How to Make Computer Music With VST Plugins and VSTi Instruments
By Greg K Hoffman
VST plugins are beginning to gather a lot more interest as music buffs/computer buffs put these two interests together. What was once thought impossible by many astute computer operators is now beginning to appear as not being all that difficult.
VST plugins in its simple terminology means Virtual Studio Technology by Steinberg. Imagine being able to have your very own virtual studio. The VST is actually the interface that allows the use of software consisting of action synthesizers and effects the plugins with audio editors and recording systems.
Software is the catalyst between the VST and the simulation of a traditional recording studio. If you wee to compare the VST plugins with the actual switches and knobs on the actual hardware you would see the similarities. It would then not appear quite so foreign to you if you are familiar with the hard version of the studio equipment. The VST plugins are hosted within a workstation that is a digital audio type.
If you think that there are only a few plugins to choose from, you are mistaken. You are going to be quite surprised to learn there are thousands of various types to choose from. I bet you are thinking about your pocket book right now, but the nice thing is there are may that are freeware, and of course, there are commercial ones available as well.
Being as VST is so popular it's good to know that there are many audio applications that support them. If you are going to become involved in VST plugins then you will need a VST host. This is just simply a software or hardware application that permit's the plugins to be loaded and controlled during use. If you shop around you will find some excellent VST host providers.
One of the many cost advantages of using plugins is the fact they really help to cut down your hard based equipment costs. Plus think of the space you can save, not having to store tons of equipment.
You can get some great VST plugins that are like a package deal. For example there is a package available that includes shuffling, panning, panoramas width along with comb filters and many other inclusions as well.
Its important for you to learn that plugins are not software that stand alone. They will usually come with DLL files. This stands for dynamic link library. As we mentioned you can find lots of free software on the internet. It is not difficult to use. You simply follow the instructions for the download. Many of these will walk you through the stages of how to get the best benefits from them.
If you are totally new to the creation of music with your computer then you may want to do some research before you start. It doesn't mean that you have to do months of learning. In fact, if you start visiting some of the music blogs you will be intrigued at not only how easy it is, but what you can do and create with things like VST plugins.
As featured In Computer Music Magazine, VSTPlatinum provides a goldmine of over 1700 VST plugins and VSTi effects for home studios or professional recordings
Greg Hoffman is a former BMG sound engineer and the founder of VSTPlatinum.com - http://www.VSTPlatinum.com
Discover the easiest way to create cutting edge music in the next 5 minutes with the VSTPlatinum package
Turn your music vision into reality with over 4000 sound effects, loops, drum samples and synths...
VSTPlatinum.com - Making Music May Be Easier Than You Think!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_K_Hoffman
14 May 2009
Creating a Functional Home Studio
Creating a Functional Home Studio
By Luqmann Ruth
So you are a musician, and you want to take the next step. You want to record your music, but buying time in a professional studio is very expensive. With the advent of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) you can easily create a home studio. With a bit of persistence, and a little cash you can accomplish this feat.
First you need to make sure that you have a computer, and if you do, it is up to the task of essentially running a recording studio. You need to make sure that your computer has plenty of free hard drive space.
Second, you need to make sure that you have a soundcard that is adapted for music production. This soundcard should have ASIO (audio stream input, output), which will allow your music production to have low latency (lagtime).
As for actually recording the music, you will need a DAW as I have already stated. There are many DAWs to choose from, and they are basically a choice of aesthetics. Some DAWS include Protools (the industry standard), Ableton Live, Logic, and FL Studio (formerly known as Fruity Loops). Some free alternatives include Audacity, and Reaper.
If you plan on recording actual live instruments such as the guitar, you should invest into a mixer, but a cheap alternative is an audio interface such as the Audio Buddy ($50). For vocals, the condenser microphone is the industry standard. Most condenser microphones take "phantom power" (a method to send DC electrical power to the condenser microphone), so make sure your audio interface or mixing desk has it.
Accessories for your studio should include a midi keyboard, such as the mid-air 37, or 25. A midi keyboard can control synthesizers on your DAW, and assignable controls, by sending a signal to your DAW.
