journey thus far? Still going at it? Anything stood out that has helped you? Thx.
Ty. Desperately in need of a quick advice. When recording sometimes I get a result in different pitch and tempo which is super strange. No snap to grid nothing, idk what that ia and google didnt help much. May be you could share your thoughts on that please? 🙏
This helps me immensely, THANK YOU! This is some of the most enlightened lessons I have ever had. Particularly the parts about making sure you don't go above -6db, and when you speak of arrangements and choosing proper sounds to begin with is very helpful. In another video you spoke of progressively adding more percussion to songs in the next upcoming verses or choruses to make the song evolve and become more interesting as it plays out. All of this is advice I am now putting into practice, so again, THANK YOU!
Love this so much- thanks for sharing that!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@@NathanJamesLarsen my pleasure man, thank YOU
I think I've seldom seen a channel that, without permanent interruptions and the great beating around the bush, factually, understandably, the subtleties of producing and mastering has brought closer. Big thanks and please keep up the good work! You are a great artist.
Dude!!!! You are the Best. The new slogan works!!!! 🎉
No, I'm not going to smash the like button and neither should you yield to peer pressure. I will instead press it gently but with conviction. Thanks for this video! I agree 100% especially with the intentionality bit
That is hilarious!! I love it. 🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏
That's awesome! Me too!
YOU are AMAZING! Thank you thank you thank you for everything you do! See you on Saturday!
Great video, thanks again bro!!!
Great videos!!! Ive been recording and producing for over 20 years and they always sounded amateur until recently. Thanx to you. Your vids very concise and true. Its much more fun to plug in and play and mix it up. But funny how the final product can never be fixed if you don't take the time and do all of the things you stress.. I wish I would have found your vids years ago. Thank you for all of your amazing advice without all the mumbo jumbo. You deserve all of your success!
The second mistake I-
Oof, I instantly remembered my first few tracks, the presets I used were so, so bad... I didn't even bother! Then again, my mixing was also crap. It's not like they're heavenly now, but at least they're decent? ...ehh I go at my own pace.
Thank you for mentioning the "peak at -6dB" thing, I'm having trouble recording my voice now that I have a good microphone
Such good advice. From a 35 year veteran E. M. I writer recording artist Hollywood records hit Factory producer artist. I can say without reservation.. Take a ear! Listen and learn.. Thanks mate. Brent /London Hutchins
Glad I'm not the only one being OCD about editing. It makes a huge difference. And I'm not above going back to performers for better takes. You just have to.
You mentioned your video on flex pitch. I was intrigued - but I don't think it ever appeared! I'd love to see it though - I need to learn it 🙂
Number 2 I'm guilty of had to learn the hard way🤣🤣Amazing videos man!!!!
Haha we are all guilty of many of these!!
Atleast we learn from them🤣😝
i remember when i first started producing my songs, i stacked all these midi tracks just cause i could. now i know it's more about how FEW tracks or sounds you need to make it sound great.
Hey Nathan, I'm new to the channel and new to recording in general. I've found your videos very helpful in understanding some of the complexities of Logic. Thanks for the help and keep up the good work!
Awesome! Super happy to hear that! Welcome to the channel fam!
Bij putting a delay reverb on the vocal you basically match it with the reverb of the piano. Balans in space inviroment. So yeah kinda mixing together
Great advice. You can't put icing on a turd... There is no substitution for a great performance. It must be melodic and played with feeling. Usually on the 1st take. Sweet Water.... yes.... my favorite for over 20 years.
Thank you so much for this video!!! It's very helpful.
You asked for suggestions: At the end of this video you briefly discussed "editing" I would love to hear more on editing possibilities (small per track editing and also entire verse/chorus manipulation). I do a lot of digital editing once the song/recording is close to complete. Quite often I/we realize a better presentation of the song would be to (ex. add a third verse, or repeat the middle 8, or extend the outro or intro, or chorus, etc)...just a suggestion :-)
Smash ... err, caress the 'like' button.
This guy gives brilliant, genuine tips. Watching him will improve your musicianship tenfold (especially if you're using Logic Pro). You might as well hit 'subscribe' while you're caressing (or smashing) that 'like' button.
Discovering Nathan was a blessing. Whether you write in the same genre, the samples he provides always illustrate the principle of the video.
