Music Production Blog
Inside the Mix: Tips, Tools & Trends in Music Production
Welcome to our blog, where you can learn about various aspects of music production in-depth. Articles include information and guidance for all levels of music producer, from beginner to intermediate and advanced.
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How to Use Samples to Add Depth and Texture to Your Tracks
- Build movement in drum grooves with alternating layers and doubled hits.
- Ghost fills and tiny transient details help connect sections.
- Swing and micro-movements make a beat feel human.
- Rework sample loops to make them feel like original takes, not recycled ideas.
- Use space and stereo placement to turn static layers into dynamic moments.
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Finding Inspiration from Existing Samples
- Draw inspiration from unexpected sources—jazz, world instruments, or other genres—to break patterns.
- Use Ableton’s “Convert to MIDI” to turn loops and phrases into fresh ideas.
- Flip the role of a sample—use tonal loops rhythmically or percussive hits melodically to create new grooves.
- Resample, filter, and reshape existing layers instead of constantly adding new ones.
- Treat every sample as raw material—focus on shaping it, not its original form.
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How Layering Contrasting Synths Creates Unique Sounds
- Layering works best when synths contrast in tone, envelope, and purpose rather than competing.
- Pairing opposites—like digital leads with acoustic-style patches—adds texture without clutter.
- Clear roles make EQ easier; tools like KSHMR Essentials help shape tone with minimal processing.
- Envelopes drive movement—assign each layer a distinct place in the ADSR to keep the stack dynamic.
- Control depth through transients, tone, and stereo width; reverbs like KSHMR Reverb help place layers cleanly.
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Tips to Create More Expressive Chord Progressions by Layering Pads
- Split chord voicings across layers—one for weight, one for color—instead of stacking full chords on every pad.
- Give each layer its own envelope so they interact and create natural movement.
- Process by role, not as a group; tools like KSHMR Essentials and KSHMR Reverb help control tone and space cleanly.
- Vary voicings over time—use inversions, drop notes, or add extensions to evolve a simple loop.
- Use pads to carry low-end weight during breakdowns when kick and bass drop to keep the mix grounded.
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Using Transients In Clever Ways To Add Contrast & Punch To Your Drums
- Transients determine whether your groove hits—no sharp attack, no groove.
- Transient shaping gives more control than EQ or compression.
- Shape kick, snare, and hats first—let everything else sit back.
- For a 3D mix, control transients—sharper for closer, softer for farther, no reverb tricks needed.
- Small changes to attack or sustain (5–10%) can drastically shift the feel.
- Don’t rewrite a bad loop—five minutes of transient work can fix a dead track.
- Context is key—if it sounds good solo but not in the mix, start over.
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Essential Techniques for Writing Effective Melodic Techno Melodies
- Start with sound, not theory.
- Stick to one key and keep it simple.
- Build melodies around rhythm, not pitch.
- Use space to shape phrasing.
- Let modulation drive movement.
- Keep percussion minimal and supportive.
- Arrange in phases, not sections.
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7 Creative Ways To Use Reverb To Make Your Music Come Alive
- Creative sidechaining.
- Beyond the basic reverse reverb tricks.
- Using reverb’s pitch to your advantage.
- Gating and removing reverb bleed.
- Getting the most from pre-delay.
- Treating reverb like an instrument.
- Processing your reverb to define “your sound”.
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Five Ways Templates Teach You To Be A Better Producer And Artist
- Why seeing and hearing professional structures is a game changer
- How to pull off better automation
- When to use repetition vs variation
- Demystifying processing chains
- Conquering blank canvas syndrome
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Seven Mistakes Professional Producers Never Make When Using Samples
- Approach sample selection to find the perfect fit.
- Context matters more than content.
- Practicality beats complexity.
- Avoid over-processing your loops.
- Keep only the best parts of a loop.
- Intention is key.
- Above all, trust your taste.
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How To Identify The Right Sample For Your Songs (…And Avoid Wasting Time On The Wrong Sounds)
- Stop searching for the “perfect” sample—pick the right one for your track.
- Judge samples quickly by transient, body, and vibe, not how they sound solo.
- Understand how each sample either moves the track forward or holds it back.
- Fix good samples with EQ, transient shaping, and layering—not by endless searching.
- Use reference tracks to refine your ear for sample choice and cohesion.
- Treat imperfect samples as raw material—layer, contrast, and pitch shift to fit.
- Intentional sample selection separates professional sound from luck.
