Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: recording
Udio 1.5 Update: A New Era in Music Production
A revolution is happening in the world of music production tools. Udio has been updated to version 1.5, introducing amazing new features. This update greatly expands the possibilities of music production. Let’s take a look at the main changes.
1. Stem Download Feature
The most notable new feature is stem downloading. Users can now download four individual stems: drums, bass, top melody, and vocals. This is significantly superior compared to the competitor Suno, which can only separate instruments and vocals.
2. Enhanced Remix Function
The Remix function can now be used on tracks longer than 32 seconds. Additionally, users can freely adjust parameters to set the similarity level with the original song. This greatly expands creative possibilities.
3. General Access to Udio-130
Previously, Standard plan users could only generate 32-second clips. With this update, Udio-130 (generating 130-second clips) is now available to all users. This makes it easier to create longer musical pieces.
4. Clarity Editing Function
The newly added Clarity editing function allows for adjustment of sound separation. This makes it possible to intentionally create effects reminiscent of old recordings or, conversely, produce modern, clear sounds.
5. Improved Sound Quality
Overall sound quality has improved, addressing issues like the “crushed snare drum” sound characteristic of previous Udio versions. This allows for more natural and high-quality music production.
6. Generation Quality Experimentation
Lastly, there’s an interesting point regarding Generation Quality settings. The highest “Ultra” setting isn’t always optimal; sometimes “Good” or even lower settings may yield better results. This was discussed on Reddit before version 1.5 and seems to remain true in this update.
Experimenting with combinations of Clarity and Generation Quality settings allows for exploration of various timbres and textures.
Conclusion
The Udio 1.5 update brings new possibilities to the world of music production. With features like stem downloading, enhanced Remix function, longer clip generation, and Clarity editing, it’s packed with attractive features for creators. Combined with improved sound quality, Udio has solidified its position as a music production tool.
How to Create 90s Hip-Hop Sound
The sound of 90s hip-hop continues to captivate many producers and listeners even today. One of its charms is the raw and groovy drum sound. This article will explain the key points for recreating this sound.
(more…)Choosing Drum Samples in Beatmaking: Comparing Drum Libraries, Vinyl Samples, and Drum Breaks
Selecting drum sounds is a crucial element in music production. Understanding the characteristics of each type can lead to more effective beat creation.
Drum Libraries (Drum Kits)
Advantages:
- Diversity: Obtain various types of drum sounds in one package
- Consistency: Sounds within the same kit are harmonious with each other
- Customizability: Ability to adjust each part individually
- Ease of use: Often integrated into DAWs, making operation simple
- Tuning: Usually pre-tuned and ready for immediate use
Disadvantages:
- Memory consumption: Large libraries can consume computer resources
- Excessive options: Too many choices may hinder creativity
- Lack of uniqueness: Many producers may use the same libraries
- Uniformity in tuning: Pre-tuned nature may require additional work to create unique tones
Vinyl Drum Samples
Advantages:
- Unique tones: Obtain analog-specific warmth and distortion
- Authentic atmosphere: Suitable for recreating older music genres
- Creative possibilities: Utilize techniques like sampling and chopping
- Tuning diversity: May include tuning from various eras and musical styles
Disadvantages:
- Limited sound quality: May lack clarity compared to digital recordings
- Difficulty in processing: Editing can be challenging depending on the original recording condition
- Copyright issues: Attention to rights is necessary when using
- Tuning uncertainty: Original recording’s tuning may be unclear or unstable
Drum Breaks
Advantages:
- Instant atmosphere: Ready-to-use rhythmic patterns with groove
- Historical value: Incorporate the appeal of famous songs by using their breaks
- Layering possibilities: Create unique sounds by combining with other elements
- Natural tuning: Expect natural tuning as they are taken from actual performances
Disadvantages:
- Lack of originality: Using as-is may result in a lack of uniqueness
- Legal risks: Using uncleared samples may cause issues
- Limited flexibility: Possibility of being constrained by existing patterns
- Fixed tuning: Changing the tuning of the original recording can be difficult
Summary
From a tuning perspective, drum libraries are generally easy to use and ready for immediate use, but may require additional work to achieve uniqueness.
Vinyl drum samples may include diverse tuning, but this can also lead to uncertainty.
