Music producer and vocalist views on music production, with artist interviews, software virtual instruments, etc. Also some girly stuff here and there!
Apogee ONE: This interface is known for its high-quality preamps and converters. It also has a built-in microphone, which can be useful for recording vocals.
Focusrite iTrack Solo: This interface offers good sound quality and is very user-friendly, making it a good choice for beginners.
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O: This interface allows you to record two channels at once, which can be very useful for recording guitar and vocals simultaneously.
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo: This is a durable and flexible interface that works well for a variety of recording scenarios.
Steinberg UR22mkII: This interface comes with Cubasis LE, which is a streamlined version of Steinberg’s popular Cubase music production software.
Please check with the manufacturers or a reliable tech review site to ensure that these devices are still among the best options for your specific needs in 2023, as technology and product offerings can change rapidly.
IK Multimedia’s AmplITube and T-RackS software models use AI, artificial intelligence
Mixing and Mastering: AI algorithms can analyze audio tracks and automatically adjust levels, EQ, and dynamics to achieve a balanced mix. They can also assist in the mastering process by suggesting optimal settings for compression, equalization, and stereo imaging.
Noise Reduction and Restoration: AI-powered tools can effectively remove unwanted background noise, clicks, pops, and other imperfections from audio recordings. They can also restore degraded or low-quality audio by intelligently filling in missing or damaged parts.
Virtual Instruments: AI technology has advanced to the point where virtual instruments can convincingly mimic the sound and behavior of real instruments. From virtual pianos and guitars to orchestral sections, these AI-driven instruments offer realistic and expressive performances.
Vocal Processing: AI algorithms can enhance vocals by automatically tuning pitch, correcting timing inconsistencies, and adding harmonies. They can also synthesize realistic vocal textures, such as choir sounds or vocal harmonizers.
Sound Design: AI is being utilized in sound design to generate unique and realistic audio effects. By training on vast libraries of sounds, AI algorithms can create novel soundscapes, generate sound effects, and even imitate specific sonic characteristics.
Intelligent Audio Analysis: AI algorithms can analyze audio content and provide valuable insights, such as identifying instruments, detecting emotion in spoken words, or automatically transcribing speech. This helps in tasks like content moderation, audio indexing, and accessibility.
Overall, AI is revolutionizing pro audio by automating labor-intensive tasks, expanding creative possibilities, and improving the quality and efficiency of sound production.
Here are ten virtual instruments for music creation that incorporate AI technology:
Spitfire Audio LABS: This collection of free virtual instruments includes various AI-driven instruments, such as soft piano, strings, and drums.
Output Arcade: Arcade combines loops, samples, and synthesis with AI-driven modulation and effects, providing a unique and creative platform for music production.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere: Omnisphere offers a vast library of sounds, including AI-generated textures and multisampled instruments that can be manipulated and modulated in numerous ways.
Native Instruments’ Straylight: Straylight is a granular-based instrument that uses AI algorithms to generate complex and evolving sound textures, perfect for cinematic and experimental music.
Arturia Pigments: Pigments is a powerful synthesizer that combines virtual analog and wavetable synthesis with AI-driven modulation sources, allowing for rich and evolving sound design.
Steinberg HALion: HALion features a variety of AI-driven instruments, including realistic virtual pianos, orchestral sections, and synthesized sounds.
Output Exhale: Exhale is a vocal engine that uses AI to generate expressive and realistic vocal performances, complete with phrases, phrases, and effects.
UJAM Virtual Drummer: UJAM offers a range of AI-driven virtual drummers that provide realistic and dynamic drum performances across various genres and styles.
SynthMaster One: SynthMaster One is a versatile synthesizer that incorporates AI algorithms to assist in sound design, allowing users to create unique and evolving sounds.
Roland Zenology: Zenology is a software synthesizer that includes AI-generated presets and sounds, offering a wide range of classic and modern tones.
These are just a few examples of virtual instruments that utilize AI technology. The field is rapidly evolving, and new instruments are continually being developed to push the boundaries of creative sound production.
