tag: Music Production

The Yamaha MODX M and Roland MC-707 make a surprisingly elegant pair when you stop thinking of them as separate instruments and start treating the MC-707 as a MIDI recorder and playback brain for the MODX. In this setup, the MODX becomes your hands and sound engine, while the MC-707 becomes the place where performances are captured, edited, looped, and arranged. It’s a simple idea, but it unlocks a very fluid, performance-first workflow. ...

Playing by ear - discovering by accident The Joy of Surprise I don’t play the piano to master it. I play it because sometimes it surprises me. That sounds backwards, especially in a world obsessed with progress, scales, grades, and measurable improvement. But the thing that keeps pulling me back to the keys isn’t control - it’s discovery. It’s that moment when my fingers land somewhere they’ve never quite been before and something clicks. A sound appears that I didn’t plan, didn’t predict, and definitely didn’t know I knew. ...

Software synthesizers in 2025 are a study in contrast and creativity - flagship instruments with deep sonic universes, hybrid engines merging sampling with synthesis, and tools that make sound design feel like both art and play. Below is a panoramic view of the top soft synths this year, each with its release timing and why it matters to your creative workflow. Synth Developer Release / Update Notes Absynth 6 Native Instruments 2025 Revival Expanded synth engines, polyphonic expression (MPE) support, ideal for cinematic pads and complex timbres. Cherry Audio Spirit Cherry Audio 2025 Reissue Modern plugin version of Crumar Spirit, faithful sonic character, fun and characterful addition to any collection. Falcon 3 UVI 2025 Workflow Enhancements Hybrid synthesis and sampling environment; faster loading, expressive scripting, expanded additive and spectral engines. Korg Collection 6 Korg October 2025 Adds PS-3300 & Trinity modules; full emulations of rare classic synths. Omnisphere 3 Spectrasonics October 21, 2025 Tens of thousands of patches, granular and wavetable engines, expanded effects, deep hardware connectivity. Phase Plant 3 Kilohearts 2025 Updates Deeper routing, extended modulation, creative blocks for experimental synth architectures; no single release date. Pigments 7 Arturia December 16, 2025 Redesigned Play View, new tone-shaping tools (Rage, Ripple, Reverb, Corroder), more presets, expanded wavetables, samples, tutorials. Serum 2 Xfer Records March 17, 2025 Spectral morphing, multisample and granular oscillators, richer modulation; retains original workflow. Vital Pro 2 Matt Tytel 2025 Update Deeper wavetable morphing, AI-assisted content generation, light CPU use. VPS Avenger 2 Vengeance Sound 2025 Evolution Live macro morphing, new oscillators, creative grid for fast sound sculpting; performance-oriented powerhouse. Closing Thoughts What sets 2025 apart isn’t just feature lists or spec sheets - it’s integration and expressivity. Synth engines interweave sampling, granular processing, and spectral manipulation. Interfaces are more dynamic and interactive than ever. And tools like Pigments 7 are teaching users as they play, turning complex sound design into a tactile experience. Whether you’re scoring films, designing textures, or producing club‑ready tracks, this year’s synth roster delivers both power and inspiration.

Whether you’re sketching out your first track, pumping out hip‑hop beats, scoring films, or mixing for a full band, 2025 offers an exciting landscape of music production software (DAWs) with something for everyone. A digital audio workstation (DAW) is where ideas become demos and demos become finished releases - so choosing one that fits your workflow is crucial. Here’s where you’ll want to start. Ableton Live 12 – Creative Powerhouse for Electronic & Live Artists Ableton Live has long been the darling of electronic producers, DJs, and experimental musicians thanks to its uniquely flexible workflow and loop-based Session View. In 2025, Live 12 continues to lead with fluid real-time manipulation, robust MIDI and audio tools, and deep integration with controllers and hardware - all of which make it a standout choice whether you’re performing or producing. ...

Hardware sequencers remain essential for producers who want hands-on control over patterns, rhythms, and melodies. Unlike grooveboxes, sequencers are often designed to drive external synths, modular systems, or entire hardware setups. Here’s a detailed look at the top 5 hardware sequencers in 2025, complete with images, prices, and strengths. (reverb.com) Teenage Engineering OP-XY (~£1,799) The OP-XY is a portable sequencer with integrated synth engines and expressive pattern management. It offers parameter locks, modulation lanes, and performance-friendly workflow. Its unique combination of sequencing and sound generation makes it excellent for live improvisation and musical idea exploration. ...