Drum breaks can be expected to have natural tuning, but changing it might be challenging.
Understanding these characteristics and making appropriate choices or combinations based on the requirements of the music can lead to more effective and appealing beat creation.
Do Phase Issues Occur in Stereo or Mono?
Do Phase Issues Occur in Stereo or Mono?
Phase issues can occur in both stereo and mono, but their manifestation and impact differ. Below is a detailed explanation of phase issues in both scenarios.
Phase Issues in Mono
Even in mono (single channel), phase issues can occur.
Situations where it occurs:
- Recording with multiple microphones
- Combining signals with different processing applied to the same sound source
- Use of effect processing (especially delay and reverb)
Impact:
- Cancellation of specific frequencies (comb filter effect)
- Thinness or hollowness in sound
- Overall decrease in volume
Phase Issues in Stereo
In stereo (2 channels), in addition to mono problems, phase issues can also occur between left and right channels.
Situations where it occurs:
- Improper use of stereo miking techniques
- Excessive use of stereo effects
- Time or phase differences between left and right channels
Impact:
- Distortion of stereo image
- Reduced mono compatibility
- Imbalance in specific frequencies between left and right
- Unnatural sound localization in surround systems
Stereo-Specific Issues
Mono Compatibility
When converting a stereo mix to mono, phase issues between left and right channels can become prominent.
Example:
If left and right channels are completely out of phase, the sound may completely disappear when converted to mono.
Countermeasures:
- Proper microphone placement
- Use of phase alignment tools
- Checking mono compatibility
- Careful use of stereo effects
- Utilization of M/S (Mid/Side) processing techniques
While phase issues occur in both mono and stereo, they can cause more complex problems in stereo. In music production and audio engineering, it’s important to consider both cases and apply appropriate processing and verification.
How Many People Can Continue with Beatmaking?
Many people start beatmaking, but few can continue it long-term. However, there are many benefits to continuing with beatmaking.
5 Benefits of Continuing with Beatmaking
Increased Access and Revenue
By continuously creating and publishing beats, the number of views gradually increases, expanding the chances for monetization. An increase in views indicates that your work is being recognized and appreciated by many people. This leads to more opportunities for selling beats and providing licenses, resulting in revenue generation. Moreover, an increase in views enhances your brand value, potentially becoming a larger revenue source in the future.
Developing Research Skills
Through continuing beatmaking, you develop the habit of constantly researching music trends and technical information. The music industry is always changing, with new genres and styles emerging. By understanding these trends and incorporating them into your work, you can create beats that are in line with the times. Additionally, by researching technical information related to beatmaking, you can acquire new techniques and tools, improving the quality of your work.
Improving Beatmaking Skills
Through continuous production, your beatmaking skills improve, enabling you to create higher quality works. Beatmaking requires a wide range of skills, including music theory, audio engineering, and creativity. These skills are honed through the process of actually creating works. By continuously producing, you can understand your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, by trying new techniques and tools, you can expand your range of expression and create more original works.
Networking Opportunities through Beatmaking
Through social media, you can connect with other beatmakers, exchange information, and build cooperative relationships. Beatmaking is a solitary task, but by connecting with other beatmakers, you can be inspired and receive advice. On social media, you can publish your work and receive feedback. Additionally, by listening to the works of other beatmakers, you can learn new ideas and techniques. Furthermore, through collaboration, you can create new works and improve each other’s skills.
Learning through Outputting
By publishing your created works, you can receive feedback, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and deepen your learning. Publishing your work is extremely important for your growth. Through feedback from listeners, you can learn the good points and areas for improvement in your work. Moreover, advice from other beatmakers provides opportunities to learn new perspectives and techniques. By accepting feedback and identifying areas for improvement, you can enhance the quality of your work. Furthermore, by continuously publishing your work, you can reflect on your growth process and realize the effects of learning.
8 Reasons Why Beatmaking Doesn’t Continue and How to Deal with Them
Not Setting Goals
It’s important to set clear goals and work towards achieving them in a planned manner. By setting goals, the direction of your beatmaking becomes clear, making it easier to maintain motivation. Set short-term and long-term goals, and plan the necessary actions to achieve each goal. It’s crucial to make goals specific and measurable. For example, setting a concrete goal like “create 5 beats in 1 month” makes it easier to track progress. Additionally, by breaking down the process of achieving the goal into smaller steps, you can make steady progress while gaining a sense of accomplishment.
