https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ Recent content in Music Production on jamesm.blog https://jamesm.blog/papermod-cover.png https://jamesm.blog/papermod-cover.png Hugo en Thu, 21 May 2026 21:12:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/music-production-news-may-2026/ Thu, 21 May 2026 21:12:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/music-production-news-may-2026/ The biggest computer music production stories of the last month - Superbooth 2026, neural audio in hardware, the shifting AI music legal picture, Tamber's launch, and the DAW updates worth your attention. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/hybrid-systems-montage-mc-707/ Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/hybrid-systems-montage-mc-707/ How a Yamaha Montage M and a Roland MC-707 stop being two boxes that fight each other and start being one instrument with two heads, plus the wiring, the routing, and the parts of the workflow that earn their keep. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/yamaha-montage-m-six-months/ Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/yamaha-montage-m-six-months/ What the Yamaha Montage M is actually like to live with after six months of daily use, the parts that have aged well, the parts that have not, and the workflow conclusions that only come from time on the keys. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/physical-modeling-synths/ Sun, 03 May 2026 09:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/physical-modeling-synths/ Why physical modeling - not sampling or wavetables - is the next frontier in expressive digital instruments https://jamesm.blog/music-production/mpe-deep-dive/ Sat, 02 May 2026 08:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/mpe-deep-dive/ Why MIDI Polyphonic Expression is not just a feature on a spec sheet but a fundamental shift in how electronic instruments behave under your fingers, and what it takes to make the most of it. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/hardware-sequencers-2026/ Sat, 02 May 2026 07:50:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/hardware-sequencers-2026/ Why dedicated hardware sequencers are seeing a resurgence in 2026 - the cognitive case for constraint-first workflows, and the boxes worth building a setup around. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/mobile-apps-ipad-iphone/ Fri, 01 May 2026 20:41:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/mobile-apps-ipad-iphone/ A curated guide to the iPad and iPhone music production apps worth installing in 2026 - synths, grooveboxes, sketchpads, and learning tools, with notes on what each one is actually good for. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-mpe-controllers-2026/ Fri, 01 May 2026 20:24:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-mpe-controllers-2026/ A practical guide to the MPE controllers worth knowing about in 2026 - what each one is good at, who it suits, and how to choose between keyboards, grids, fabric surfaces, and pads. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2026-04/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2026-04/ Tracks from April 2026 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/claude-ableton-connector/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:19:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/claude-ableton-connector/ Anthropic just shipped an official Ableton Knowledge connector for Claude. Here is what it actually does, how it differs from the community AbletonMCP project, and why it changes how you learn Live and Push. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-may-2026/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:02:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-may-2026/ A clear-eyed look at Suno as of May 2026 - the v5.5 model, Voices, Custom Models, My Taste, and the platform changes flowing from the Warner Music deal. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ai-music-tools-shootout-2026/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:02:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ai-music-tools-shootout-2026/ A head-to-head look at the AI music generation tools that actually matter in 2026 - Suno, Udio, AIVA, and Riffusion - and where each one earns its place in a producer's workflow. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-music-production-software-2026/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 21:06:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-music-production-software-2026/ A 2026 tour of the DAWs worth building a studio around - Ableton Live 12, Logic Pro 12, Cubase 15, Fender Studio Pro 8, Bitwig 6, Reason 14, and the first wave of AI-native workstations. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/modular-synthesis-building-blocks/ Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:01:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/modular-synthesis-building-blocks/ A practical guide to understanding modular synthesis fundamentals. Learn what oscillators, envelopes, filters, and LFOs actually do, and how they connect to create sound. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-software-synths-2026/ Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-software-synths-2026/ A look at the most powerful and innovative software synthesizers dominating the music production landscape in 2026. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/u-he-zebra-3-the-modular-beast-unleashed/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:46:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/u-he-zebra-3-the-modular-beast-unleashed/ Exploring u-he Zebra 3, a modular soft synth that redefines sound design with its grid-based modulation, spectral oscillators, and deep signal routing. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/native-instruments-formal-insolvency-and-ma/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/native-instruments-formal-insolvency-and-ma/ Native Instruments has entered formal insolvency and is in active M&A talks. A clear-eyed look at what went wrong under private equity ownership, the possible acquisition scenarios, and what it means for producers who depend on their tools. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/yamaha-dx7-influential-synthesizer/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/yamaha-dx7-influential-synthesizer/ Why the DX7 revolutionized music production and remains the gold standard for FM synthesis three decades later. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2026-03/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2026-03/ Tracks from March 2026 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/patents-copyright-clone-synths/ Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:07:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/patents-copyright-clone-synths/ How expired patents, copyright law, and trade dress rules make clone synthesizers legal - and why affordable Behringer replicas of classic Moog circuits are entirely above board. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/native-instruments-preliminary-insolvency/ Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:07:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/native-instruments-preliminary-insolvency/ Native Instruments has entered preliminary insolvency proceedings in Germany - a pivotal moment for producers, DJs, and composers who have built careers around Kontakt, Maschine, Traktor, and Reaktor. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-jupiter-x/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:31:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-jupiter-x/ The Roland Jupiter-X combines ZEN-Core models of the Jupiter-8, Juno-106, and SH-101 with layering, rhythm, and I-Arpeggio into one versatile stage and studio instrument. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-juno-x/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:42:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-juno-x/ The Roland Juno-X uses the ZEN-Core engine to capture the character of the classic Juno line with modern polyphony and effects - a hands-on review of who it is for and what it does well. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/using-mc-707-as-midi-brain-for-modx-m/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:35:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/using-mc-707-as-midi-brain-for-modx-m/ How to use the Roland MC-707 as a MIDI recorder and sequencer brain for the Yamaha MODX M - a simple setup that turns the MC-707 into a central hub and the MODX into a pure performance instrument. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/favourites/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:53:39 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/favourites/ Personal collection of favourite music artists, bands, DJs, composers, concerts, and theatre experiences. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/why-i-play-and-create-music-intuitively/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 23:35:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/why-i-play-and-create-music-intuitively/ A personal reflection on playing piano by ear, chasing flow, and treating music as a landscape to wander rather than a skill to master - where discovery and surprise matter more than theory. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/major-scales-sharps-flats/ Sun, 04 Jan 2026 12:35:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/major-scales-sharps-flats/ A step-by-step guide to working out the number of sharps and flats in any major scale using the circle of fifths, with mnemonics and a handy cheat sheet. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-tr-8s-vs-mc-707/ Fri, 02 Jan 2026 06:35:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-tr-8s-vs-mc-707/ TR-8S vs MC-707 - a detailed comparison of Roland's dedicated rhythm performer and its full groovebox, covering workflow, sound engines, genre fit, and how to use them together. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2026-01/ Thu, 01 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2026-01/ Tracks from January 2026 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-5-sequencers-2025/ Sat, 27 Dec 2025 20:52:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-5-sequencers-2025/ The five hardware sequencers worth considering in 2025 - Teenage Engineering OP-XY, OXI One MKII, Arturia KeyStep Pro, Korg SQ-64, and Arturia BeatStep - compared by price, track count, and workflow. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-5-grooveboxes-2025/ Sat, 27 Dec 2025 18:47:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-5-grooveboxes-2025/ The five grooveboxes worth considering in 2025 - Roland MC-707, NI Maschine+, Elektron Digitakt II, Polyend Play+, and Akai MPC One+ - compared by workflow, price, and ideal use case. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-software-synths-2025/ Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:42:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-software-synths-2025/ A panoramic look at the top software synthesizers of 2025 - from Serum 2 and Pigments 7 to Omnisphere 3 and Vital Pro, with release timing and what makes each one stand out. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-music-production-software-2025/ Fri, 26 Dec 2025 21:39:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-music-production-software-2025/ A practical guide to the best DAWs in 2025 - from Ableton Live 12 and Logic Pro 11 to FL Studio, Cubase 15, and Studio One, with a clear breakdown of who each one suits. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-music-hardware-software/ Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:29:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-music-hardware-software/ Comprehensive inventory of current and past music production hardware and software in my studio setup. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-music-hardware-software-wishlist/ Thu, 25 Dec 2025 21:28:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-music-hardware-software-wishlist/ Hardware and software gear James M wants to add to the studio - synthesizers, controller keyboards, arranger keyboards, DAWs, and plugins from Yamaha, Roland, Moog, Arturia, and many others. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-voice-personas/ Sat, 20 Dec 2025 21:47:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-voice-personas/ Suno's Voice Personas update lets you lock in a consistent vocalist across an entire project without inheriting any particular genre or instrumentation - a significant step for AI-assisted album-making. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/arturia-pigments-7/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:47:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/arturia-pigments-7/ Arturia Pigments 7 refines one of the most visually expressive software synthesizers available - new filter types, a redesigned Play page, CPU optimisations, and a fresh content library. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/modx-m8-vs-astrolab-88/ Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:47:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/modx-m8-vs-astrolab-88/ A side-by-side comparison of the Yamaha MODX M8 synthesizer workstation and the Arturia AstroLab 88 stage keyboard - two very different instruments aimed at different kinds of players. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:28:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks/ A collection of electronic and ambient music tracks, including original compositions and remixes. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/modx-m8-vs-montage-m8x/ Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:58:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/modx-m8-vs-montage-m8x/ Detailed comparison between Yamaha MODX M8 and Montage M8X synthesizer workstations - which engine they share, where they differ, and which one makes sense for your budget and playing style. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-10-plugins-2025/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:29:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-10-plugins-2025/ A curated look at the top 10 VST plugins of 2025, plus a tier list of the 30 best plugins for music production across FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/keylab-vs-kontrol/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:29:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/keylab-vs-kontrol/ A detailed comparison of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3 and Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3, covering keybed feel, workflow, software integration, and which one suits different studio and stage needs. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-12/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-12/ Tracks from December 2025 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-11/ Sat, 01 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-11/ Tracks from November 2025 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ni-traktor-mx2/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:47:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ni-traktor-mx2/ The Native Instruments Traktor MX2 is a compact two-channel DJ controller with Stems, Pattern Player, and 40+ effects - built for expressive performance rather than just track playback. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-10/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-10/ Tracks from October 2025 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-studio/ Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:29:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-studio/ Suno Studio is the first generative DAW - a cloud-based workstation that puts text-to-music at the centre of the editing flow rather than bolting it on. Here is what it does, who it is for, and where it fits. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-08/ Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-08/ Tracks from August 2025 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-06/ Sun, 01 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-tracks-2025-06/ Tracks from June 2025 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-mikey-shulman/ Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:29:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/suno-mikey-shulman/ Mikey Shulman, co-founder and CEO of Suno, on the future of AI music - what it means for creativity, who benefits, and where the technology is heading. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-dj-gear/ Sun, 23 Jun 2024 09:33:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-dj-gear/ A curated collection of links covering the best DJ controllers, gear, and software for 2023 and 2024 - from budget options to professional setups. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/pianoverse/ Sat, 22 Jun 2024 10:09:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/pianoverse/ IK Multimedia's Pianoverse offers a collection of deeply sampled grand and upright piano instruments with excellent effects - a personal take on why the Pianoverse MAX bundle is worth it. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-fantom-ex/ Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:29:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/roland-fantom-ex/ Comprehensive guide to Roland Fantom EX synthesizer workstations including models, features, and specifications. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/yamaha-montage/ Sun, 16 Jun 2024 08:29:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/yamaha-montage/ Overview of the Yamaha Montage M flagship synthesizer - its three sound engines (AWM2, FM-X, AN-X), key improvements over the original Montage, models, and prices. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/youtube-channels/ Fri, 17 May 2024 17:01:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/youtube-channels/ A curated list of favourite music production YouTube channels covering DAW tutorials, synthesis, mixing, mastering, gear reviews, and music theory. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/analogue-vs-digital-synths/ Sat, 20 Apr 2024 06:59:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/analogue-vs-digital-synths/ A clear breakdown of the key differences between analogue and digital synthesizers - how each generates sound, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right type for your music. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/ableton-live-12/ Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:10:00 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/ableton-live-12/ Overview of Ableton Live 12 features, new devices, MIDI tools, pricing, and learning resources. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/namm-2024/ Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:17:00 +0000 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/namm-2024/ Highlights from NAMM 2024, the music industry's largest annual gathering, featuring new synthesizers, stage pianos, controllers, and gear announcements from Yamaha, Korg, Teenage Engineering, and more. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/blogs/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:31:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/blogs/ Curated list of music production blogs covering DAWs, music theory, synthesis, and production techniques. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/courses/ Fri, 19 Jan 2024 18:31:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/courses/ Comprehensive list of music production courses from major platforms covering all popular DAWs and production techniques. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/websites/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:31:21 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/websites/ A curated list of music production websites covering online learning platforms, DAW tutorials, and music technology resources. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ableton-max-for-live-devices/ Sun, 14 Jan 2024 22:33:41 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/ableton-max-for-live-devices/ A curated selection of Max for Live devices worth installing - from generative MIDI sequencers to creative drum synthesizers and polyphonic processors. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/arturia-v-collection-x/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:53:39 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/arturia-v-collection-x/ Announcement of Arturia V Collection X featuring 39 professional software instruments and sound emulations. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/arturia-fx-collection-4/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 09:53:39 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/arturia-fx-collection-4/ Announcement and overview of Arturia FX Collection 4 effects plugin suite with 30 professional effects. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/ni-summer-of-sound-2023/ Fri, 26 May 2023 07:01:39 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/ni-summer-of-sound-2023/ Native Instruments Summer of Sound 2023 sale offers 50% off Komplete 14 upgrades, Traktor Pro 3, instrument and effect plugins, and iZotope products until 6th July 2023. https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/ableton-push-3/ Tue, 23 May 2023 14:53:39 +0100 https://jamesm.blog/music-production/news/ableton-push-3/ Ableton Push 3 launches in two configurations - standalone and computer-connected - bringing 64 expressive pads, a built-in audio interface, and the option to upgrade to a full standalone instrument later.