Genuine songwriters emote and mumble in a pattern over harmony (Beatles-style songwriting). Nathan covers everything from silly babbling, song construction and recording to post-production.
This is *not* an endorsement. Just a grateful follower spilling his thoughts. 🎸
This is literally THE best comment I've ever seen. THANK YOU. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 you, sir, just made my day!
Thank you so much!!! I'm quite picky and spend lots of time for rhythmic editing and always felt bad about it. Now I feel good about it :-)
Seeing this in the morning before work , invaluable one. Thanks from logic user from S. Korea.
Thanks!
good sir, i'm new to this, but i think you're the guy to get started with. looking forward to the journey, cheers for the tips
I just edited vocals for the first time ever a few days ago. Always heard that youre supposed to do that, but damnnn, the difference is huge
If it sounds better, listen to the edit and learn to sing it that way.
I think you are such a damn good instructor for me, lately I’ve Started to learn producing and fortunately I can make good use of your tips in your content! I’m a fan right now!!
Thanks Rafa! Super appreciative of that!
I've been feeling really stuck about my music production, and this video really helped me! Thanks man!
Glad to hear this helped you! 😎🙏
I know it's not necessarily "safe" and good practice, but as long as your recorded audio isn't clipping but peaking at like -0.5db, is there any harm just applying gain reduction after the fact?
Great Video, thanks for all your help man!
yo man , i really appreciate your drive and the message you carry to get people out of the real life loop they themselves are stuck in ! yes i, heard this rhetoric before from friends but you my friend have resonated. just bust a track in 2.5hrs and was quite impressed with the outcome. I thank you for your wisdom sir. bless.
That second note... really need folx take that to heart... thanks for being honest its important, I have people around me who will be honest about this with my music. Appreciate this honest transparent discussion
Definitely subscribed as well!
Awesome! Thanks a bunch and yeah being surrounded by good voices is so helpeful
you should do a video for beginners in logic pro!
the transition from garageband to logic for example.
and what equipment is best for a home studio. talk about what your first home studio was like and if you had to invest any or you bought it piece by piece after time.
a lot of people wanting to produce are stopped by the financial cost of the equipment. like me for example, i have a 2019 macbook air, total price with insurance was 1800$
and now im producing on my macbook air from home instead of my local studio's imac. Btw i am now in the process of converting to logic pro, and recently found out my 1800$ mac cant handle a project on garageband so now i'll be getting a 3000$ Macbook pro. yey! more money! and thats not forgetting the cost of a plugin, mic, midi, headphones & so forth.
Doesn't sound like this is going to be your thing
the overproducing thing is what I needed to hear! I spend days on one track and as time went I felt like it started to sound bad... chances are it's the complexcity... Imma go try it now, see if I can save it by simplifying.
Great content! Cheers from Uruguay!
Can you make a video on saving a loud recording that would really help
there’s actually a lot of experimental indie folk type music that uses being somewhat out of tune, off the grid and out of time as a expressive interesting element.
you mean pretty much all of jazz, blues, gospel, soul, (old) R&B etc? :D basically any genre except for techno and modern pop/rock/hip hop :D
Fantastic video Nathan! I will take many of these things to heart and further fine tune my own process and productions.
You got this!
Really solid advices in alll your videos - better buy that editing course because that is what I totally suck at in logic.
Thanks a bunch! Editing will literally change your life
Finally found the right coach ! In my case, I have to watch myself getting lazy because I am "only writing song demos" for artists and record cos (their artists). I can do masters (I am no competition for the guys that truly master - there are not too many.) Thank you for your excellent "reminder" and also complete site about Logic!
That's awesome!! Happy to hear that the video game some aid to ya! What kind of music are you writing?
@Nathan Larsen Music I write (also over time) as a writer, rock (when it was great), pop, new country post 2018 and EDM (Trance ideas to DJS). How is the last 2 for a "combo"! LOL !! Logic ProX 10.5.1, Slate Dig, Eventide "New Fangled" stuff and an embarrassing number of other toys! Yep, got a problem! I can tell you are the real deal - musician + ! Keep up the great work in everything !
"This channel has no videos"
This is pretty cool!!, and I can tell, fixing drums it’s kind of a pain on the ass but it’s even worse to not fix them and listen to the whole thing falling apart. great video bro, as always!!
For sure! Yeah, unedited material just doesn't work.
