Spring 2009
It's Under ControlFrom compact units that can slip into a laptop case to consoles that resemble professional studio mixers, control surfaces are making computeraudio productions more of a hands-on experience than ever before.
The Lowdown On Getting Down LowThe ability to create the ideal bass balance is an essential studio skill; these tips should help achieve a healthy bottom line.
The art and craft of Adam SchlesingerAdam Schlesinger is one of those rare musicians who can thrive in different musical environments while maintaining the stylistic integrity of each one.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Winter 2009
Pre-SchoolPreamps, which boost the signal of microphones so they can work with mixers and audio interfaces, can be the most important gear in your studio.
Phone HomeHeadphones come in more varieties and offer better performance than ever before.
The art and craft of Stephen SchwartzEqually adept as a lyricist and composer, Stephen Schwartz has enjoyed one of the most prolific and honored careers in history of modern musical theater.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear For Songwriters and Producers
Fall 2008
Technology Pitches InThe latest pitch manipulation tools sound more natural—and offer more creative possibilities than ever before.
Convert!Choosing the right tools to bring analog audio to the digital realm—and vice versa—can make a major difference in the quality of your recording.
The art and craft of Billy SteinbergThe world was a much different place when mega-songsmith Billy Steinberg secured his first major cut, Linda Ronstadt's "How Do I Make You," in 1980.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Summer 2008
Get into the LoopLoop production has been a mainstay for electronic, dance and soundtrack music for years, but new tools make it more appealing to songwriters than ever before.
Surround for SongwritersSurround sound may be a specialty format for album production, but it’s become the norm for film and TV. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your mixes for the screen.
The art and craft of... Lori McKennaMost aspiring artists begin pounding the pavement as teens—but not country-based singer and songwriter Lori McKenna, who took a decidedly different route.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Spring 2008
A "Logical" Approach To Mobile Music CreationFast notebook computers, portable interfaces, and powerful software such as Apple's Logic Pro 8 let songwriters and producers create music, anytime, anywhere.
Mastering BasicsThe final stage of the production process can be critical.
The art and craft of... Rodney CrowellAfter working in Emmylou Harris's celebrated Hot Band for much of the 1970s, Texas-born songwriter Rodney Crowell began cranking out the hits for the likes of the Oak Ridge Boys, Willie Nelson and ex-wife Rosanne Cash, while waiting patiently for his own solo career to take flight.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Fall 2007
License To EarnPump Audio puts music licensing in composers' hands
Monitoring BasicsA well-chosen and set up monitoring system is critical in delivering mixes that will sound good outside the friendly confines of your studio.
The art and craft of… Jimmy JamAfter several fruitful years working with Prince during the early part of the '80s, R&B songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis made the decision to strike out on their own.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers
Summer 2007
SCORING SOFTWARENotion Music releases a version 2.0.
TIPS FOR THE MIXMixing is more about the ears than the gear.
THE ART AND CRAFT OF... AIMEE MANNAfter struggling with major labels, Aimee Mann to the indie route to success.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers.
Spring 2007
A SOFT SYNTH STEPS OUTCakewalk adds a new "Dimension" to the desktop studio.
SOUND BYTESNew and Noteworthy Gear for Songwriters and Producers.
SIX STRING MAGICPro tips for recording guitars.
THE ART AND CRAFT OF... DESMOND CHILDDesmond Child is a hit machine. He's written or co-written successfully with a diverse array of artists, including Kiss, Ricky Martin, Joan Jett, Aerosmith, Hall and Oates, Iggy Pop, the Baha Men, Clay Aiken and many others.