IK Multimedia has developed several software products that incorporate AI technology. Here are a few examples:
SampleTank 4: SampleTank 4 is a comprehensive sound library and sample-based instrument. While it doesn’t directly use AI, it benefits from IK Multimedia’s AI-driven editing and organization tools. These tools help users quickly find and manipulate sounds within the vast SampleTank library.
Syntronik: Syntronik is a virtual synthesizer that combines sampled sounds from classic analog and digital synthesizers. While not explicitly AI-based, Syntronik incorporates IK Multimedia’s DRIFT technology, which introduces subtle analog-like variations and instabilities to emulate the character of vintage hardware synths.
It’s worth noting that IK Multimedia continues to innovate and expand its product offerings. They may introduce new software products or update existing ones to incorporate AI technology in the future.
Record and Live Stream music performances, news, interviews, lessons and more on all social media and gaming platforms
Hooke Lav, wireless lavalier microphone for iOS, Android, Mac/PC, Go Pro and more
Hooke Audio is proud to announce the Hooke Lav, the first truly mobile, wireless, wearable, dual-channel, Bluetooth microphone is now available via KickStarter. The Hooke Lav was designed for professional grade audio with 24 bit/48kHz mono and dual channel D/A recording and 8 GB of onboard storage for continuous, drop-out proof recording situations. With it’s convenient, low-profile clip-on design, the Hooke Lavalier mic can be worn and used seamlessly in Live Streaming situations; such as Music Performances, Interviews, News and Sports Broadcasting, Virtual School Teaching and E-Learning, Fitness Instruction, Gaming and more, and is compatible on all popular social media and streaming platforms like YouTube, Zoom, Skype, Twitch, Facebook and Instagram. The Hooke Lav is compatible with all smartphones, tablets and professional camera equipment; iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Android, Go Pro, DSLR and more. The Hooke Lav from Hooke Audio is now available for pre-order for a limited time on KickStarter at a discounted price.
“We wanted to create an affordable, wearable, wireless, professional microphone for all levels of customers and situations, that would continuously record and connect to any mobile phone, computer or pro camera with zero latency and audio dropouts. Coming from a musical background, of course we originally thought Hooke Lav would be best for singer/songwriters and guitarists making videos with their smartphones on Instagram and YouTube, but since Live Streaming has become the ‘new normal’, the Hooke Lav is a product that every musician, broadcaster, podcaster, school teacher, fitness instructor, gamer and video creator can use, for every situation, anywhere.”
Convenient, low-profile clip on wearable lavalier mic
Professional, high-quality audio recording
24bit / 48kHz mono and dual channel recording
8 GB of internal storage, for drop-out proof audio files
Standalone recording in Island mode
Up to 7 hours of continuous record time, with chargeable battery
Compatible with iOS, Go Pro, DSLR, Android, Mac/PC
Connects seamlessly to your favorite streaming and social media apps: Instagram, Twitch, Facebook, YouTube, Zoom, Skype and more
The First Wearable, Wireless, Bluetooth, Zero-Latency, Professional Audio Lavalier Mic The Hooke Lav is a one-of-a-kind, wireless, wearable lavalier or “clip-on” microphone that sends high-quality, mono and dual-channel audio over Bluetooth to any iPhone, Android, tablet, computer or professional camera with zero-latency. Unlike other lavalier or wireless mics that need an additional receiver, the Hooke Lav will pair via Bluetooth in both mono and dual-channel situations to any smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled equipment, with zero drop-outs, and delivers the lowest-latency available (.043ms). The Hooke Lav also is also the only wireless lav mic that records professional grade audio over Bluetooth in 24bit/48kHz, delivering the best, high-quality sound for your interviews, vlogs, podcasts and music instrument / vocal recordings.
Live Stream and Record in Every Situation, on Every Platform Once paired via Bluetooth to your mobile phone, camera or computer, the Hooke Lav microphone will record and live-stream to any application accepting an external audio input; including YouTube, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, Twitch, Sony PlayStation and more. The Hooke Lav will also record in standalone situations called “Island Mode”, without being paired at all, thanks to 8 GB of onboard storage – creators can record audio for videos, interviews, broadcasts, podcasts and more with zero worries of drop-outs in audio, and transfer their audio files to sync in post production.
