Exploring the ARP 2600: micro adjustments as expression
Korg ARP 2600 FS – expression through Fine Tune, ADSR, Filter Introduction Last year, I made a significant addition to our…
Intellijel Plonk – sample pack
Intellijel’s Plonk is a physical modeling percussion synthesizer for eurorack format. It’s made in partnership with Applied…
Building the Google Nsynth Super
Sometimes we need "development projects" for our staff (that's a self-employed code word for self). When Google announced the Nsynth Super,…
Modular Synth workstation. The music and sound sandbox
New tools for the studio... This setup is always a work in progress, but the potential for generating interesting music and sound design…
Octatrack Tutorial – bookmark post
The most important reading for OT starts is the manual. The next most referenced document is Merlin's Guide, a user perspective and review…
Midi PPQ Note Chart
Sequencing music can require some math... and I'm NOT the greatest math person. I made this MIDI PPQ Note Chart to help quickly reference…
Video Codecs – encoding video for scoring or audio post
There are many different codecs for video encoding, and not all codecs are equally good at all things. The difference is task. Do you need…
How to Quantize Automation in Cubase
Cubase has great automation features and a solid quantization scheme in general (midi, audio, event snapping, etc). But... It's odd that…
1m1 – cue numbers and names for music in film
If you've seen printed music scores from films, you'll probably ask yourself "what does 1m1 mean?" or some similar question. It's common…
When NOT to use a Shotgun Mic
The more production work I do, the more I encounter default or singular usage of shotgun mics. These are fantastic tools for video…
The beautiful and strange Hammer Dulcimer
I think this is going to be a fun addition to the palette of timbres. The hammer dulcimer is a beautiful instrument favored in folk…
MIDI Continuous Controllers – reference chart
If you ever use MIDI, you’ll want to master the use of continuous controllers. Here’s a reference chart for the standard CC…
Cubase Tips: Custom quanitze presets
Talking about Cubase tips and quantizing MIDI made me aware the concept of "create your own groove" wasn't well known. Basically, you can…
Music Copyrights – basic facts and fiction
Recently I've encountered fellow artisans who casually mention the need for "copyrighting their material" before feeling safe. It's…
Chord of the Day – Maj9 closed voice
I found this chord in an arrangement from William Leavitt's "Modern Method for Guitar - Vol 3" on pg11. Cool arrangement. Awesome chord.
Caged Kalimba – experimental music for prepared piano and kalimba
SoundsLikeJoe · Caged Kalimba This is a piece written for a piano prepared in the John Cage method and a six-octave kalimba. I don't think…
OMF and AAF – Help for Video Producers
Great video is two parts; great visuals and great sounds. The way to make good production audio even better is to transfer your project out…
Practicing Chords – Christmas Style
Practicing chords as part of your practice routine is important. You're missing out if all you do is work on scales, improvisation, and…
ASCAP Plus Award recipient
My member services rep at ASCAP suggested I apply for the Plus Award for Film and TV projects I scored in 2011. I'm glad to say that I…
Temp Cues and Process
Right now I'm scoring a feature documentary. Enter the temp cues! Temporary music is a complex part of the scoring process and, as Ken…
MTA Awards
Last summer's production of Macbeth was a major success with 15 nominations at the Metrolina Theater Association's award ceremony. I'm…