I’ve been producing progressive house for about 18 months and have done ok, but I’ve done most of it without much actual knowledge of what I’m doing! I don’t know how to master properly, how to create my own synth sounds (only very basic ones and I end up using modified presets most of the time), or much about compression/reverb/etc.br
br
My tracks sound alright, and I’ve had a few decent releases, but they lack the ‘life’ (for want of a better word) that my favourite producers manage, and the final mix is way off the volume, space and clarity they get.br
br
I’ve decided to take a step back and rather than just go straight into my next track, take some time out to go through some online tutorials to improve my knowledge and technique. I’m going to sign up to Sonic Academy or ADSR and start as if I’m going from scratch.br
br
So my question is, what should I start on? I mainly use Massive so should I do a tutorial on how to use it properly, or would I better off understanding mastering and mixing, and other effects? What about music theory? Obviously I don’t want to spend the next year doing it, but I’m happy to take a couple of months out if it will help me improve.br
br
I’m just not sure where to start!
We have some really great courses covering the fundamentals of producing and getting your productions to the next level - These are where you should start. If you have a good working knowledge of your DAW then try our ‘Understanding’ Series br
br
Compressors - br
http://www.sonicacademy.com/Training+Videos/Course+Overview//Learn-Everything-You-Need-To-Know-About-Compression---Compressors-in-our-in-depth-Understanding-Compressors-guide.cid3341br
br
Reverb - br
http://www.sonicacademy.com/Training+Videos/Course+Overview//Beginners-Guide-to-Reverb-an-in-depth-Understanding-Reverb-guide.cid3487br
br
EQ - br
http://www.sonicacademy.com/Training+Videos/Course+Overview//Understanding-EQ-Equalisation---in-depth-Understanding-EQ-guide-for-Beginners.cid6850br
br
Subtractive Synthesis - br
http://www.sonicacademy.com/Training+Videos/Course+Overview//Understanding-Subtractive-Synthesis---A-Beginners-Guide.cid7465br
br
These are quite short and to the point, but will give you a solid grounding in the various principles.br
br
If you use massive - check out this large in-depth course br
'How To Use Massive’br
http://www.sonicacademy.com/Training+Videos/Course+Overview//How-To-Use-Native-Instruments-Massive.cid7384br
br
With Serum, Spire, Zebra all coming in the next few months.br
br
If you want to understand your DAW - search on the site for "Make Music With’. We have courses in Ableton, Logic, and FL.br
br
Hope this helpsbr
br
Cbr