As we go into 2024 we put on our future-gazing goggles and make some predictions for what 2024 might hold for the Pro Audio industry…
Merry Christmas - A Message From The Editor
Merry Christmas from all of us at Production Expert.
Bigger, Better, Faster: Decoding Misleading Marketing Terms
In the audio software industry, marketing terms often paint an idealistic picture, promising capabilities that may not align with reality. As a professional in the fields of blogging, marketing, and music production, I understand the importance of scrutinising these claims. This (tongue in cheek) article aims to dissect three commonly used marketing terms in audio software and present a more grounded perspective.
Why Do We Continue To Use Inferior Audio Technology When Better Alternatives Exist?
In this article Julian looks to the world of watchmaking to try to answer a much debated question in pro audio. Using analogue equipment is worse in every quantifiable way than the modern alternatives. Why do we still want it?
Should We Be Remixing in Atmos?
We’ve discussed many aspects of Dolby Atmos on this site, from the theory behind the format, to the equipment requirements, to the workflow. In short we talked about what Atmos is and how to do it but something we’ve talked about less is whether we should mix in Atmos.
Is Training AI Music Generation Apps With Copyrighted Music Fair Use?
The recent resignation of Ed Newton-Rex from his position as VP of Audio at Stability AI, a leader in AI music generation because he can’t reconcile himself with his former company’s use of copyrighted music in training their model has cast new light on the issues around this rapidly developing area. We examine the issues.
There's One Thing That Means Pro Tools Isn't Industry Standard
For years, the term ‘Industry Standard’ has been applied to Pro Tools. Users of competitor DAWs argue against this, citing features and other reasons why this isn’t really the case. We explain how it got this prestigious title and why, when compared to other ‘Industry Standard’ applications, Pro Tools is missing a vital piece of the puzzle, to really earn the title.
Avoid The Dreaded Skip Button
On streaming platforms about half of songs get skipped. Is it worse to get skipped in the first five seconds or halfway through? You can’t please all the people all the time but thinking about how you reward a listener who stays with it is an interesting subject.
DAWs Can Sound Different To Each Other But Not For The Reasons You Think
Although the DAW has been with us for decades, for some the idea of sonic differences between them persists. Most understand that digital audio doesn’t have a sound of its own, but some factors can make a difference while others won’t. We investigate…
Which Gear Will Be The Sound Of The 2020s?
It’s relatively easy to identify particular equipment which evokes a musical era. Much of that gear is still popular today, though not all. What is harder to identify is what, if anything, will define the music of today. Does infinite choice affect the sonic fingerprint of today?
Why More Audio Plugins Might Not Make A Better Mix
With an endless stream of new, ‘must-have’ products, some engineers could be forgiven for thinking that more is more. Although most know that this is rarely true, where exactly does the line exist between enough or too many plugins? We discuss…
How To Get Your Money's Worth From An Audio Education Course
Education is almost always a good idea, but does it follow that all education options worth it? It’s often said that education is like going to the gym, you get out of it what you put into it so if you’re on a course, how should you get full value out of it?
If You Say These Things In Audio Forums Stop Now!
Forums can be both a treasure trove of valuable insights and a dumping ground for misguided opinions. Anyone who has spent time scrolling through threads knows that comments can range from enlightening to downright uninformed. We look at two oft-repeated comments that misinterpret or oversimplify the complexities of business and audio software development.
How To Capture The Best Possible Performance When Recording
Recording music is about capturing performances - some might even say that the gear is secondary. Here we talk about some practical ways to aid creativity, to make the process of recording disappear for artists, and to catch the magic when lightning strikes…
Three Technologies That Could Shape The Pro Audio Industry In The Future
Just when you thought the audio industry had run out of ideas, another innovation inflection point occurs and we find ourselves with new possibilities. In this article we discuss how three technologies could change everything for all of us working in music and post production.
Professionals Consider This Before You Criticise Those New To Audio
It's easy to forget how much you know, that may sound like an oxymoron but what I mean is that if you've been involved in audio for a significant amount of time there are so many things that become second nature. Spending time with a novice engineer will probably remind you of this sooner rather than later, and it’s an opportunity for both to learn from each other.
5 Things I Would Tell My Kids If They Were Wanting To Make A Decent Living From Music
It’s never been harder to make a decent living in the music industry, even in my life time the technical advances in the way we make and consume music have created a seismic shift in the landscape. If one of my kids were thinking of trying to make a living from music, then these are 5 pieces of advice I would give them.
Are Subscriptions Forcing Us To Do Something We Should Have Done Already?
Music software subscriptions are a way of life, but they can start to mount up. Russ Hughes suggests they may be making us face up to the reality of our spending.
The Value Of The Acquisitive Phase In Audio Production
At the beginning of an Audio Engineer’s journey it’s natural to want to fill your experience with more and more ‘stuff’. The more experienced might tell you it’s a distraction from what’s really important but however right they might be, you’re going to do it anyway. Julian thinks it’s part of the journey. Do it but recognise it for what it is…
If We See Another 'Honest' Review We Are Going To Scream!
We all want reviews that are as fair as possible, but in the world of YouTube and the desperate need for viewers, it seems the misappropriation of some terms is rife.