Grooveboxes are island universes of music creation — sequencing, sampling, synthesis, and performance all in a single box. They let you sketch ideas, build full tracks, jam live, and take your studio wherever you want. In 2025, they’re more powerful and diverse than ever.(musicradar.com) Roland MC-707 (£1,013) The MC‑707 is a flagship groovebox from Roland with a ZEN‑Core sound engine that packs thousands of presets, drum kits, effects, and routing options. Its strength lies in pattern and clip‑based sequencing, deep effects, and live remixing capabilities. Each track can be assigned Tone, Drum, or Looper engines, and you can arrange your patterns into complete songs right from the hardware. The MC‑707 also has strong mixing features, send/return loops, and plenty of audio and MIDI connectivity. It’s a studio and stage workhorse, ideal for electronic, hip‑hop, and multi‑genre performance rigs.(musicradar.com) ...

Below is a list of my favourite music production YouTube channels 343 Labs - teach Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Mixing & Mastering, Composition, Music Theory, Sound Design & Synthesis, Vocal Production and much more Ableton Tips by PML - Ableton Live tips & tricks to elevate your music production game Accurate Beats - music production, music gear and beatmaking Alex Rome - everything related to music production, beat making, and songwriting Alice Yalcin Efe - Mercurial Tones Academy - anything related to electronic music, from advanced production methodologies to music documentaries and vlogs Andrew Huang - Canadian YouTube personality, musician & video producer Andertons - music hardware & software reviews Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) - official YouTube Channel of Applied Acoustics Systems. Physical Modeling since 1998. Arturia - Arturia official YouTube channel BBC Maestro - inspirational online courses taught by the most experienced creators Benn Jordan - music and science BoBeats - videos about synthesizers and music production gear Charles Cleyn - songwriting, music production, and marketing strategies to create and release great music Creative Sauce - helps you on your home recording journey David Bennett Piano - pianist and music lover creating educational music videos about all things interesting in music and music theory Doctor Mix - music production hardware & software reviews, also offers mixing & mastering service All Doctor Mix Reconstructions All My Moog Videos All Prophet Videos All Roland All Yamaha Videos Cubase Videos Doctor Mix Tips Great Drum Machines, Groove Boxes & Loopers World’s Best Synthesizers Dom Sigalas - music producer, film composer, and musicologist E-Clip - official Youtube channel for music release and music production education EDMProd - EDM production blog and resource site EDM Tips - how to produce Electronic Dance Music like a pro! – Techno, House, Trance, Progressive and much, much more Gear4music Synths & Tech - discover the latest synths, samplers, and software, with valuable tips and advice along the way Glenn Main - Norwegian electronic music composer Gospel Musicians - a plethora of instructional videos, software and resources for musicians Guy Michelmore (ThinkSpace Education) Film Scoring Interviews Music Theory Music Tutorials Reviews Sample Library Reviews Sound Tutorials ThinkSpace Education Course Trailers In The Mix - simplifying the recording, production, mixing and mastering process Jef Gibbons - video production, photography & music production Arturia Vids Cubase Basics Cubase Tutorials General Music Production Hardware Synthesizers Maschine+ Maschine Tutorials Native Instruments Expansions Virtual Instruments Joe Luegers Music Academy - step-by-step videos on musical ear training, as well as resources for music teachers of all levels Jordan Rudess - american keyboardist, composer, and software developer - voted “Best Keyboardist of All Time” Junkie XL - grammy nominated multi platinum producer, musician, composer and educator Liam Killen - electronic music producer sharing how to create music Loopop - in-depth electronic music & synth ideas tips, tricks & reviews LotusTunes Academy - learn about deep & organic house music production Martin Stürtzer - an Ambient / Electronic / Dub Techno artist from Wuppertal (Germany). He works with analog, digital, hardware and virtual instruments to create Ambient, Electronic and Dub Techno music Mastering․com - turn self-producing artists into professionally trained mastering engineers in just 9 weeks Mattias Holmgren - guides you in