212 TECHNIQUES - Make music from start to finish

The shortcuts and techniques you need to create, record, mix and master music, get the gear and even a career!

With the world still being pretty chaotic out there (at least at the time of writing) we’re hoping that a) you’re safe and b) you might just have a bit more time on your hands to make some music. We know that that’s where our focus is anyway, so we’ve decided to do what we do best and create a (massive!) feature to help you get some music made in these quite extraordinary times, and in whatever circumstances you find yourself in.

So we’ve pulled the stops out in this issue of Computer Music to bring you some of the best techniques we’ve ever assembled, all under one roof, to help you create a piece of music from start to finish. We also provide some advice on how to help you to get it out there once it’s complete, not to mention some top tips on looking after the gear you use to create it.

We’ve gone from the start of the music making process, right through to the end, beginning with some classic techniques to use with your softsynths and beats – some of which were first unleashed back in issue 200, but which are as impressive and relevant as ever.

Then there’s an all-new section on recording instruments into your DAW, where we’ve distilled advice from many expert writers into some 40-odd tips on recording vocals, guitars, instruments and more. The art of recording ‘real’ sounds like these can be a dark one, but you can actually master the most essential aspects of it with this practical, hands-on advice.