Made for Video Creators and Musicians in Mind Hooke Audio’s Hooke Lav mic was designed for the creative soul, who needs an instant, no-hassle recording setup when inspiration strikes! Music and Video creators can just clip on the Hooke Lav for standalone recordings or paired via Bluetooth to any device, to capture excellent audio – like vocals and guitar, live music recordings for a stream, songwriting, motion sensitive video capture, point of view videos with low background noise, and much, much more.
Pricing and Availability:
The Hooke Lav is now available for a limited time on KickStarter at a discounted price, from Sept 22, 2020 to October 22, 2020.
While there may be no shortage of beautifully filtered models and hilarious meme accounts, finding priceless diamonds of raw musical talent on Instagram is simply an untapped wealth! Before the pandemic of 2020 hit, we had the pleasure of working with some truly inspiring, young artists – guitarists, singer/songwriters and music producers and discovering a few more! We’ve also noticed how much harder they’ve all worked during the adversity and isolation in the pandemic of 2020; to continue entertaining their fans with daily posts, videos, and produce new music and release new tutorials and lessons. Not only that, but we’ve discovered a lot of new musicians on social media as well! We’d love to introduce you to some of our favorite Instagram musicians from Nashville, TN, USA that you definitely should be watching, following and listening to their music. We promise you won’t be disappointed; introducing Shannon Lauren Callihan, Curt Henderson, Haley Powers and Jude Smith!
121.9k Followers – See Instagram photos and videos from Shannon Lauren Callihan (@shannonlaurencallihan)
Shannon Lauren Callihan – this Nashville-based beauty has the voice of an angel and the soul of a true, R&B funk guitarist (and pianist). Her posts are interesting to watch because she’s always working on music with her friends, playing saucy licks on her different guitars, and once is a while – taking photo shoots in hoodies with natural light, minimum makeup and showing off her natural glow. She’s got quite a group of talented friends as well, and we’ve gotten to watch all of them play and produce music together – with just the right amount of funny moments for comedic value!
Shannon is a very talented singer/songwriter and just released a new song, called “Love You Right“. Check her music catalogue out on Spotify, and don’t forget to follow Shannon Lauren Callihan on all of her social media accounts to hear more from this rising musical star:
Speaking of Shannon’s talented friends…let’s talk about Curt Henderson…
70.2k Followers, 1021 Following, 178 Posts – See Instagram photos and videos from Curt Henderson (@curthenderson_)It’s never a dull moment if you love new guitars, new musicians and new gear, because Curt’s Instagram page delivers the best! Curt Henderson is a Nashville-based guitarist, producer, and educator. After completing a degree in Jazz Guitar in his hometown of Vancouver, Canada, Curt made the move to America to pursue bigger opportunities. While Curt’s Instagram claims he’s a “hired gun”, we’ve seen him more on the production and writing end of music in 2020, namely with Shannon Lauren Callihan on a couple of her songs. He’s also a featured Fender guitarist, and was chosen to introduce their new American Performer Stratocaster line in 2019 via YouTube. Curt’s a roundhouse – he’s a guitar teacher as well, offering online lessons, as well as demonstrating a ton of gear from audio companies like Eventide Audio and others. Follow Curt Henderson on Instagram to get a daily or weekly dose of cool gear, amazing new music with fellow musicians, and new lessons he’s working on.