These are the essential components for a home studio. Obviously, there is more equipment that you could buy, and higher priced equipment, but these tips will have you well on your way to a functional home studio.
My name is Luqmann, and I am a Chicago area musician, and producer. I specialize in the electric guitar, and my DAWs include Ableton Live, and FL Studio. http://www.yourgrassrootsart.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luqmann_Ruth
By Luqmann Ruth
So you are a musician, and you want to take the next step. You want to record your music, but buying time in a professional studio is very expensive. With the advent of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) you can easily create a home studio. With a bit of persistence, and a little cash you can accomplish this feat.
First you need to make sure that you have a computer, and if you do, it is up to the task of essentially running a recording studio. You need to make sure that your computer has plenty of free hard drive space.
Second, you need to make sure that you have a soundcard that is adapted for music production. This soundcard should have ASIO (audio stream input, output), which will allow your music production to have low latency (lagtime).
As for actually recording the music, you will need a DAW as I have already stated. There are many DAWs to choose from, and they are basically a choice of aesthetics. Some DAWS include Protools (the industry standard), Ableton Live, Logic, and FL Studio (formerly known as Fruity Loops). Some free alternatives include Audacity, and Reaper.
If you plan on recording actual live instruments such as the guitar, you should invest into a mixer, but a cheap alternative is an audio interface such as the Audio Buddy ($50). For vocals, the condenser microphone is the industry standard. Most condenser microphones take "phantom power" (a method to send DC electrical power to the condenser microphone), so make sure your audio interface or mixing desk has it.
Accessories for your studio should include a midi keyboard, such as the mid-air 37, or 25. A midi keyboard can control synthesizers on your DAW, and assignable controls, by sending a signal to your DAW.
These are the essential components for a home studio. Obviously, there is more equipment that you could buy, and higher priced equipment, but these tips will have you well on your way to a functional home studio.
My name is Luqmann, and I am a Chicago area musician, and producer. I specialize in the electric guitar, and my DAWs include Ableton Live, and FL Studio. http://www.yourgrassrootsart.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luqmann_Ruth
13 May 2009
Looking For Free Itunes Codes
Looking For Free Itunes Codes
By Donald Lodge
Who doesn't enjoy free products and services. Downloading free music using free ITunes codes is something most music lovers dream of doing. Itunes is one of the most popular websites for downloading music but it will cost you about a dollar a song. That can get awful expensive. You can also download games, audio books and IPod games but these will cost you even more. While the site has a lot to offer it can get real expensive real fast if you like to do a lot of downloading. So do you have any other options and if so what are they.
You have probably heard of sites that give away free ITunes codes but there is usually a catch involved so you need to be careful. As far as finding sites that give away tons of free ITunes codes there is really no such thing. Some companies have ITune promotions where you can get a free song if you enter the code found under the cap on a bottle of soda but you still have to buy the product so you really don't come out ahead all that much. One other option is that you can try to find people who don't care about the ITune codes and will give them away. There are sites and forums that are set up where people can trade different codes on a multitude of products and services. Try a search on google by typing in "itune codes + forum" without the quotes and you will find people trading codes like it was some form of an underground economy. Be careful on these sites. You can get cheated so be sure and familiarize yourself with the site before taking any action.
Some people in an attempt to get free music resort to down loading songs from the various file sharing site that have sprung up across the internet. While these are for the most part free the are rife with viruses and spyware and the quality of the downloads leaves much to be desired. Thinking you are getting a steal by down loading songs, movies and books for free might come back to bite you when your computer crashes or your personal information on your hard drive has been compromised.
With all that being said if you are a true music or movie lover and want to download quality content you might have to acept the fact that you are going to have to pay for it. Be wary of sites that offer free ITune codes. There are reputable sites that will for a small monthly subscription fee allow you download an unlimited number of items from their collection. You can rest assured that you will get a quality download free from viruses and spy ware.
Companies and others are always looking for ways to attract new customers. Know where to look and you can find free or almost free products and services all over the net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Lodge
By Donald Lodge
Who doesn't enjoy free products and services. Downloading free music using free ITunes codes is something most music lovers dream of doing. Itunes is one of the most popular websites for downloading music but it will cost you about a dollar a song. That can get awful expensive. You can also download games, audio books and IPod games but these will cost you even more. While the site has a lot to offer it can get real expensive real fast if you like to do a lot of downloading. So do you have any other options and if so what are they.
