Audiophile Naija

Your favorite hype man might be in the business of "making noise" but in the studio or live in concert, that's the last thing you want to hear. Noise comes unexpectedly, ruins a clean signal and reduces the dynamic range of records amongst other vices. So no, noise is not your friend. This post is is going to take a look at how using the right cables and devices can help ensure the cleanest signal and mitigate against noise. Common sources of  Electrical Noise Electromagnetic Induction : Cables can pick up noise from nearby devices with varying magnetic fields like a computer monitor (screen) via electromagnetic induction. That's why studio speakers which are usually placed close to computer screens/monitors are usually magnetically shielded. Radio Frequency Interference RFI : Ever hear a particular noise from your speakers when your phone is close to it and there's an incoming call? That's RFI, it basically occurs when cables or electrica...

The internet is already replete with so many resources on compressors and what they do. So pardon me if I skip to the chase and talk about the compressor from an application point of view. This post aims at helping you know what to expect sonically when you turn those dials on your compressor plugins and how to apply this musically to a mix. Important note!   For teaching purposes, we are going to assume a fixed gain reduction ratio of 3:1 and the threshold set to a level where the compressor begins to work. For more information on compressor parameters - threshold, ratio, attack and release please visit link Uses of compressors in a mix There are two basic uses of compressors in a mix: 1. Dynamics Control. 2. Depth placement. 1. Dynamics Control As history tells us, this is the trigger that inspired what we know today as a Compressor. Man wanted a way of averaging the loud and more quiet portions of a conversation, so they created a device that a...

A fairly common frustration for music producers and artists is having a sound in your head but not being able to reproduce it in real life, let alone apply it to your music. In all honesty, some sounds will only remain in your dreams; but if you're better equipped to to squeeze more out of your synthesizers, there's a good chance you might reach your sonic destination. The 'Phonosynthesis' series will attempt to demystify software synthesizers (or 'soft synths' for short) and make those numerous knobs, envelopes, matrixes and sliders not look so intimidating.  I'm no Gordon Reid, but if I can help you manipulate your tones to get your desired sounds on not just your favorite synths but any synth you lay your hands on, then my friend - we have done well. What are synthesizers? Serum - A Wavetable Synthesizer Synthesizers are electronic musical devices that generate sounds using electrical circuits and or mathematical algorithms (in t...

Mensah is no stranger to the world of music production. He has not only been exposed to a generation of Nigerian artists most of us will consider as legends but has also witnessed the transition in music production techniques from the Atari ST computers of the mid eighties to the monster DAWs of today. The CEO of Audio Techniks company (@audio_techniks on instagram) gives Audiophile Naija his top four limiting plugins for finalizing a mix and adds some insights that led to this selection. Mensah's Top 4 Limiting Plugins 1. FabFilter Pro-L This has verily changed the game for many engineers. The most highly regarded aspect of the plugins they create is the user interface. Their plugins often give great options when it comes to metering in the UI, such as the spectrum analyzer built into the EQ. The same applies with the Pro-L. This limiter keeps tabs on loudness metering, adhering to popular loudness standards (EBU R128, ITU-R BS. 1770) as well as true pea...

Are you the type to have only the portion of the bed you'll be lying on arranged while the rest in chaos? Can one find used plates under your bed or squeezed paper from unsuccessful basket throws around your dustbin? Then hear this, if you're a producer or mix engineer and your DAW projects look anything like your room, you've still not escaped mama's shouting. House keeping in audio production is very important. As a matter of fact, a novice can sometimes masquerade as an experienced professional if he keeps his project's resources and tools well arranged. Here are some simple and practical tips to help you organize your digital audio work space. 1. Name Your Tracks I know sometimes you're brimming with so many ideas begging for musical expression but in your spare time, rename those instruments, sequencer tracks and mixer channels. Name effects and automaton tracks if possible. Tag all 'tagables' with text and even color for better v...

So you have a great voice and written some great songs you disturb your neighbors with every time you take a shower;  and you think to yourself, "I've got all it takes". Well, you've got some of it. However, to become that artist with a potential for stardom there are certain trustworthy steps you may need to follow. Below are 10 guidelines for the up and coming artist 1. Don’t solely handle the creative mastery of your art, i.e. composition songwriting, arrangements and productions. Allow external help to beautify your creativity. 2. Lower your pride. A big number of artists are egotistic; they believe all their thoughts, and ideas are always right, thus they shut people out. 3. Take in a manager. Your manager will do a lot for you. Your manager will do a great deal for you. It’s even respectable to have one. Reflect on this. 4. Don’t copy your peers. Uniqueness is the key to developing a great product. Don’t do music because your friend is doing it. Ha...

Nigerians know jollof rice, Nigerians know humor, Nigerians also know the grief that comes with power outages. This issue has plagued us for so many years and no lasting solution seems to be in sight. So what's the proactive thing to do? Go back to the stone age of bonfires and bare-chested women? I mean those were the days but in this information age,  there are usually ways around problems that seemed impossible to overcome back in the days. This post talks about a kit that can help you make music without mains power. In other words, production gears that can run solely on battery. Groove Box - Zoom RT-223 Nothing like a good ole drum machine to get the groove going before melodies come  in. The Zoom RT-223 is replete with drum and bass sounds, different kits, user presets and mind blowing effects. Features at a glance Zoom RT-223 13 velocity-sensitive & self lit pads. 213 drum samples.  70 onboard drum kits with 39 PCM samples per...