If you are new to this blog, probably you will be having a hard time navigating the blog to read its contents without the use of an organized reading guide. So I summarize the best posts in logical order based on topics for your reference. It is arranged by order of topics covering a wide variety from digital audio fundamentals to music publishing and marketing. Feel free to suggest some important topics to add. I also appreciate if you report some errors in the posts.
I am on the process of converting this entire blog into a book (to be published towards the end of 2012 or early 2013). So I appreciate any inputs if you have by dropping me some message 🙂 My objective is to write a single complete book that covers all you need to learn from creating/recording your music to marketing your music in general.
Actually, I received a lot of requests from the blog readers to write a updated book about the content of this blog. I even have one loyal reader helping me to write the old e-book version of this blog (unedited/not updated published in 2010) which you can download freely here.
The outline presented on this page is what the upcoming book would be organized. Of course, it is still needed to be reviewed by my editor so the final topics can change. I will announce the book launching soon in this blog. Hopefully, I would like it to be available for sale in Amazon, both in Kindle and paperback versions. Nevertheless, you can use this outline as a reading guide of this blog. I am sure this will be of great help to you.
Copyright notice: Please don’t print/copy or publish any of this article. If you want to use this article in your research, etc. simply link to the exact article URL or this outline page instead of copying the text. The link details are provided at the sidebar (see “LINK TO THIS CONTENT”). Thank you.
Unit 1: Introduction to Digital Music Production
Chapter 1: Digital Audio and Sound Engineering Fundamentals
1.) The basics of analog to digital conversion and Pulse Code Modulation
2.) Understanding the digital audio waveform
Chapter 2: Measurement Tools and Techniques in Digital Audio
1.) Introduction to FFT (Fast Fourier Transform)
2.) What’s the difference between line, instrument and microphone levels?
3.) What is the difference between dBFS, VU and dBU as measurement of loudness level?
4.) Understanding what is RMS in digital audio
Chapter 3: Introduction to EQ
1.) The theory on parametric equalization
2.) Understanding shelving filters
3.) How to use a parametric equalizer
Chapter 4: Introduction to Audio Compression
1.) What is dynamic range compression?
2.) Effects of implementing compression to a digital audio waveform
3.) Understand compressor parameters: Attack and Release
Unit 2: The Music Production Processes: The Role of the Record Producer
Chapter 5: The Record Producer and its role in the music industry
1.) Understanding the music production process
2.) What is your role in the music industry?
3.) How do you become a record producer?
4.) Some tips on hiring a music producer
5.) Recording producer and artist on legal agreements
6.) How much money does a music producer make?
7.) What do you need to know about providing music production credits?
Chapter 6: Music production standards and history
1.) Industry standard recording practices
2.) Short history on music production
Unit 3: Building your Home Recording Studio
Chapter 7: Building your first Digital Audio Workstation System
1.) Things that you need to prepare to record music at home
2.) Using your netbook as your personal home studio
3.) 13 important factors in computer audio recording
2.) Beginner hard drive or SSD Guide
Chapter 8: Choosing your DAW software
1.) Popular DAW software as of 2011
2.) Advantages of 64-bit DAW over 32-bit float
3.) Secrets to audio mixing success: Stick to one DAW and set of plugins
4.) REAPER Digital audio workstation review as of 2012
Chapter 9: Buying an audio interface
1.) Tips on buying an external audio interface
2.) USB vs Firewire audio interface
3.) 24-bit 96KHz USB audio interface for Windows
4.) ASIO vs WDM in modern home recording
Chapter 10: Selecting studio monitors and audio mixer
1.) A study of the nearfield monitors for audio mixing
2.) Is it important to mix with a subwoofer?
3.) Tips on buying a mixer for home recording
Chapter 11: Selecting the proper microphones
1.) Recommended microphones for recording vocals, drums, guitars
2.) Is it OK to use Shure SM 58 when recording vocals?