Running Out of Ideas
Develop the habit of constantly exploring new sound sources and techniques to gain inspiration. When continuing beatmaking, there may be times when you struggle with running out of ideas. In such cases, you can gain inspiration by exploring new sound sources and techniques. Listening to music is an important method for gaining new ideas. Listen to music from various genres and try incorporating the inspiration you gain into your own works. Also, by referring to books and videos related to beatmaking, you can learn new techniques. Furthermore, by paying attention to various sounds in daily life, such as nature sounds and the bustle of the city, new ideas may be born.
Not Having Time for Beatmaking
Review your priorities and try to secure time for beatmaking. In daily life, it’s not easy to secure time for beatmaking. You may be caught up in work, studies, household chores, and find it difficult to make time. In such cases, review your priorities and try to secure time for beatmaking. First, review your daily schedule and look for time that can be allocated to beatmaking. For example, utilizing commute time or break time is one method. Also, by making beatmaking a habit, it becomes easier to naturally secure time. By conducting beatmaking at a set time every day, you can establish it as part of your life rhythm.
Comparing Yourself to Other Beatmakers
Focus on growing at your own pace and refrain from comparing yourself to others. When continuing beatmaking, there may be times when you listen to the works of other beatmakers and compare them to your own. Especially when compared to the works of experienced beatmakers, you may feel that your own works are inferior. However, being too caught up in comparisons with others can hinder your own growth. What’s important is growing at your own pace. While it’s important to learn from the works of others, use them only as a reference and cherish your own individuality. By leveraging your strengths and improving your weaknesses, you can steadily grow.
Not Generating Revenue
View monetization as a long-term goal and focus on improving the quality of your own works first. When you’ve just started beatmaking, there may be times when revenue doesn’t increase. However, it’s important to view monetization as a long-term goal and work on it without rushing. First, focus on improving the quality of your own works. By creating high-quality works, listener ratings will increase, gradually expanding opportunities for monetization. Also, it’s important to increase recognition through information dissemination on social media and collaborations with other beatmakers. By enhancing your brand value, you can lead to future monetization.
Low View Counts
Let’s increase recognition through information dissemination on social media and collaborations with other beatmakers. When you’ve just started beatmaking, view counts may be low. However, to increase view counts, active information dissemination is necessary. Utilize social media to publish your works and communicate with listeners. Also, by collaborating with other beatmakers, you can share each other’s listeners and increase recognition. Furthermore, by starting a blog or YouTube channel related to beatmaking, you can share your knowledge and experiences, deepening relationships with listeners. By continuing steady information dissemination, view counts will gradually increase.
Easily Giving Up
It’s important to make beatmaking a habit and establish it as part of your daily life. When you’ve just started beatmaking, there may be times when you feel like giving up. Especially when you don’t see the results you want, you may feel like easily quitting. However, by making beatmaking a habit and establishing it as part of your daily life, you can prevent giving up. By conducting beatmaking at a set time every day, you can naturally continue. Also, it’s important to set small goals and make progress while gaining a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, by connecting with other beatmakers, you can maintain motivation. By friendly rivalry, you can mutually improve each other.
Not Feeling Like Creating
Let’s devise ways to maintain motivation, such as creating an environment to gain inspiration and setting small goals. When continuing beatmaking, there may be times when you don’t feel like creating. In such cases, creating an environment to gain inspiration is important. By working in a place where you can concentrate, ideas can come more easily. Also, by listening to your favorite music or spending time in nature, new ideas may be born. Furthermore, by setting small goals, you can maintain motivation. For example, by setting a small goal like “create one drum pattern today,” you can make progress while gaining a sense of accomplishment. Also, by referring to the works of other beatmakers, you can gain new ideas. However, rather than copying the works of others, use them only as a reference.