You have probably heard of sites that give away free ITunes codes but there is usually a catch involved so you need to be careful. As far as finding sites that give away tons of free ITunes codes there is really no such thing. Some companies have ITune promotions where you can get a free song if you enter the code found under the cap on a bottle of soda but you still have to buy the product so you really don't come out ahead all that much. One other option is that you can try to find people who don't care about the ITune codes and will give them away. There are sites and forums that are set up where people can trade different codes on a multitude of products and services. Try a search on google by typing in "itune codes + forum" without the quotes and you will find people trading codes like it was some form of an underground economy. Be careful on these sites. You can get cheated so be sure and familiarize yourself with the site before taking any action.
Some people in an attempt to get free music resort to down loading songs from the various file sharing site that have sprung up across the internet. While these are for the most part free the are rife with viruses and spyware and the quality of the downloads leaves much to be desired. Thinking you are getting a steal by down loading songs, movies and books for free might come back to bite you when your computer crashes or your personal information on your hard drive has been compromised.
With all that being said if you are a true music or movie lover and want to download quality content you might have to acept the fact that you are going to have to pay for it. Be wary of sites that offer free ITune codes. There are reputable sites that will for a small monthly subscription fee allow you download an unlimited number of items from their collection. You can rest assured that you will get a quality download free from viruses and spy ware.
Companies and others are always looking for ways to attract new customers. Know where to look and you can find free or almost free products and services all over the net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Lodge
12 May 2009
Free Piano Sheet Music - How to Find It
Free Piano Sheet Music - How to Find It
By Peter Edvinsson
Did you know that you can find many piano scores for free on the Internet? This guide will show you some of the many sites available and what you can expect to find if you are looking for free piano sheet music!
What is free piano sheet music?
You can define this as music scores that you can download and and printout without any obligations on your part. However, some sites require that you subscribe to a newsletter or that you create a free account to have access to their music.
If you want to download completely free scores you have to search a bit and you might have to browse many search result pages before you find what you are looking for.
Search terms to use
You can search for "free sheet music", "free music scores" and include the file format you are searching for. Files can be published as PDF files, Gif files and in other formats.
You can also include the words "printable", "downloads" and of course "piano" or "keyboard".
Piano sites
There are a lot of piano sites that offer free piano sheet music. You can of course find the music on sites with primarily music scores but many sites with piano education and lessons also offer piano sheets.
To find these sites you can also search for "piano lessons", "learn to play piano" and maybe include "easy" or "beginners" and other similar search terms to find many fine but easy to play solos.
Here are just a few examples of sites with free keyboard music scores:
8notes
On 8notes.com you can find melodies and arrangements as printable free piano sheet music in various file formats. The GIF file format is available for for free without any obligations on your part.
The Gif format is a low quality graphic format used for clipart, logos and other pictures on the net. But on some sites it is also used to present sheet music.
You can also listen to the music in Scorch format. This is a plugin that you can download for free at the sibelius.com website and it makes it possible to listen to a midifile and at the same time follow the score as the music proceeds.
They also offer the free sheet music in PDF format if you subscribe to the site. PDF sheet music present music in much better quality but requires the Adobe reader plugin that can be downloaded for free at the Adobe website.
Pianostreet
Pianostreet.com offers a lot of free piano sheet music as high quality scores in PDF format. However, you have to subscribe in order to have access to all music. They offer some samples and a free membership with some limitations. You can also pay for access to all their piano sheets.
Sibeliusmusic
On sibeliusmusic.com you will find a lot of free piano scores in the Scorch format that was previously explained. You can search for keyboard music and also listen to many sheets in mp3 format.
G Major Music Theory
This is an example of a site that offers piano education and also piano solos in progressive order. The piano scores are completely free to print out in PDF format on the address gmajormusictheory.org. You will also find midifiles together with the sheets for your reference.