That video is really really good! opened my eyes on the things I have to care more. I try to do everything as it comes wich means that I balance all my volumes when I create the track and every added track I manage the volume so it comes easier in the mastering process. I believe my biggest mistake is to over-layering (Love what you said; Layers must be one sound) and not necessarily have the best take at the beginning; sometimes what I do for vocal is to do a take, tune it(flex) over-take it and delete the old one. nice content mate!
to get the really good sounding sounds, i guess you need all the right plug ins? or a great microphone in a great room?
Hey Nathan, nice Videos you are doing here.Regarding to point 1.) There is a Plug In which repairs clipping. It is Part of the iZotope RX Bundle (Even in the Elements Version) is called RX8 De-Clip and does an incredible Job...
Yeah man,..just discovered your channel,....its just the best on recording,...love most the vocal processing tricks and overall advice,.....very very useful & valuable ,...your awesome
Great stuff! Usually i use professional studios but now i have to produce and mix some stuff at home. Very handy!
Nebraska yeah!!! Love these vids. Thx for taking the time to provide these tips.
Go Big Red! Absolutely! Love doing it!
Thank you so much for being so real and so informative.
Excellent video !
Stupid question ? Do you also have to edit samples ?
Absolutely great advice. For any part of the process. Thanks.
New strings scratch a lot but sound brighter. I kinda started obsessing about it. I like bright but the scratching is also more pronounced. As much as I try to play with less scratching while recording can't avoid it. Wouldn't it be weird trying to edit out the scratches when this is what real guitar sounds like? I could just filter the frequencies that scratch the most but than I will lose the punch. See, this kind of stupid questions arise. Maybe a problem that doesn't really need solving but I've been asked before if I can somehow remove the scratching.
What I'd recommend is to adjust the mic placement if you are getting too much scratching - most of that is placement of the mic. Put it more "to the side" of the bow to capture more of the natural resonance and less bow noise.
There is a time and place for more or less - sometimes I intentionally was more of that "resin" sound to add some air and whispy-ness but it just depends on the scenario
Filtering it out won't really work great cause then you lose all the presence the strings naturally have. Mic placement is gonna make the biggest difference.
You could try a De-Esser but that might not work (I haven't tried that personally but It'd be worth a shot)
You need to be really familiar with your track, i mean play and sing it for a couple of weeks to really get to know it musically, then keep your voice in fine fettle, exercises, rehearsal - getting the takes right is huge and not easy but worth the effort
Hey Nathan, long term listener first time commenter (if thats a thing) Any chance you could do a video on EQing mids, it can be quite challenging separating acoustic guitar, vocals and snare drums without overly relying on gates. Thanks and all the best
Hey hey Craig! First off - thanks for sticking around! That's awesome. Second - I can definitely do a video on EQ -- I think rather than doing just a video on "Mids" though it'd be better to really show things in more context overall. I'll put some thought into how Id like to package that so it's most valuable!
Trueee stuffs mannn!! Like your vids.
Indeed! Thanks a bunch! 😎🙌🏻
I like that you make yourself laugh and keep it in. Subscribed.
Thanks for keeping it 💯🙏 your advice is gold
All Facts!
I’m a big advocate of editing and proper transparent pitch modification. Some of this may be a little controversial like some genres simply don’t believe in some of these tried, tested and valuable rules like editing and pitch correction but, for the mainstream you nailed it Nathan! Nicely done!
100% Thanks! Yeah, the whole editing thing has gotten me into some conversations that didn't make some people happy... but... I'm not gonna lie and tell people they don't need to do it.
Good points you're bringing up for sure. It's so easy to make your song sound amateur when you fail to get it right at the source.
I had to learn that when I recorded live drums for the first time. I did not take enough time to really fine-tune everything and tinker with mic positions. The result was a recording of a drum set that sounds passable but can just never reach greatness.
I'd say regarding your last point: how much you should edit is really greatly depending on the genre of the song and the kind of sound you're going for. If you're thinking about modern "overproduced" pop music, yep, every note better be exactly on pitch and locked to the grid timing wise.
Same holds true to extreme tech metal (which I listen to a lot).