Chapter 12: Direct Boxes, Preamps, Balanced Audio Cables
1.) Frequently Asked Questions on Audio Interface, Preamps and other gears
2.) What’s the effect if you will be recording without using a preamp
3.) Balanced and Unbalanced Audio
Chapter 13: Installation and Usage Tips of your Recording Gears
1.) How to connect Compressor and EQ to Mixer Inserts and Reverb in Aux Sends
2.) Pre-fader vs Post Fader Aux Sends/Return and Insert FX
3.) How to use reverb unit with mixing console using aux sends and returns
4.) Connecting studio monitors to your PC: Illustration using M-audio Bx5a
5.) Using power amplifiers in your gig unit: Illustration using Laney AH200
6.) Firewire audio interface and mixing control tutorial example using Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
7.) Installation of DAW Software to your OS: Illustration using REAPER
8.) How to install, manage and remove Direct X plugins in Windows
9.) How to Install VST plug-in: Illustration using Adobe Audition, Reaper, Audacity & Notion3
Chapter 14: Basics in Home Studio Acoustic Treatment
1.) How to improve home studio acoustic treatment?
2.) Absorption vs Diffusion in home studio acoustic treatment
3.) Absorption coefficient of common household materials
4.) Do egg cartoons work for soundproofing a home studio
5.) Testing room acoustics and analysis tutorial
Chapter 15: The basics of building an analog recording studio
1.) How to build an analog recording studio without using a computer
Chapter 16: Optimizing and Troubleshooting your DAW
1.) Optimizing Windows 7/XP for audio recording
2.) Optimizing Windows 7 Netbook for audio recording
3.) Optimize Windows for Firewire and USB audio interface
4.) Beginner FAQ on digital recording studio troubleshooting
5.) Troubleshooting slow computer when using with your DAW
6.) Troubleshooting issues with your audio interface: Illustrated using Saffire Pro 40 audio interface
7.) Audio dropout and multitrack recording latency troubleshooting
Unit 4: The Art of Recording Sound in Digital and Editing
Chapter 17: Technical Requirements of a Good Recording Signal
1.) Proper gain staging: Maximizing Recording Quality and Minimizing Noise
2.) Prevent clipping during recording/tracking sessions
3.) 7 common recording mistakes
4.) Do you apply effects during recording or only during mixing?
5.) What is the best sample rate and audio bit depth for your projects?
6.) What is the difference between 32-bit float and 24-bit audio?
7.) 44.1KHz vs. 48KHz sample rate
8.) Phase cancellation in audio recording
9.) How to correct or fix out of phase cancellation in recordings?
10.) Test your knowledge in digital audio
Chapter 18: Multitrack Recording Techniques
1.) Ways to record sound using a personal computer
2.) How to do a multitrack recording session?
3.) What is Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) and how to use it?
Chapter 19: Live band Recording
1.) Definitive guide when recording music in the studio- band checklist
2.) How to record a live band performance in 4 different ways
3.) Recording a rock band in the studio: One at a time or Live?
4.) Live band recording techniques using Blue Yeti USB microphone
5.) Greatest Innovations in music recording and their lessons
Chapter 20: Consumer techniques on Capturing Sound in Digital
1.) How to record using Audacity in Windows: Beginner guide
2.) Using Audacity to convert analog music to high quality digital master
3.) Record minus one music from Youtube using Windows 7 netbook
4.) Copy Karaoke or Minus one from Youtube or DVD Player to computer
Chapter 21: Recording Vocals
1.) Do you record vocals in mono or stereo?
2.) How to record vocals properly in your home recording studio?
Chapter 22: Recording Guitars and Bass
1.) Record clean guitar using DI or amplifier cabinet method
2.) Recording distorted guitar tips and techniques
3.) Bass guitar recording techniques
Chapter 23: Recording drums
1.) Recording drums in multitrack using REAPER
2.) Recording drums using 4 microphones with stereo output
3.) Recording and mixing drums using only two microphones
4.) How to record a cajon/acoustic percussion drum box
5.) Superior drummer 2.0 vs a Real drum kit
Chapter 24: Recording Electronic Piano and MIDI
1.) Using a direct box when recording electronic piano keyboards
2.) Reaper MIDI and virtual instrument tutorial
Chapter 25: Digital Audio Editing Techniques
1.) Best practices on digital audio editing for beginners
2.) Editing audio files: Destructive vs Non-destructive editing
3.) Remove noise in recordings: Adobe Audition Example
4.) Pitch correction tutorial illustration using Adobe Audition and Audacity
5.) Volume automation tutorial using REAPER
6.) How to remove vocals from a song using Adobe Audition or Audacity?