music production, sound design and creativity Mix with the Masters - offers the unique opportunity to work closely with the world’s top music mixers, producers and engineers and to improve one’s skills in music production Multiplier - electronic music production tutorials, reviews, vlogs, Ableton Live & Serum tutorials … muzykujkropka.com - testujemy instrumenty, aplikacje iOS i różne akcesoria dla Apple Native Instruments Native Instruments official YouTube channel Nu-Trix The Synth Guy - synthesizer reviews & music production Output - help you make music Piano From Scratch - resource to help you become a better student and learn the building blocks of music Pick Yourself - helps electronic music producers finish music they’re proud of PlugInGuru - created by John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl (Korg sound designer), home of the amazing Unify plugin Point Blank Music School - music school with courses in London, LA, Ibiza & Online Producing In The Box - how to make incredible-sounding music in the box! ProjectSAM - official channel of the creators of the acclaimed Symphobia Series, Orchestral Essentials Series and Swing! sample libraries Rachel K Collier - Welsh electronic producer & performer who makes songs and performances with Ableton Raveyard Sounds - music production tutorials ReOrder - sneak peek into the life of a DJ and music producer Rick Beato - everything music Rhodes Piano - official Rhodes channel Rob Papen - powerful instruments and plug-ins that bring together innovative design, uncompromising sound quality, and musical, production-grade presets to make your tracks shine Roland - music production hardware SamTheBeardGuy - virtual instrument reviews Sanjay C - music production, gear & tips School of Synthesis Seed To Stage - Anthony Thogmartin creating deeply informative instructional videos for learning how to use Ableton Live Simeon Amburgey (PraiseTracks) - virtual instrument reviews Heavyocity Native Instruments Kontakt Past Livestreams Plugin Guru UNIFY Vienna Symphonic Library Virtual Instrument Reviews Virtual Pianos, Searching For The Best Slynk - Ableton tutorials SonicState - gear reviews, interviews and features Sound On Sound - recording & music technology magazine Sounds Good - educational videos about music Spectrasonics - official Spectrasonics videos for Omnisphere & Keyscape State Azure - electronic music producer from the UK Studio - hands-on learning platform for cultivating your creative side Sweetwater - giving music makers the ultimate shopping experience Tom Salta - ASCAP award-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer Tom Salta is one of the most versatile and prolific music artists/producers working in film, television, advertising, and video games True Cuckoo - taking synths, bleeps, dance and pop to the stage. Underdog Electronic Music School Venus Theory - music production & reviews Bass Design Bitwig Tutorials Gear and Reviews Hardware Stuff Morning Coffee with Cameron Music Theory Stuff Producer Tips Production Tutorials Sound Design Stuff UVI Falcon Tutorial Series Vir2 Instruments - international team of sound designers, musicians, and programmers who specialize in creating the world’s most advanced virtual instrument libraries Vulture Culture - uncovering the hidden gems of the synth world Woody Piano Shack - music production & reviews Yamaha Global - official Yamaha Corporation YouTube channel Yamaha Music Europe - official YouTube Channel of Yamaha Music Europe

Overview Ableton have just release Ableton Live 12 https://www.ableton.com/en/shop/live-12/ Whats New UI Improvements Improved layout Filter based on tags in Live’s Browser Improved Workflow New Devices Meld (Synth) Granulator III (Sampler) Roar (Saturation Effect) New MIDI Tools Reshape MIDI patterns Generate new ideas Join, split & chop notes Stay in key across devices Additional Features Uncover new textures Performance Pack Lost and Found Pricing Live 12 Intro - £69 Essentials – 16 tracks and 5+ GB of sounds Live 12 Standard - £259 Full features – 38+ GB of sounds and more instruments and effects Live 12 Suite - £539 Complete studio – 71+ GB of sounds, Max for Live and all instruments and effects YouTube Playlists Learn Live 12 YoutTube Videos Ableton Live 12: Explore what’s new BIG UPDATE: Ableton Live 12 preview - Our top 5 favorite features Ableton Live 12: Yes or no? Ableton Live 12 - First Look - Sonic LAB Presentation

Bedroom Producers Blog (bpb) logicxx Native Instruments Point Blank Music School Sound On Sound WA Production