For an experience producer, writer, etc… this is not going to be new, but here are a few tips and tricks that I use.

1. Standardize Your Template

In both Reason and Logic, I’ve setup a template that includes every audio input from my various devices, and I’m starting to add and test the MIDI tracks too.  This will help to speed up my time to start creation, and less time fiddling around with what track is on what device and what input, etc…

2. Capture Audio and MIDI

I want as much information in my project as possible so that if I upgrade or change equipment in the future, I can map sounds and tracks to another device easily.  It also helps me retain the original track audio – which you will want anyway, when you’re finishing your track, mixing, mastering and bouncing anyway.

3. Stereo or Mono?

Some of the devices I have are monophonic, some are stereophonic.  I’m still experimenting whether or not I want my left and right channels on different channels or not, similar to what I have above.  Admittedly, I am learning towards using one track with a stereo signal for my stereo devices such as my Kronos and Triton.

4. Record as high as possible

This one is one of those items that goes back and forth.  My Steinberg UR44, TR-8 and TB-3 all support 96khz.  The UR44 can even go higher.  You definitely want to have as much resolution in your sound as possible.  It can be  challenge because what happens when you do convert that track to an MP3?

5. Test your sound

Test your sound, your track, on multiple kinds of speakers.  Your monitors, your home amplifier, your car, your friend’s car, with ear buds, with DJ headphones, in a CD player, on an MP3 player.  Make tweaks and you’ll sound great for everyone.

6. Your environment makes you creative

I’m not talking about the tools you’re using, per se. I’m talking about your studio space.  It has to be conducive to writing and tinkering.  It’s actually one of the reasons why I haven’t written much in 7 years, averaging half a track per year in that time.

What sparked my enthusiasm is looking  at my space, setting up my TritonLE in front of a window in my ‘man cave’ and realizing that would work if I changed my chair and had some form of small desk to the left.  It created a very clean space that’s really sparked my ability to write.

Even on the road, I have something to inspire me to write.

I am going to have some problems with space when my Roland Aira System 1 arrives, but I’ll figure that out too.

Keep it clean too, because that will keep you coming back for more.  Admittedly, I hate seeing wires everywhere, it’s distracting for me.