It is impossible to include all free piano sheet music sites here and my advice is for you to search for the sites by including the before mentioned search terms and to have patience. As you bookmark the sites of your taste you will be able to build up your own personal library with free quality piano sheets!
Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. He invites you to download your free piano sheet music at http://www.capotastomusic.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Edvinsson 2127689
By Peter Edvinsson
Did you know that you can find many piano scores for free on the Internet? This guide will show you some of the many sites available and what you can expect to find if you are looking for free piano sheet music!
What is free piano sheet music?
You can define this as music scores that you can download and and printout without any obligations on your part. However, some sites require that you subscribe to a newsletter or that you create a free account to have access to their music.
If you want to download completely free scores you have to search a bit and you might have to browse many search result pages before you find what you are looking for.
Search terms to use
You can search for "free sheet music", "free music scores" and include the file format you are searching for. Files can be published as PDF files, Gif files and in other formats.
You can also include the words "printable", "downloads" and of course "piano" or "keyboard".
Piano sites
There are a lot of piano sites that offer free piano sheet music. You can of course find the music on sites with primarily music scores but many sites with piano education and lessons also offer piano sheets.
To find these sites you can also search for "piano lessons", "learn to play piano" and maybe include "easy" or "beginners" and other similar search terms to find many fine but easy to play solos.
Here are just a few examples of sites with free keyboard music scores:
8notes
On 8notes.com you can find melodies and arrangements as printable free piano sheet music in various file formats. The GIF file format is available for for free without any obligations on your part.
The Gif format is a low quality graphic format used for clipart, logos and other pictures on the net. But on some sites it is also used to present sheet music.
You can also listen to the music in Scorch format. This is a plugin that you can download for free at the sibelius.com website and it makes it possible to listen to a midifile and at the same time follow the score as the music proceeds.
They also offer the free sheet music in PDF format if you subscribe to the site. PDF sheet music present music in much better quality but requires the Adobe reader plugin that can be downloaded for free at the Adobe website.
Pianostreet
Pianostreet.com offers a lot of free piano sheet music as high quality scores in PDF format. However, you have to subscribe in order to have access to all music. They offer some samples and a free membership with some limitations. You can also pay for access to all their piano sheets.
Sibeliusmusic
On sibeliusmusic.com you will find a lot of free piano scores in the Scorch format that was previously explained. You can search for keyboard music and also listen to many sheets in mp3 format.
G Major Music Theory
This is an example of a site that offers piano education and also piano solos in progressive order. The piano scores are completely free to print out in PDF format on the address gmajormusictheory.org. You will also find midifiles together with the sheets for your reference.
It is impossible to include all free piano sheet music sites here and my advice is for you to search for the sites by including the before mentioned search terms and to have patience. As you bookmark the sites of your taste you will be able to build up your own personal library with free quality piano sheets!
Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. He invites you to download your free piano sheet music at http://www.capotastomusic.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Edvinsson 2127689
10 May 2009
Home Recording Studio Setup - Learn How to Build a Recording Studio the Easy Way
Home Recording Studio Setup - Learn How to Build a Recording Studio the Easy Way
By Ed Byrd
Home recording studio setup can be very difficult. A recording room or recording studio as musicians like to refer to it, may be anything from a basement garage or a spare bedroom to a fully equipped studio complete with all the works necessary to produce optimal sounds. If you are just starting and have yet to land your first recording contract, you are faced with the two-pronged challenge of coming up with a professional sounding record while at the same time working within a limited budget. If by some stroke of luck you have the opportunity to choose a recording room, choose one with good insulation, spacious, carpeted, and if possible, not square, as it adds up to the bounce of the sound waves. At the same time, you want a room with the proper temperature setting (not too cold and not too hot), since it will affect vibration and refraction of sound.
Learn How to Build a Recording Studio
However, a room like this will be far and few in between and if they are at all easily available, they might command a hefty rental price. If you are willing to pay the price to rent these rooms every time you want to have a recording session then by all means go ahead. But, if you are not afraid of working a bit for that ideal recording room then read up and learn on how to make a perfect recording studio out of your spare room.
