Tutorial request

[RobertAllan]

Hey. I started recording with Mixcraft and baught mixcraft 6 this summer.
I know that the software is mostly targeted and perfected? towards "loop" based music.
However i am one of those who uses Mixcraft to record myself playing actual instruments
and vocals etc with the occational midi instrument if needed.

I originally fell in love with mixcraft because the actual recording process was very easy to understand
and just get done. I have realized that i have alot to learn with regards to mixing and mastering
and also to work with drums (as i dont have a drum kit i usually start with a loop and re-record similar with my midi keyboard later for the more authentic feel.

I have been browsing for tutorials and tips on how to record and mix and master what you record,
and from mixcraft i can only find tutorials on recording/mixing vocals and thats about it as far as real instruments..
I would love if someone who makes music in a genre based on actual instrument recordings
(Pop, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, metal etc..) would go about the process and teach people like
me a thing or two as to how to approach mixcraft as a recording/mixing software from writing a song,
recording to in the end a professional sounding master..

I dont know if this makes sense, but nomatter how i record, play around i feel like i dont get the professional sound from my recordings (and its not my gear, more about mixing,timing etc..)

Can anything like that be done?



RobertAllan

[Acoustica Greg]

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestion!

There are lots of people doing what you're doing on this user forum,. You might want to browse through this topic: Mixing and mastering 101: a collection of helpful links.

We also have the Mixcraft Master Class DVD for sale.

Greg

[Mark Bliss]

Exactly the two recommendations I was going to start with!

I am not sure I understand where people get the impression Mixcraft is primarily a loop based tool..... is it the library? I tried a few and felt it was the best recordist DAW toolset I could find for the price.

[RobertAllan]

Thanks for answering and for the links.
@mbliss. I dont know why others feel that way or think that,
but i have based it on these 3 things

a) the library
b) the fact that if you search "mixcraft" on youtube etc..
99,9% of your hit will be songs people made with nothing but loops from
the library with effects and arrangements
c) Every tutorial ive seen apart from one on recording vocals has been either
using the loops as examples or about how to work/edit/mix/trim/add fx to loops..

I know there are tons of tutorials on everything i need to learn more about,
what i meant is that what i would LOVE to see and what would help me out tons
when it comes to mixcraft is if someone talented who uses mixcraft to write and record
with actual instruments can show the process with tips etc..

Like from song idea, recording/layering, adding and fixing fx, vocals, mix and in the end
a worthy master.


RobertAllan

[TrevsAudio]

Also, for more general info, there is a host of useful tutorials on this forums front page - 2nd sticky - Mixcraft 6 Tutorial Videos and Mini-Tips!

I also have this site bookmarked - 93 5 minute video mixing tips. Sure, he uses ProTools, but the general information applies to any DAW.

[gypsy101]

ditto on The Recording Revolution vids.
to me it seems like most of the You Tube Mixcraft user made tutorial vids are how to do rap music.

I'm not sure how ANY DAW tutorial vis would teach you how to write a song but there are plenty of articles,interviews, & other vids on how to.
joining BMI,ASCAP,or SESAC helps. they send out newsletter tips & have seminars.
here's BMI's site- BMI is free to join, the others charge yearly dues.
http://www.bmi.com/

you could talk to some local songwriters too.

or check out some of these websites-
https://www.google.com/search?sourceid= ... Z_jDY87ICg

http://www.songwritingfever.com/songwritingtips/

[Tiasdad]

It may be worth exploring the Coursera website for free courses, there is one on song writing and this one ... https://www.coursera.org/course/musicproduction which may help you understand the way sound works and how to get the best from it.
A few of us on here have completed these courses and most of them are very good and great value for money, being free