Production techniques
Understand production through purpose, sound and practical listening cues.
Dynamics and movement
3 techniquesAutomation
To shape transitions, emphasize detail and give static electronic sounds a sense of performance.
Dynamics and movement
Compression
To stabilize level, bring a part forward, shape drum attack or create audible pumping.
Dynamics and movement
Sidechain
To clear space for a kick drum or create a rhythmic pumping effect.
Dynamics and movement
Space and time
4 techniquesDelay
To create space, rhythm, width and repeated echoes.
Space and time
Looping
To establish rhythm and structure while progression comes from adding, removing or transforming layers.
Space and time
Reverb
To establish distance and atmosphere or place separately recorded parts in a shared environment.
Space and time
Stereo Imaging
To separate crowded parts, create immersion and keep central vocals, kicks and bass stable.
Space and time
Tone and texture
4 techniquesDistortion
To increase density, aggression and sustain or transform an ordinary source into new material.
Tone and texture
EQ
To correct tone, make space between parts or create filtered telephone- and radio-like colours.
Tone and texture
Saturation
To add harmonics, density and cohesion more subtly than obvious distortion.
Tone and texture
Subtractive Synthesis
To design basses, pads, leads and percussive sounds efficiently.
Tone and texture
Voice and pitch
3 techniquesDouble Tracking
To add width and thickness while retaining natural differences between takes.
Voice and pitch
Pitch Correction
To correct small deviations or, at fast settings, create a stepped electronic vocal effect.
Voice and pitch
Vocal Harmony
To emphasize a section, widen emotion and create space through divided vocal roles.
Voice and pitch
Construction and rhythm
3 techniquesDrum Programming
To control rhythm, timbre and repetition precisely, or deliberately move events off the grid for swing.
Construction and rhythm
Layering
To add weight, dynamic depth or several textures to one musical role.
Construction and rhythm
Sampling
To build new rhythm, cite an earlier context or turn a recording into a new playable instrument.
Construction and rhythm