3 Methods of Habituation to Solve “Not Continuing with Beatmaking”
Backward Planning
By working backward from the final goal and clarifying the path to achievement, it becomes easier to maintain motivation. Backward planning is a method of setting the final goal and then working backward to identify the necessary actions. First, let’s clarify the final goal you should aim for. For example, set a specific goal such as “achieve a monthly income of 100,000 yen from beatmaking in one year.” Next, work backward to identify the actions necessary to achieve that goal. To achieve a monthly income of 100,000 yen, consider how many works need to be produced and sold, and how much time needs to be secured for that. Identify specific actions. Furthermore, clarify the skills and knowledge necessary to execute those actions and make a plan to acquire them. By planning actions in this way, working backward from the final goal, the path to goal achievement becomes clear, making it easier to maintain motivation.
Habit Leverage
By incorporating new habits into existing habits, beatmaking can be easily incorporated into daily life. Habit leverage is a method of establishing new habits by utilizing existing habits. For example, if you have a habit of drinking coffee every morning, you can incorporate beatmaking into that habit. Make it a habit to do beatmaking for 30 minutes while drinking coffee. By incorporating new habits into existing habits, you can establish new habits without difficulty. Also, by associating existing habits with new habits, you can lower the hurdle for habituation. For example, if you have a habit of going to the gym, make it a habit to do beatmaking before or after going to the gym. In this way, by utilizing existing habits, you can easily incorporate new habits into your daily life.
Action Design Sheet
By concretely designing actions for goal achievement and repeating the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement, habituation can be promoted. The action design sheet is a method of concretely designing actions for goal achievement and repeating the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement. First, identify the actions necessary for goal achievement and prioritize them. Next, set triggers for executing those actions. Triggers are events or timings that serve as cues to start actions. For example, by setting a specific trigger such as “do beatmaking for 30 minutes after breakfast,” it becomes easier to start the action. Also, after executing the action, evaluate the results and identify areas for improvement. When evaluating, it’s important to utilize objective data. For example, by recording specific data such as “I did beatmaking for 3 days this week,” you can grasp the progress of habituation. Furthermore, by identifying areas for improvement and reflecting them in the next action, you can continue the cycle of habituation. In this way, by utilizing the action design sheet, you can concretely design actions for goal achievement and repeat the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement. This promotes habituation and brings you closer to achieving your goals.
By combining the above three methods, you can make beatmaking a habit and continue it consistently. By clarifying the path to goal achievement through backward planning, easily incorporating it into daily life through habit leverage, and repeating the cycle of execution, evaluation, and improvement through the action design sheet, you can continue beatmaking consistently. However, these methods are just examples, and it’s important to find a method that suits you. Let’s find a habituation method that works for us while repeating trial and error.
It’s recommended to continue beatmaking management for a long time
By continuing beatmaking long-term, you can enjoy many benefits such as skill improvement, monetization, and expansion of personal connections. To continue without giving up along the way, clear goal setting, habituation, and maintaining motivation are key.
Summary
Many people start beatmaking, but few continue it for a long time. However, there are many benefits to continuing beatmaking. To continue without giving up along the way, goal setting, habituation, and maintaining motivation are important. By utilizing methods such as backward planning, habit leverage, and action design sheets, and continuing beatmaking long-term, let’s realize skill improvement and monetization.
How to Make AI Beatmaking a Daily Habit
The advancement of AI has brought significant changes to the world of music production. Particularly in the field of beatmaking, utilizing AI has made efficient and creative production possible. Here, we introduce ways to make AI beatmaking a daily habit.
1. Choose the right AI beatmaking tool
First, choose an AI beatmaking tool that suits your needs. Currently, many AI beatmakers are available. Compare factors such as ease of use, features, and price to find the tool that’s best for you.
2. Set daily goals
To establish a daily habit, it’s important to set daily goals. For example, create one beat per day, or spend 30 minutes making beats using AI. Set goals that work for you.
3. Find inspiration
When creating beats with AI, it’s crucial to expose yourself to various genres and music to gain inspiration. Listen to your favorite artists’ songs or challenge yourself with new genres to stimulate your creativity.
4. Enjoy experimentation and exploration
The essence of AI beatmaking lies in experimentation and exploration. Instead of using the beats generated by AI as is, add your own arrangements or try new combinations to create unique beats.