The secret to making an ideal recording studio is in understanding the nature of sound and sound waves. Sound waves will "bounce" on parallel walls, hence a square room is not too advisable. Since most of our rooms are square, you can defy this bouncing pattern by positioning your listening station in one of the corners and not along one of the walls. Still on the issue of preventing sounds from bouncing all over the place, you should do your best to install some "softening" materials that will dampen the bounce such as carpets for the floor, heavy drapes for the walls, foam products and other similar materials. A drywall will be ideal but aside from the fact that it will take some time and money to have this installed, it is also very permanent and will reduce the usefulness of room for other purposes.
Since you will be recording in an area that will not be isolated from the general public, you want to be able to record at a lover volume, unless you don't mind your neighbors and housemates getting terribly irritated. I myself won't be pleased when I constantly hear banging and clanging from somewhere near my house. To be able to record at a much acceptable sound level, you should invest in near-field monitors or special speakers that will let you listen at close range and will also give you an idea of how your recording will sound like after it is finished. A good set of headphones will be the second best option if you can't afford near-field monitors yet.
On the more practical side, you want to ensure that your workspace will be very comfortable. Recording can sometimes last a long time and you certainly don't want to be complaining about a sore back after a couple of hours. Make sure as well to have adequate space for your station where you can comfortably move about. I know that it sounds as if it takes too much to come up with the perfect recording room, but after some time, when you hear how good you sound on record, you will find that all your efforts have paid up.
Ed Byrd is a Home Recording enthusiast. You can find more on
Home Recording Studio Setup and
How to Build a Recording Studio on his Home Recording Site
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Byrd
By Ed Byrd
Home recording studio setup can be very difficult. A recording room or recording studio as musicians like to refer to it, may be anything from a basement garage or a spare bedroom to a fully equipped studio complete with all the works necessary to produce optimal sounds. If you are just starting and have yet to land your first recording contract, you are faced with the two-pronged challenge of coming up with a professional sounding record while at the same time working within a limited budget. If by some stroke of luck you have the opportunity to choose a recording room, choose one with good insulation, spacious, carpeted, and if possible, not square, as it adds up to the bounce of the sound waves. At the same time, you want a room with the proper temperature setting (not too cold and not too hot), since it will affect vibration and refraction of sound.
Learn How to Build a Recording Studio
However, a room like this will be far and few in between and if they are at all easily available, they might command a hefty rental price. If you are willing to pay the price to rent these rooms every time you want to have a recording session then by all means go ahead. But, if you are not afraid of working a bit for that ideal recording room then read up and learn on how to make a perfect recording studio out of your spare room.
The secret to making an ideal recording studio is in understanding the nature of sound and sound waves. Sound waves will "bounce" on parallel walls, hence a square room is not too advisable. Since most of our rooms are square, you can defy this bouncing pattern by positioning your listening station in one of the corners and not along one of the walls. Still on the issue of preventing sounds from bouncing all over the place, you should do your best to install some "softening" materials that will dampen the bounce such as carpets for the floor, heavy drapes for the walls, foam products and other similar materials. A drywall will be ideal but aside from the fact that it will take some time and money to have this installed, it is also very permanent and will reduce the usefulness of room for other purposes.
Since you will be recording in an area that will not be isolated from the general public, you want to be able to record at a lover volume, unless you don't mind your neighbors and housemates getting terribly irritated. I myself won't be pleased when I constantly hear banging and clanging from somewhere near my house. To be able to record at a much acceptable sound level, you should invest in near-field monitors or special speakers that will let you listen at close range and will also give you an idea of how your recording will sound like after it is finished. A good set of headphones will be the second best option if you can't afford near-field monitors yet.
On the more practical side, you want to ensure that your workspace will be very comfortable. Recording can sometimes last a long time and you certainly don't want to be complaining about a sore back after a couple of hours. Make sure as well to have adequate space for your station where you can comfortably move about. I know that it sounds as if it takes too much to come up with the perfect recording room, but after some time, when you hear how good you sound on record, you will find that all your efforts have paid up.
Ed Byrd is a Home Recording enthusiast. You can find more on
Home Recording Studio Setup and
How to Build a Recording Studio on his Home Recording Site
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Byrd
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