In this optimization guide we will focus on optimizing for mixing and mastering, so sit back, relax and learn!

Optimizing for Mixing and Mastering: If you recall in my previous article, the H/W buffer settings and everything under the "Settings" frame in your Pro Tools "Playback Engine" options, you remember that you wanted the lowest possible size for recording, now can you guess what you want for mixing and mastering? Did you guess high? If you did, give yourself a pat on the shoulder!

When you're getting ready to mix a song or an entire album, go ahead and set the H/W Buffer Size to 2048. Recording latency is not our focus with mixing-- plug-in latency is. So we need to make sure your Pro Tools system won't buckle if you happen to use a lot of plug ins when mixing. Otherwise, leave the other two options as they were set from the first part of this optimization guide.

The brunt of the settings you will be adjusting will be under the "DAE Playback Buffer" pane in your Playback Engine window.

You will want to change your size to level 1 or level 2 this time, no more, no less, either of those options will keep the streaming and playback of audio and processing from doing anything weird and crashing. For the Cache Size, leave this on "Normal" or "Large" (Large will typically allow you to use more plug-ins on an LE system).

Now we get to a section called the "Plug-In Streaming Buffer" and the last of the options in this screen. What this setting does, is allow for even time between using Audiosuite plug-ins to make a change to one specific point in any particular track as opposed to using a send to add an effect. There is a small latency from when you click the "Preview" button on an Audiosuite plug-in to hear what the effect settings will sound like before you commit to the decision of adding it on in that particular section.

I included mastering in this section as well because plug-ins are still used on mastering sessions in Pro Tools, usually multiple EQs and compressors and a limiter, possibly a master reverb as well. However more people are beginning to use Izotope Ozone or T-racks for their mastering purposes which are an all-in-one plug-in that does all your EQ, limiting, multi-band compression and other fun functions, they add more latency but allow for one to use more inserts if necessary.

This concludes "Optimizing Your PTHD/LE System for Mixing and Mastering"! I hope you have learned a lot and have had your questions answered!

Click Here to discover more about Recording and Producing in the Home Studio with A Complete Guide that Includes Pro Tools Hints and Tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Hayward

Some may have noticed the desire for a no sweat music producer software package for those who want to learn how to make your own hip hop beats online. There's now this new beat maker that allow you to make your own beats real readily.

The already stated music maker software allows you to develop almost any type of electronic music you go for. There's no requirement to have much if any music production wisdom to be able to begin using it. This is thanks to the design being very uniform and correctly put together. The tutorship included are simple to be guided by and will be lead by the hand through every note and bar. There's no reason why you won't be banging out beats in about 20 minutes time with the help of this training.

Searching around will uncover all kinds of websites and forums that try to tell you what you need to make expert sounding beats. You'll find articles where they cite that you are required to have all varieties of music production and engineering instruction. Furthermore, they'll also talk about how you need over a thousand dollars in pro production software and equipment that's arranged in a recording studiofashion.

This is the reason Dub Turbo was brought to light. It will get to the bottom of the problem of having to shell out $1000s to have a full featured music producer software assortment. It includes 1000s of sounds, with a keyboard, sequencer, pads, and more. You can use these sounds and the numerous interfaces to arrange any style of music you like.

If you have some wisdom of how to compose music, and have a suitable recording studio as of now. Dub Turbo will be a cherished addition to your setup. Considering all of the sounds that's built in, it can amplify the diversity of sounds and melodies you can assemble.

Despite the fact that this music maker software bundle is excellent for apprentices. It's ideal for anyone who wants to make instrumentals online using the same stature sound kits that are featured in your precious songs. Pre-mastered in a pro recording studio to make certain that the sound is similar to most commercially attainable songs. Once your song is complete, these mastered sounds sound great when burned to CD. Which you are able to do very easily using this program.

Click here to visit this hip hop beat making software site to look at videos, take a listen to sample tracks, and learn more about how this music mixing software package can have you creating songs today.

This is a review of the Blue Snowball USB Microphone. We'll go over general features, detail the good parts, and get into detail of the negatives I found(or didn't find). So first of all I've been dealing with pro audio in many forms for years now. So with that, I've collected quite a few microphones in that time.

When I first got my sweaty palms on the blue snowball microphone, I was pleased with the style and feel of this USB mic. The reproduced sound quality was very clear, it didn't have any high-end sound fragments while still keeping the low end rich and true. You know, there was no vigorous distortion. I have to admit, this mic is on the level of some $500+ microphones. Which is typically how much you'd have to spend to get that nice clean and full-range quality that you want. Since it used USB technology to interface with your computer, there's no need for an audio interface or screwy proprietary driver software. It's as easy as plug and play.