Check out Curt Henderson’s socials for more info:Curt Henderson’s
And speaking of “hired guns” turned music producer / online educator – let’s check out Haley Powers…
59.4k Followers, 615 Following, 290 Posts – See Instagram photos and videos from Haley Powers (@haleypowersmusic)Like all California girls do, Haley Powers stands out on Instagram with her spunky style and her dazzling smile. She comes across as the girl next door, and really shines as one of the sweetest and most comical guitarists to watch on Instagram! Check her out for inspiring licks, silly stunts with her Telecaster Thinline, and the occasional photo shoot with her favorite guitars. Not just a pretty face, Haley Powers is an excellent guitarist! She’s a “hired gun” in Nashville, performing with different bands and musicians, and also has a website where she offers online courses – some of them are even for free!!! Follow Haley Powers Music on Instagram for true inspirational guitar playing and if you’re looking for a musician to truly brighten your day!Visit Haley Powers Music’s website for more: www.haleypowersmusic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleypowersmusic
And last but definitely not least – let’s talk about the seriously underrated musical mastermind from Nashville – multi-instrumentalist and music producer – Jude Smith
139k Followers, 656 Following, 951 Posts – See Instagram photos and videos from Jude Smith (@jude_smith)
A Nashville native and multi-instrumentalist, Jude Smith rose to Instagram-stardom through his guitar playing and musical content while showcasing his one-man-band ability – gaining over 100,000 followers in 2019! Since then, his self-produced EP’s and string of singles have amassed over half a million streams, and bring to the table the timeless recipe of an irresistible melody mixed with charming instrumentation and a deep appreciation for groove and musicianship. Watch the video of Funky Groove – by Jude Smith, Shannon Lauren Callihan and Curt Henderson
“Stop the Pressure” by Starr Ackerman and DJ Rolan LIVE (as Digital Lifestyle)
Stop the Pressure – Official Video – Starr Ackerman and DJ Rolan LIVE as the band Digital Lifestyle has been released on YouTube, and the song is now available for streaming and download from iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify. Originally released in the album “Ibiza 2009”, we wrote and performed this song, Stop the Pressure, in 2006. I wanted to make a video of the life we are living in 2020; the emotional struggles of the pandemic COVID-19, our international borders closing, the national riots in USA (NYC, Los Angeles and more) against racism and police brutality (Black Lives Matter). And of course, making the song relatable to the depression, isolation and violence we’ve faced as a result from all of it. I feel like all of our art should be pushing for change somehow. Unless we come together as a human race across the world, united in our humanity, our children may never know the freedom of travel, healthy social interaction in schools, and safety in their communities.
This is not a political video!!! Suicide from the depression and social / economic effects of the pandemic is the #2 reason children and adults are dying in the USA in 2020. (COVID-19 still isn’t even in the top 10)
United we stand, divided we fall. One love, peace and respect ~ Starr Ackerman.
All music and vocals for “Stop the Pressure” were recorded and produced by Starr Ackerman and Rolan Sereny as “Digital Lifestyle” in 2006. Video produced and edited by Starr Ackerman, August, 8, 2009.
Download / Stream “Stop the Pressure” and other “Ibiza 2009” releases from Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and more:
Below are the social media links to follow me; I produce music and videos, support musicians, music creation hardware and software, and victims of mental and physical abuse.
Album photo for “Listen to Me” by Starr Ackerman. In loving memory of Tina Rao 1977-2020, pictured above.
“Listen to Me” by Starr Ackerman – Official Music Video and Song Released on YouTube, iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora, Soundcloud and more. Listen to Me, an instrumental, downtempo, chill, electronica (EDM) song with Indian percussion, bamboo flutes and a “Cafe Del Mar” vibe was inspired by and dedicated in the loving memory of Tina Rao (1977-2020), and to her lovely daughter, Violet.
All music and video was written, produced and edited by Starr Ackerman, June 30, 2020.
Fans of the 90’s electronic music rave era, and lovers of the WMC, Zen and Ultra Music Festivals know and love one band in particular, and they’re called Rabbit in the Moon. Leading the electronic music era with songs and remixes that spanned a 20+ year culture of new and interesting electronic music, RITM is offering a remix contest featuring one of their greatest song releases from the early 90’s, called “O.B.E.”(Out of Body Experience) Musicians and producers who are interested in remixing the stems for “O.B.E.” can enter their remixed songs for review by September 8, 2020. Interested in entering the Remix Contest for “O.B.E”? Find out more about it by visiting RITM’s Bandcamp page, and check out the history of how the song was made from David Christophere of Rabbit in the Moon‘s inspiring story!
Some words about the contest and the origination of the song “O.B.E” from Rabbit in the Moon‘s David Christophere (aka Confucius):
“The OBE remix contest is underway. There have been some great entries so far. The deadline to turn in your remixes will be Sept 8th, 2020!”
“The Summer of 1992 was a special time. It was the Orlando Summer of Love. It is when I sat on the stage at a party at The Edge late at night and decided to create a new project that would be called “Rabbit in the Moon.”