5. Get feedback
It’s also important to share the beats you create with friends or communities to get feedback. Listening to others’ opinions can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, leading to further growth.By utilizing AI, it’s entirely possible to make beatmaking a daily habit. By choosing the right tools, setting goals, finding inspiration, enjoying experimentation and exploration, and getting feedback, you too can immerse yourself in the world of AI beatmaking. So, why not start AI beatmaking today?
The Rise of Generative AI Tools: Demo Singers Are No Longer Needed in Music Recording
The music industry has always evolved with technological advancements. Recently, generative AI tools like Suno and Udio have gained significant attention. These tools have the potential to drastically simplify and streamline the music production process. As a result, the role of demo singers (also known as scratch vocalists) has become redundant. In this article, we will explore why this is the case.
The Evolution of Generative AI Tools
Generative AI tools utilize artificial intelligence to create music and vocals. Suno and Udio are prime examples, offering features such as:
- Automated Composition: AI generates melodies and chord progressions.
- Voice Synthesis: AI mimics human voices to perform singing.
- Real-Time Editing: Allows for real-time music editing and adjustments.
These tools support the entire music production process, from the initial stages to the final product, significantly reducing the workload for producers and composers.
The Changing Role of Demo Singers
Traditionally, demo singers played a crucial role in the early stages of music production by recording demo tracks. However, with the advent of generative AI tools, this role has undergone a significant transformation. Here are the reasons why demo singers are no longer necessary:
- Cost Reduction: Hiring demo singers is no longer required, allowing budgets to be allocated elsewhere.
- Time Efficiency: Creating demo tracks can be done quickly, drastically shortening production schedules.
- Flexibility: Various styles and vocal qualities can be easily experimented with, increasing creative freedom.
Benefits of Generative AI Tools
The advantages of generative AI tools are numerous:
- High-Quality Voice Synthesis: AI can replicate human voices with remarkable realism.
- 24/7 Availability: AI can work around the clock, enabling music production anytime, anywhere.
- Consistency: AI provides consistent performance, eliminating quality variations.
The Future of Demo Singers
With the rise of generative AI tools, the role of demo singers has significantly changed. In the future, demo singers may take on new roles such as:
- Providing Training Data for AI: Using their voices as training data for AI models.
- Creative Direction: Offering feedback and direction on AI-generated music.
- Live Performances: Excelling in live performance areas where AI still falls short.
Conclusion
The rise of generative AI tools has rendered the role of demo singers in music recording obsolete. AI offers high-quality voice synthesis, cost savings, time efficiency, and increased flexibility. Demo singers will need to find new roles to maintain their presence in the music industry. Embracing technological advancements while adapting to new roles will lead to further growth and innovation in the music industry.
How Struggling Rappers Can Succeed: Creating Unique Tracks with Generative AI
The music industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging all the time. Among these, generative AI (artificial intelligence) is particularly noteworthy. By leveraging generative AI, even struggling rappers can create unique tracks and expand their opportunities. This article will delve into how tools like Suno and Udio can be used to craft original songs and pave the way to success.
1. What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to technology that uses artificial intelligence to create new content. In the realm of music, it can generate melodies, beats, and lyrics automatically. This provides artists with a powerful tool to bring their ideas to life.
2. Introduction to Suno and Udio
Suno
Suno is a music-generating AI that excels in creating professional-quality beats and lyrics. Users can easily generate high-quality beats and lyrics with minimal effort, saving significant time and energy. It is particularly effective in the rap and hip-hop genres.
Udio
Udio is another AI tool capable of generating professional beats and lyrics. It supports rappers in creating beats and lyrics that match their style. With Udio, even when inspiration is lacking, high-quality beats and lyrics can be generated quickly.
3. Steps to Creating Music with Generative AI
Step 1: Discovering Ideas
First, clarify what kind of song you want to create. Consider the theme, message, and style of the beat. At this stage, it can be helpful to reference other artists’ songs.
Step 2: Generating Beats
Next, use Suno or Udio to generate beats. These tools have intuitive interfaces that are easy to use, even for beginners. Adjust the tempo and mood of the beat to match your style.
Step 3: Generating Lyrics
Once the beat is ready, use Suno or Udio to generate lyrics. By inputting themes or keywords, these AIs can suggest lyrics based on your input. Fine-tune the generated lyrics to align with your style, adding originality.
