Mastering the Ableton Live 12 Browser: Advanced Tips & Techniques

Advanced Organization Tips using Ableton Live 12

Ableton Live 12 brought some major improvements to the browser, making it easier than ever to find and organize your sounds, plugins, and presets. In this post, I’ll walk you through the advanced techniques you can use to take full advantage of the browser’s features. Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow or make navigating your library more efficient, these tips will help.

I’ve also created a members-only video that goes even deeper into my personal organization system!

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Ableton Live Amp and Cabinet: How to Use These Plugins for Unique Sound Design

Color And Tone

Ableton Live offers a wide range of effects, and among them, the Amp and Cabinet plugins provide powerful guitar amp simulations that can also be used creatively in other applications. Whether you’re a guitarist or a producer looking for unique tonal shaping, these plugins can add depth and character to your sound.

In this post, we’ll explore how these tools work, how to use them effectively, and some creative applications beyond guitar processing.

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4 Unconventional Ways to Make Money as a Music Producer in 2025

Unconventional Ways to Make Money as a Music Producer

Breaking into the music industry is no small feat, and finding income streams outside the usual methods can be game-changing. In this blog post, based on my latest video, we’ll explore unconventional ways to make money as a music producer. While some of these methods might sound familiar, we’ll dive deeper into less-discussed approaches, like leveraging performance royalties from live shows, creating sample packs with a twist, and even sound designing for games.

Plus, for those looking to maximize their earnings from live performances, I’ve created a bonus members-only video that provides a step-by-step guide on collecting public performance royalties.

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How I Discovered My Fake Shure SM7B – What You Need to Know

Don't Be Fooled!

In today’s blog, I’m sharing a personal story about encountering a fake Shure SM7B microphone. Counterfeit audio gear is a growing concern in the music production community, and I recently fell victim to it. In this post, I’ll take you through my experience, the red flags I missed, and how I ultimately confirmed the microphone was fake. I’ll also provide tips on how to spot a counterfeit SM7B, helping you avoid the same mistake.

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How to Organize Plugins in Ableton Live: Tidy Up Your Plugin List for 2025

Plugin Overload!!!

Managing plugins in Ableton Live can feel overwhelming, especially with the lack of a built-in plugin manager. In this post, we’ll discuss practical strategies for organizing your plugins to improve efficiency and productivity in your music production workflow. If you’re like me, with way too many plugins and a messy setup, this guide will help you take control of your plugin library. Let’s dive into phase one of this ongoing project!

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Why Waves Plugins Spark Controversy in 2025

Who Hates Waves Plugins

Waves plugins have been an integral part of many music producers’ toolkits for decades, myself included. However, in 2025, these plugins have sparked growing frustration among users due to licensing complications and pricing practices. In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with Waves plugins, highlight my top favorites that I still use daily, and invite you to share your favorite replacements. Let’s explore the current sentiment around Waves plugins and discuss the options available to producers.

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Mastering Stutter House Music Effects: 5 Techniques to Elevate Your Tracks

Stutter Effects

In today’s blog, we’re diving into the world of stutter house music effects. This genre pushes creative boundaries, and I’ve developed several techniques for creating unique stutter effects that fit perfectly into the style. Whether you’re working with audio samples, using plugins like SerumFX or ShaperBox, or exploring the envelope follower in Ableton, these tips will elevate your sound design. I also share a custom Ableton rack for creating extreme stutter effects, which is available exclusively to Patreon members.

Let’s get started!

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Distinct Mastering’s Exciting 2025 Updates

Updates Fro 2025

As we step into 2025, there’s a lot of exciting news to share with the Distinct Mastering community. This year, we’re doubling down on helping music producers level up their craft through exclusive content, tools, and direct feedback opportunities. Whether you’re here to support the channel or gain deeper insights into music production, I’ve got something for everyone. Let’s dive into what’s new and what’s planned for the year ahead.

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Understanding Reverb in Music Production: Tips, Types, and Pro Techniques

Picking Reverbs

Reverb is one of the most essential tools in music production, adding depth, space, and character to your tracks. However, understanding how to use reverb effectively can be a challenge, especially when deciding which type of reverb to use and how to apply it to your mix. In this blog post, I’ll break down the concepts of reverb, the factors to consider before applying it, and tips for crafting reverb that enhances your music. Let’s dive in!

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Master Advanced Sidechain Techniques: How to Sidechain Individual Layers Like a Pro

Advanced Sidechain Techniques

If you’re a music producer looking to enhance your tracks with precise control, learning how to sidechain individual layers can be a game changer. In this post, we’ll break down the advanced techniques shared in our latest video. Whether you’re working on bass, synths, or any other layered sounds, this guide will teach you how to achieve a polished, dynamic mix using creative sidechaining methods.

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