But looking over to maybe blues or stoner rock, it might actually be advantageous if things are not perfect, because they can make it sound and feel more organic and real.
first time watching your channel...love the NE rep. I use to live in Omaha for several years. Ranch Bowl Entertainment Center alumni. Keep up the great content
You're so right!! Flex Pitch is the BEST!! Love Logic Pro X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Nathan it was really great to watch your video about how to use Buses on Logic Pro.Thanks for that. Just wondering if you have any videos of making Drum Beats, step by step for example Kick , Snare, Hi Hat etc ... it would be great. And also what is exactly mean by Midi Thru ? Thanks in advance
Everything clear and well explained. 👍👍👍
Thanks for your efforts in making this video.
So glad that I found this channel, I use Ableton but still lots of useful info
Your channel is awesome. I record a totally different kind of music at home (layered guitars, no vocals) but your tips helped me a lot improving the overall sound quality.
For example different voicings of the same chord progression instead of double tracking for thickness (no. 4). No. 5, you’re totally right, I am going to try it out right away.
That video on busses was also mind blowing.
Thanks a lot!
🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥 thanks so much! Really appreciate this and super happy to hear you're finding ways to implement this into your music!
Great time to find this channel justo when I'm starting to produce mi first single
AWESOME. Thank you!!!
best producer video ever
brilliant video my friend !! I love the content !! Best wishes RodGold :)
Hey, I'm a guitarist/songwriter, and I really dig your keyboard skills. Idea: Basic Keyboard/Midi Recording for non-keyboardists. I know where all the notes are, but some basic keyboard performance tips into Logic would be awesome. Thanks for your help! (I just grabbed the Spitfire free app - and love it!)
Love the video idea!! I was thinking of making a video like that actually -- something like "Piano Basics for Producers" or something to help out the "non-piano" peeps. Thanks!! And yes, Spitfire Labs is DOPE!
@@NathanJamesLarsen Very cool - Sign me up! There was another free sample library you stumbled upon when loading Spitfire, something by the BBC. Do you have any more info about that one?
@@TyRobertsmedia Yeah the BBC Orchestra is free if you go to their website and do a survey. Takes about 2 weeks for them to send it to you but yeah totally worth it. Just google it and you'll find it quickly.
@@NathanJamesLarsen Thanks!!! I just took the survey. Looking forward to more great lessons from you
I have a basement studio. Just straight concrete walls will room curtain dividers. I have studio monitors . I love them but I also know I can't trust them fully because of the bad environment. My only option is to mix on my headphones. I have sennheiser 280 pro but I also just bought audiotechnica x40 headphones for a upgrade. My question is is there anything else I can do to improve my recording environment?
I also own a townotes captor
I am guilty.. of all of the above.
Thank you for the tips! 🙏
Absolutely! Fortunately most are pretty easy solutions.
Omg thank you for making this video
i recommend your videos to anyone that wants to learn music production!
Interesting how the best mixes were made in the 70s with zero drum editing and vocal pitching. And it had soul. Good informative videos on logic though.
there are good mixes made today tho
I was talking with a producer a while back, about how some folks “back then” just did really good takes, almost like they had automatic compression and could hover around -6db or the equivalent on analogue gear. For making something groove vs locking to a grid, John Bonham is a great example here, he didn’t play to a grid, but there is a clear pulse in his playing. A good groove is half about playing in time, the other half is applying dynamics (accents, ghost notes) to make the listener get where the 1 is in the pattern.
You are right bro. But, you must understand most of those guys were true musicians unlike many of us today who do not play actual instruments. For instance singers like Patte Labelle, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, the Gibson Brothers and many more singers from the 70s, and some in the 80s really knew how to sing not just carry a note but truly sing.
All you need today is a dope beat. a catchy hook and good marketing to make a hit. Most of the stars today would not have a chance in the 60s and 70s even the 80s. So in a way it a blessing and a curse. Today, every now and then a really good band and singer stands out
@@perrykeshahwalker5321 Thanks for explaining. I know. I am a true musician myself. The idea of quantizing good drums is like putting autotune on Patti LaBelle, it takes all the soul out. If you want to make pop, fine. I know it customary, but it makes it sound very stiff. It's a pop thing.
thanks for the conten, for tip 5: I always thought I wasn't good enough on my instruments, now I know, I just produce like a pro \o/
I was wondering. Regarding how loud one should record vocals : is it the same thing for guitar/bass or should it be recorded louder/quieter?
Target peak is -6dB for everything. If you do that you'll be totally safe
Need help with using Roland V Drums to trigger drum kit designer. Do you have instruction on this? I can get the v drum to trigger drum kit designer but have problems with output volume and clipping. I don’t use the Roland sounds but use the drum pads to trigger midi to drum kit designer.