Step 4: Recording and Editing
With the beat and lyrics in place, the next step is recording. Here, you have three options: recording your own voice, having the AI sing, or recreating the AI-generated vocals yourself.
- Recording Your Own Voice:
Set up a simple home recording environment with a microphone and audio interface. After recording, use a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to edit and enhance the sound quality. - Having the AI Sing:
Use AI vocal generation tools to have the AI sing your lyrics. This allows for professional-quality vocals to be generated quickly. - Recreating AI-Generated Vocals:
First, have the AI sing the lyrics, then use the AI-generated vocals as a reference to record your own version. This method allows you to maintain originality while achieving high-quality vocals.
4. Benefits of Using Generative AI
Saving Time and Costs
Using generative AI eliminates the need to create beats and lyrics from scratch, saving significant time and costs.
Enhancing Creativity
AI-generated ideas can sometimes be innovative and unexpected, allowing you to experiment with new styles and approaches, thereby enhancing creativity.
Professional Quality
Generative AI can produce professional-quality beats and lyrics, enabling even beginners to create high-quality tracks.
5. Promotion Strategies Using Generative AI
Leveraging Social Media
Share the tracks created with generative AI on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to spread your music.
Collaboration
Collaborate with other artists to reach a wider audience. Generative AI allows for quick creation of tracks, facilitating collaboration.
Live Performances
Performing the tracks created with generative AI live can deepen connections with fans. Combining live performances with online promotion can effectively spread your music.
6. Conclusion
By leveraging generative AI, struggling rappers can create unique tracks and expand their opportunities. Tools like Suno and Udio allow for the creation of professional-quality music while saving time and costs. Additionally, social media, collaborations, and live performances can help spread your music. Utilize generative AI effectively and aim for success in the music industry.
- Recording Your Own Voice:
How can I create unique beats when using AI for beatmaking?
When using AI for beatmaking, consider the following points to create unique and personalized beats:
1. Customize the settings of AI tools
- Fine-tune the parameters of the AI tools you use to create sounds that suit your preferences.
- Don’t just use presets as they are; it’s important to add your own arrangements.
2. Combine other sound sources and samples
- Try adding your own recorded sound sources or samples to the beats generated by AI.
- Incorporating live performances or field recordings can help you achieve originality.
3. Experiment with editing and effects
- Further process the AI-created beats with editing and effects.
- Utilize filters, distortion, reverb, and other techniques to achieve a unique sound.
4. Focus on creating your own arrangements
- While using AI-generated beats as a base, decide on the overall arrangement yourself.
- You can showcase your individuality through the way you develop the song and incorporate breaks.
5. Value your inspiration
- AI is just a tool. Cherish your own sensibilities and ideas.
- While being influenced by other artists, it’s important to pursue your own expression.
The key to creating unique beats with AI is to utilize the technology while maintaining your own style. Experiment and create works that overflow with originality!
[Beatmaker] When sending a stem file to a rapper, should I remove the effects applied to each track and the master track, or should I leave the effects on?
I’m a beatmaker. When sending a stem file to a rapper, should I remove the effects applied to each track and the master track, or should I leave the effects on?
When sending stem files to a rapper as a beatmaker, here’s a general approach to handling effects on individual tracks and the master track:
Effects on Individual Tracks
- Generally, it’s recommended to keep the effects on individual tracks intact.
- These effects are essential elements that make up the sound of your beat and showcase your production skills.
- However, consider reducing or removing effects that might interfere with vocal recording, such as reverb or delay.
Effects on the Master Track
- It’s usually preferable to remove or minimize effects on the master track.
- Since the mastering stage will involve applying effects again, there’s no need for master track effects at the stem file stage.
- Discuss the handling of master track effects with the rapper through communication.
Communication with the Rapper
- When sending stem files, it’s advisable to discuss the treatment of effects on individual tracks and the master track with the rapper beforehand.
- The rapper’s recording environment and mixing approach may influence how effects should be handled.
- Respect each other’s opinions and collaborate to enhance the quality of the final product.
In conclusion, it’s common practice to keep effects on individual tracks and remove or minimize effects on the master track. However, it’s crucial to be flexible and adapt based on communication with the rapper.