7.) How to implement mp3 audio watermarking and benefits
8.) MP3 to music sheet converter
9.) Some information on doing upsampling
Unit 5: Audio Mixing
Chapter 26: Basic Preparation on Digital Audio Mixing
1.) How to make your digital recordings to be compatible with any DAW for mixing
2.) Check MP3 and WAV file integrity using MD5 checksum for quality control
3.) Mixing: In the box vs Out of the box
4.) Why you should not mix using headphones
5.) Ear training development exercises for audio mixing
6.) How to take care of your ear during audio mixing
7.) Can you achieve quality audio mix using only free plugins?
Chapter 27: Overview of the Basic Audio Mixing Principles
1.) The art of two dimensional audio mixing: front and back
2.) Audio mixing tips and secrets a professional audio mixer won’t tell
3.) Tips to make your mix translate better to different audio systems
4.) How to apply reverb to a mix properly
5.) Mixing rock music tips and how to make your recordings sounds heavy and thicker
6.) Creating realistic stereo image with panning
7.) Reaper FX Chain Tutorial
Chapter 28: Mixing Vocals
1.) Tips on how to mix vocals and put some effects like a professional
2.) How to mix background vocals
3.) Mixing choir vocals in live music
4.) Adding reverb to vocals: Best practices
5.) Vocal distortion effects
Chapter 29: Mixing Guitars and Bass
1.) Tips in mixing electric guitars
2.) Guitar EQ mixing for rock, country and pop music
3.) How to pan acoustic or electric guitar in the mix
4.) Mixing clean guitar and applying reverb tips
5.) How to mix baritone guitar tips and techniques
6.) Reaper guitar effects and amp modeling
7.) Lead guitar mixing tips for rock instrumental music
8.) Tips in mixing bass guitar like a pro
Chapter 30: Mixing Drums
1.) How to pan drum instruments
2.) Kick drum EQ settings and compression
3.) Snare drum: EQ, compression and panning
4.) Drum frequencies of different parts of the drum
5.) Mixing cymbals and hi-hats
6.) Mixing conga: EQ, panning and compression
7.) Drum mixing tips and techniques for modern rock music
8.) Add realism and natural sound to your sequenced drum beats
Chapter 31: Audio Mixing of Orchesta and other percussion instruments
1.) Mixing horns, trumpets, trombone and saxophone
2.) Tips on mixing violin for classical and pop music projects
3.) How to mix piano keyboards
4.) Symphony orchestra panning and reverb settings
5.) Notion 3 music notation software review
6.) Notion 3 mixer console tutorial
Chapter 32: General EQ Mixing Tips
1.) Complete EQ settings to start when doing audio mixing
2.) How to mix frequencies for best sound
3.) Musical instrument frequency range analysis
4.) EQ best practices in audio mixing
Chapter 33: Tips in attaining clarity in studio and live sound mixing
1.) Improve musical clarity of live band practice and rehearsal
2.) How to mix audio for perfect clarity and space
3.) Developing wide stereo ambiance sound in your recording
4.) Audio compression tips for mixing
5.) REAPER aux send: setting reverb and parallel compression
Chapter 34: Preparing for the Audio Mixdown
1.) Mix bus compression for a tighter mixdown: Illustrated using Waves Rcomp compressor
2.) What is analog summing mixer
3.) Correct audio mixing levels and headroom in preparation for mastering
4.) The art of remixing
Unit 6: Digital Audio Mastering
Chapter 35: Basic Introduction to Mastering
1.) Digital audio music mastering process tutorial
2.) Can audio mastering save a bad mix?
3.) Tips in mastering audio at home
4.) Audio mastering using free software or plugins
Chapter 36: Audio Mastering EQ
1.) EQ settings for mastering
2.) Finding instrument frequencies using notch filtering method
3.) Using parametric EQ to find the sweet spot
4.) Attaining frequency balance in audio mastering
Chapter 37: Multiband compression in audio mastering
1.) Multiband compression tutorial using Waves linear phase multiband
2.) How to use reference tracks when mastering using multiband compressor
3.) Audio mastering with Audacity using C3 multiband compressor
Chapter 38: Making your masters loud while preserving dynamics
1.) How to create a radio friendly mix or master: broadcast ready
2.) True measurement of quality loudness in audio mastering
3.) How to maximize volume in audio recording
4.) Tips on making your masters sound loud and big using Waves LinEQ and L2 Ultramaximizer
5.) DIY and quick audio mastering techniques
6.) REAPER audio statistics and volume plugin
7.) Loudness war examples
Chapter 39: Dithering and Sample Rate Conversion
1.) How to use dithering and sample rate conversion during mastering?