“Two months later that psychedelic dream would become a reality. I had written a track called “Freak to the Beat”. It was on the heals of the project Anarch-e that Monk and I made. It was full of crazy punk and hiphop samples put over hardcore rave beats. But I knew I wanted something different. Something more emotional from the heart, something that combined my love for dance music, but with a tribal atmosphere and spirit of people like Peter Gabriel.”
“I was at work one day (I had fallen into managing a t-shirt screen printing shop) and we used to always play music while things got done. One day, someone played the Tori Amos record Little Earthquakes. All the sudden she let out a howl, I was hooked! I never thought much of it after that. Other than wouldn’t it be fun to sample that. As I was at The Edge parties, and Ahhz at the Beachem Theatre, I kept hearing tracks like Future Sound of London’s “Papua New Guinea”, “Belfast” by Orbital and Opus III’s “It’s a fine day.”
“As I was looking in one of the stacks of books that Monk had lying around the workshop, I found this book about spiritual symbols and legends. I happened on a page that told the story of the Rabbit in the Moon. It went on about how different cultures that had no contact with each other all shared a similar belief. That the Rabbit was magic and represented balance as well as religious ceremonies. I related to it – how music is the true universal language. You don’t have to have lyrics and people can all feel the same vibe. I also liked how in the Aztec legend it talked about balance. You can’t have dark without light, or hard without soft, fast without slow. It made me feel like my new music could take on all feels and speeds. Not just be tied to one or the other.”
“As September rolled around, I was in full swing with making a Rabbit in the Moon single. But I started thinking about that howl…Tori’s howl. It sounded like she cracked open a piece of the universe and let us glimpse at the other side. I decided to try to use it. It was Oct 5th, 1992. I called Mark and asked to make some studio time. That’s when I got the bad news. He was moving to New York in 3 days. So basically, if I wanted to use the studio I had one day to write the song at home. ONE DAY to record it, and ONE DAY to mix it. I thought ‘Shiiiitt!!! I’m screwed!’ I haven’t even started writing the track. Something told me to just book it. So I did.”
Video of OBE by Rabbit in the Moon
“I went in the studio and started to write. By midnight, I had the bones of a track. But something was missing. I usually would do most of my writing by myself and Monk would pop in to check things out when they were done-ish. By 1am I was starting to freak a little…still nothing! I asked Monk to come into the studio, ‘Hey, come check this out.’ He probably thought he’d get to hear a finished song, but nope. We sat and listened and talked and I said, ‘This song needs glue, something to bring it all together.” My favorite synth at the time was a Roland JD-800. It had such a wide range of sounds you could get out of it. As I searched some presets to see if any vibe inspired me, I heard something. It was a sample of a Fairlight Sampler sound (one of Peter Gabriel’s main synths he used). It had some potential! It was very dynamic when you hit the keys hard. So I edited the parts in the sound to see if I could make it my own. As the track played and Tori’s scream part came in…I slammed the keys with the chord of the song started to howl. The oxygen in the room changed; my hairs on my arm and neck stood up! Monk sat up in full attention and said, ‘Wow that’s amazing!’ Two days later we had a song called O.B.E. (Out of Body Experience).
“Thanks again for everyone who is doing the remix contest. I can’t wait to hear the final results in September!”
The Benefits of Scoring Film in Binaural Audio featuring composer Nathan Matthew David
For the last 20+ years, movie houses and film production companies have been ramping up their 3D audio experiences by introducing a more intricate recording setup than just using surround sound speaker technology into the final mix. The difference between surround sound mixed film audio and 3D/binaural film audio can be heard spatially. Film scores in surround sound with 5.1 and 7.1 systems are covering just some of the listeners’ space, while 3D audio film scores give movie-goers an immersive experience, as if they are right there “in the movie” – hearing things not only to the right and left, but also in front and behind – providing a 360-degree experience. When sound engineers actually spend time recording right there on set in binaural to capture the true essence of standing in front of a waterfall, or next to it, or behind it – they capture the roaring presence of the waterfall sounds from a perspective that you just really can’t recreate without being there, in a 3D audio space that is authentic, and truly immersive. These binaural sounds, or 3D audio recordings, fit exactly to the frames of the film.