Here's Some General Features of The Blue Microphones Snowball Microphone:

* USB Output: The USB output enables direct integration with a desktop or laptop computer, allowing CD-quality recording
* Dual Capsule Design: The dual capsule design incorporates omnidirectional and cardioid elements to give you a choice
* -10dB Pad: A -10dB pad switch eliminates noise and distortion when capturing signals at extreme volume levels
* Accessories Included: A desktop stand and USB cable are included so you can begin recording right away

With these features and high end sound quality. This clean and affordable microphone is ideal for internet broadcasts, podcasts, open-mic compositions, voice-over projects, and quick-and-easy live recording via your computer. I found that it was money well spent, and it's a nice addition to my home studio setup. Along with that, it just so cool how it stands there. However, the usb mic does have been known to have problems in the past working with Windows Vista.

As far I know, the blue snowball usb was updated to correct this problem. I didn't experience any problems, maybe that's because I don't use windows vista.:-) There is a Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone Bundle available if want to get even more professional. In conclusion, this condenser mic has sturdy construction and tight sound.

Click here to discover more about the Blue Snowball Microphone.

Sometimes, even the most talented and creative people have trouble using some music beat maker programs for the first time. Especially since the high cost of production can scare most "curious ones" away. This is one of the major obstacles for a brand-new beat creator. Sometimes you just want to sit down lay down a beat or two, but the complexity and cost of most drum machine software can be intimidating. On the other hand, these restrictions have been defeated by this very functional and easy to use music beat maker portal.

This music beat maker has tons of features and tools packed right in. You'll be able to put together pro style beats right on your computer anywhere you are. It has almost everything you need, you don't need to worry about getting a synthesizer, a mixer, a sequencer, or any other gear or instruments.

The only accessories you'll have to have is your computer and some great headphones and/or speakers. Not only is this music beat maker affordable, it even provides sounds and samples that you can use without having to worry about paying royalties.

You can find some free drum machine software online, however they are very limited in function and ability. If you want to put together very original and professional beats, you don't need to spend a lot of money. Like mentioned earlier, this hip hop beat making software is very affordable. With all the included extras, such as production lessons based on Logic, ProTools, software instruments, keyboards, and more. This is pretty much a steal!

Considering studio costs compared to just using this music mixing software to make your own beat for your various music projects. Using music maker software is much more convenient and cost effective. Not only can you make your own beat with studio quality sound, it can even sound better once you learn the right techniques.

You will get access to a huge number of selections for instruments, beats, effects, and thousands of samples to choose from. Being able to produce truly professional and very high quality beats is very possible with this music producer software. For the up and coming beat creator, there are video tutorials that will evolve you into a pro beat creator in a flash.

This music mixing software was made to be ultra user-friendly for you. This is why so many freshmen beat creators are moving to make beats online. You'll be surprised to know how many great songs were made via this beat creator program nowadays. Make beats online that sound like $1000s for less than 50 bucks. You can even make beats and sell them, and this can be a very lucrative business for you. The possibilities are endless, check out a few sample tracks that was made with this powerful drum machine software today.

There are tons of people online who're looking for programs to make beats. For those just now getting started, this task can really be a hassle. Especially if you want beat software that will make your beats sound incredible. So to make your search a little more easy, we have come across one of the best programs to make beats online. It's really easy to use and it's packed with 1000's of sounds and samples. You don't need to be a professional musician or have any experience with programs to make beats. This beat software is super user friendly, and with a little practice you'll be banging out the beats within hours.

It doesn't matter what style of music you're into, this music creation software will cater to anyone's taste. Whether you want to stick to one style or jump around from style to style, this pc music studio can handle it. It also has a full set of pro audio tools so you can get the perfect sound you want. With the included tutorials and music production video, it's not difficult to use this beat software to the max. You can hear some examples of the beats made using software studio recording techniques of this best music making software. You'll be amazed at the quality of the sound and precision of the sequencing.

Not only can you get a quality make beats computer sequencer, you also get lessons in Logic, Pro Tools, software instruments, keyboards and more. You will also get to download high quality beats and instrumentals and show off the beats you make. Whether you want to make HOT rap beats or a classical ensemble, this virtual drum machine and music creation software has you covered. You can use your imagination to come up with new ideas on how to change things up so that your work can be truly original.

These are just a few of the features offered by this beat software. Visit the site now to look at the music production video and give a few of the tracks a listen. I'm sure you'll be impressed. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect. Keep at it, and you'll soon be putting out some of the best beats ever made on the best music making software online.