2.) Dithering and sample rate conversion before MP3 encoding: A Study
Chapter 40: Audio Mastering Illustrations
1.) Mastering with Cool Edit Pro/Adobe Audition
2.) Quick Audio mastering with REAPER
3.) Cheer music mixes review in mastering
4.) Mastering tips of Electronic/Disco/French House Music
Chapter 41: Audio CD production, Backup and Delivery
1.) How to make a CD master that complies with red book audio CD standard
2.) Characterizing a professionally mastered CD
3.) Recommendations on choosing a CD burner/writer and media for audio mastering
4.) Tips on burning music to audio CD
5.) How to digitally remaster your analog masters
6.) ISRC registration and application
7.) Frequently asked questions regarding ISRC
8.) How to embed and read ISRC codes of MP3 files?
9.) How will you prepare your master recording for delivery to your client
10.) How to preserve and backup your sound recording masters for long term
Chapter 42: Tips on creating and working with a demo
1.) Recording a demo CD for an artist
2.) How to make your own vocal-acoustic guitar demo at home?
3.) Understanding your genre in creating the demo: Illustrated using country music
4.) Audio samples for audio mixing practice
5.) REAPER DAW file management tips
6.) Tips to make broadcast quality recordings
7.) 54 Tips on how you can improve the sound quality of your demo
8.) Doing a music production review example
Unit 7: Linux/Ubuntu Music Production
Chapter 43: System Setup
1.) How to install Ubuntu with Windows 7/XP operating system for music production
2.) Installation of Firewire audio interface in Ubuntu: Illustrated using Saffire Pro40
3.) Troubleshooting no sound problem of Firewire audio interface in Ubuntu
4.) How to set your Firewire audio interface as default sound device in Ubuntu
5.) How to add, install and use plugins with Ardour
Chapter 44: Creating Music
1.) How to record music in Linux using Audacity with a PCI soundcard
2.) Record streaming Youtube music in Ubuntu using JACK and Ardour
3.) Starting Ardour and JACK sound server in Ubuntu
4.) Ardour mixing tutorial
5.) Installing Autotalent plugin in Audacity
6.) Working with EQ plugins with Audacity and Ardour
Unit 8: Music Publishing and Marketing
Chapter 45: Songwriting Tips
1.) 6 most proven hit songwriting tips
2.) Tips on becoming a professional songwriter with a home studio
Chapter 46: The Business Aspect of Songwriting
1.) Songwriter guide on the business aspect of songwriting
2.) How to publish a song?
3.) Tips on submitting a song to an artist
4.) 5 common indie music business myths-debunked
5.) How to organize your music catalog?
Chapter 47: Music Copyrights and Asking Permission to use Music
1.) Copyright mistakes to avoid
2.) Understanding the sound recording copyright registration process
3.) How to submit sound recording copyright application properly
4.) How to perform a song copyright search?
5.) how to get permission to use copyrighted music?
6.) How to record cover songs? The legality and checklist
7.) When does music fall into the public domain
Chapter 48: Music Rights and Licensing
1.) What is the difference between a music publisher and a music library
2.) Guide on purchasing, buying and selling song rights
3.) What is a mechanical licensing agreement?
4.) Important information pertaining to public performance music licensing
5.) Music rights for film
6.) Ring back tone music licensing guide
7.) Licensing music guide in Karaoke machine business
8.) Podcast music licensing guide
9.) Typical music licensing fees and cost for different projects
10.) Example Music Licensing agreement and Indemnification clauses
Chapter 49: Marketing your Music
1.) Some beginner guide on marketing your music online
2.) How to release a digital album online?
3.) How to sell your music or songs in iTunes?
4.) Using Youtube to improve your online music presence
5.) How to get signed to a record label and make money with your music
6.) Earning sound recording royalties using SoundExchange
7.) Tips on using SoundCloud in your music marketing
8.) How to promote your music website?
Content last updated on October 15, 2012