What is binaural or 3D audio recording? When you listen to a binaural, or “3D audio” recording, your brain processes the differences in each ear. You hear it from the perspective of the same way it would sound in the real world around you, with natural and accurate directional cues. For example, if you are standing in the rain, instead of just hearing the rain in a stereo format, or directionally – just left and right, you’ll hear the rain as if you were actually standing in the rain – in a 3D experience. Meaning, you’ll hear the rain not only to the left and right of you, but also in front of and behind you. You’ll also hear the sounds of the raindrops hitting your shoulders as well.
Opening up the sound stage to a real 360-degree experience would not only heighten the emotion but immerse the listener into the 3D space with psychoacoustics, just as if they were sitting in the middle of a string quartet with the recording artists, or standing in the rain. Small nuances of acoustic instruments can be recorded from a completely different perspective, say, from the actual guitar, piano player or drummer. Adding this 3D element to the mix is rare, but completely possible by introducing binaural recordings into the final mix.
To explain this example some more, here is a perfect binaural recording of an acoustic Filipino tribal instrument, called a Kulintang, inside of Nathan Matthew David’s studio from the performer’s perspective. Nathan is a composer for film and television, and in honor of Filipinx-American history month, he wanted to feature acoustic sounds in his production that are native to his culture. Nathan recorded his performance with the first wireless, binaural recording system – the Hooke Verse – to achieve what can be described as an otherworldly sonic performance, and a truly immersive sound experience.
Nathan Matthew David says in the description of his immersive video recorded with the Hooke Verse:
“October is Filipinx-American history month. As we close it, I wanted to share a snippet from a new electro-acoustic project I’ve been working on combining Filipino instruments with modular synthesis called ‘Pandama’ (Tagalog for ‘senses’). In this clip, each Kulintang gong is connected to the modular system via contact mics. The sounds are both processed in the system and they also trigger other sounds and events. The clip is one take and all sounds are being triggered by the Kulintang except for the Therevox synth, which I play. The voice sample in this clip is from Larry Itliong, a crucial figure in the history of Filipinx-Americans.”
To achieve the 3D audio experience, please put your headphones on to listen to the sound of this video. You will be transported into Nathan Matthew David’s studio as he plays the Kulintang, hearing it as if you were playing it yourself.
The Hooke Verse is essentially a pair of wireless headphones that have microphones on each ear bud. The recording is in 3D Audio, or binaural audio, which basically means that it sounds exactly the way you “hear” when you listen to it. If you listen to this recording with your headphones on, or with a nice pair of stereo studio monitors, like the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors or similar, you’ll hear the sound space as if you were on the stage with Chris Daughtry and his band as he sings and plays guitar.
The crazy part about this is that people have been trying to achieve surround sound with mixing in 5.1, or 7.1 for years now. But in order to actually make something sound really 3D, you’d have to simply record it that way. Also, the Hooke Verse employs a one-of-a-kind patented technology, which is the ability to deliver lossless, dual-channel audio over Bluetooth with zero latency!!! To date, there hasn’t even been a mono recording solution that can do that. Not only does it serve up intimate, flawless binaural recordings wirelessly – the Hooke Verse also syncs to any smartphone, computer or camera (Like a Go Pro or the obvious expensive camera used to shoot the Daughtry video).
Why would you want to record something in binaural or 3D audio?
Well, it sounds WAY better for one, and eliminates the shitty recordings that you may get with your expensive smartphone at a concert. Also, if you’re a sound designer, film composer, or a really slick music producer or engineer, you can start recording and adding ambient sounds or tricked out vocals to your mixes – spatially immersing the listener into your soundscape, mix or song just by recording it the way people actually hear things.
Watch while Brett Scallions, lead singer and guitarist of the band “Fuel“, and Phil Buckman, bassist of Fuel, casually sing, perform and discuss the Eventide H9 Max guitar & bass effects pedal. In this video, watch and listen as Brett recreates the spring reverb guitar tone of the song “Shimmer” from his iPad Pro, and talks about how he’ll be using the H9 Max for any future performances of the song. Check out how Phil shows off how the pedal sounds on bass with a chorus sound from the H9 from his computer, and talks about the history of Eventide’s sounds in his studio.
Starr Ackerman's Music Production Blog & PR/AR 