It's a fact. Sample libraries are getting better and more realistic and expressive, but that means they're also getting bigger too. Here's some tips on how to manage big libraries from Hollin Jones.

Beats: we all create them'"some better than others'¦ Sound Designer, G. W. Childs is here to share 8 tips to help you create better beats for your tracks, whatever DAW you use.

So you might be considering picking up some bargains in a seasonal sale, or just want to burn a hole in your pocket'¦ but do you really need new music gear? G.W. Childs plays devil's advocate.

It's completely natural for musicians to feel nervous or shy about performing live. So, here's 5 tips to help build your confidence for your next live performance.

You've probably been warned of "phase" when recording with multiple microphones, or discovered phase issues when mixing down. But what is it actually and how can you make use of it when producing?

Technology is empowering musicians like never before. There are fewer barriers between going from studio to stage for a one-man band. But should we be dispensing with real drummers so easily?

It's common practice to play with the BPM to achieve a different pace in our songs. But how often would you alter the time signature, and should we be exploring new meters when composing?

If you listen to music only on iPhone... shame on you! But seriously, take a leaf out of Andy Bowen's book as he suggests 3 simple ways to re-experience your music to understand it better.

It's time to take a journey into the world of synthesis with veteran synthesists, Logic guru and musical maestro, Peter Schwartz! Here he explores harmonics, overtones and partials.

Whether you're writing an opera, composing a pop song or constructing an EDM anthem, it's important to have your muse on your side. G. W. Childs shares a quick trick to keep your creativity flowing.

You can have the most awesome recording gear and mixing plug-ins in the world, but what's the point if your studio monitors are not up to scratch. Joe Albano shares 6 tips for effective monitoring.

Is the much talked about "Hollywood sound" attainable in your studio on a budget?Is it even desirable? Joshua Aker blasts this utopian ideal out of the water in this enlightening read.

In part 3/3 of this popular series exploring the ins and outs of microphones, Matt Loel T Hepworth examines what makes ribbon microphones sound fantastic. [Includes video demo too].

You might not think that recording and mixing the soothing sounds of Tibetan bowls will present much of challenge'¦ Lynda Arnold explains how to take the stress out of it in this insightful article.

The tools for authentic sounding orchestras are here. But, that automatically make your string sections sound good! Jay Asher shares six tips to help make your orchestral compositions unique.

Latency is part & parcel of everyday life when recording and mixing in our DAWs. Joe Albano gives a thorough tour of what latency is and the different ways to reduce its impact when monitoring.

Whether you're using an iPhone or a dedicated field recorder, these 5 timeless tips from Hollin Jones are designed to help you capture what you need, when you want.

As musicians, producers, (or many creatives) tell us, writer's block is a feared stated. However, it doesn't have to be as Josh Aker, composer for the Infinity Blade series of iOS games explains.

His Buchla's LPF has no resonance (and Steve H likes it that way!) Find out why in his latest insightful exploration into the innovations occurring in the world of synthesis.

On the surface, in-ear monitoring solutions may appear expensive, but Keith Crusher explains why the cost could be justified and how they can positively affect your next live performance.

The old adage GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) is arguably most important when recording vocals for your music productions. In this article Joe Albano shares 5 essential tips for recording good vocals.