Could you do a garage band upgrade to logic video for the guys who only just want to play guitar and play bass and use logic drums to make Simple Hard Rock songs! Sometimes maybe use the guitar to add a Cello or something! Keep it simple! Most of your videos are for people who are doing pop or New Age music it seems but I’m still learning bits and pieces but I’m having trouble with just finding it easy to do the basic Guitar recording tracks and not getting confused about all the extra tracks in the background it saves! I’m great on Garage band but logic not so much! Thanks!
Hey Nathan, first of all I want to say that this channel is a stream of knowledge, thanks bro!
5) When you talk about rhythmic editing you mean editing the drum in order to quantize it strictly to the click or rhythmically editing the rest of the instruments to the drum?
In order not to loose the groove, would it be better to record the drum first and than stick the rest of the instruments to it?
I am a drummer, but sometimes I records songs: I record the guitar, the bass, vocals and than when I play the drum I struggle to make everything sits correctly in time, of course it’s me but maybe you have some tip ;) thanks and keep up, great work man ....
Hey! So yes I mean editing the drums to the grid. Even top level drummers are edited. It doesn't drain the life out of it if the performance is really great. Rhythm isn't what "gives life" - that's more about expression and dynamics. So an amazing drum edited is still sound way better than an amateur drummer edited. Both are rhythmically accurate but they won't be the same at all in terms of how it actually sounds
@@NathanJamesLarsen thanks for your answer man, well appreciated.
Ok this might be a weird opinion but what if I like the sound of clipping on my guitar? Like I’ll have it clean and just under clipping then when I want it to distort for a second I play a bit louder
I'm a 100% WTSC Disabled Veteran, due to brain damage, I'm deaf in Left ear (except for constant ringing). Not knowing what I'm doing, I've already purchased a Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD, Zoom Q4n Handy Video Recorder, and a Zoom R8 recorder /sampler /interface /controller. I have no idea what to do with them to make a Music video for TH-cam as a legacy for my grand-daughter for viewing after I'm gone. The videos I've watched says I need stereo monitors, but everything I hear is monoaural with only one ear working (with hearing loss)... any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated... I need a plan...
Hello I have question about this :
Why do you use 1/16 notes every time and not 1/8 notes??, I see many people do this
Hey, thanks for video!
Why does flex time suck?
Hi may I ask what best daw to use in making music, I'm new here, and a new song composer...
Haha, the 4th is soo me :) Still a good video, thanks for your advices
this was really informative. thanks man!
thanks dude!
I finally slayed Flex Pitch. Oh boy, we did not agree with each other at first. I'm extra meticulous with my editing, I hope it shows in what I sent you?
Hey! I only just now saw your message cause it got sent to my secondary folder!
@@NathanJamesLarsen Thought it might have!
I'm also relatively new to home music production, but I'm a professional musician and I think the major problem is that, a lot of people that produce music at home, don't know music theory at all, or have a minimum understanding of arranging, styles, composition etc... So, the same way we all approach this kind of TH-cam channels to learn more about DAW's, plug ins, etc, I think people should also subscribe and follow music theory videos online to improve their skills....
Hey :)
I'm using FL Studio for 3 years now.
I don't know why but my vocals sounds a lot better after recording when they hit -10.4 db (peaks) in the DAW Master Track (without any effects/plugins etc.)
fit's much more in the mix.
But now i have issues because i overthink everything and have bad thoughts I got my mix wrong!
But overall i like how it sound's, It's wide, bright, smooth etc.... my songs need only the cherry on the cake (i hope u know what i mean) :D
A crystal clear Vocal !
if been sitting on it for day's but i don't get it. :( ...
Such great info thanks
Do you have a video about editing?
Have one on editing vocals - but if you want a really deep dive I've got my course for editing in the description under the video if you want.
There is a plug-in Levels that is metering plug and anyone will achieve PRO audio level with Levels. It is a box with mesurment for many scenarios and there is no problem with Levels and best thing is that it teaches you basics wich are overrun by more complex information but truth is Mixing and Mastering are simple process and biggest mistake is at the start of placing mic's / good choice of sounds as Nathan sad. So if you start good it will be good
Hey , can you pls do a tutorial on midi quantization???
Vid starts at 1:05
Nathan do you do private lessons?