Mixing music is an essential skill for any producer or engineer, and every project comes with unique challenges. In this video, I share valuable music mixing tips and answer common client questions based on a recent project. You’ll get to hear a before-and-after comparison of the original mix versus the mastered version, along with insights into key mixing decisions that made a difference. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, there’s plenty to take away from this discussion.
Ableton Live 12 brings a ton of powerful features, and today we’re diving deep into Auto Pan— one of the most underrated but highly effective modulation tools in music production. Whether you’re looking to create subtle stereo movement or extreme rhythmic effects, Auto Pan has you covered.
In this post, I’ll break down how it works, showcase some creative ways to use it, and share a few tips to get the most out of it in your productions. Plus, I’m giving away some of my personal Ableton Auto Pan presets to Patreon members—so don’t miss out!
Ableton Live’s resampling feature is one of the most powerful tools for recording and manipulating audio. Whether you’re looking to capture audio internally, create unique textures, or design ambient layers, resampling opens up a world of creative possibilities. In this guide, I’ll show you how to use resampling in both basic and advanced ways.
Transitions are a crucial part of music production, helping to build tension and excitement. In this video, I’ll show you how to create custom risers and falls in Serum, so you don’t have to rely on the same overused samples from Splice or Loopcloud. Instead, you can design transitions that are perfectly tailored to your music.
I’m also excited to announce my record label, NOS Recordings, is releasing a new sample pack: Serum Custom Risers Vol. 1!
Let’s dive in!
Why Custom Risers and Falls Matter
Many producers rely on sample packs for risers and falls, but this often leads to repetitive sounds. Creating your own transition effects in Serum gives you full control over how they fit into your mix, helping you stand out with unique sound design.
By customizing your risers and falls, you can:
Match the tonality of your track
Control the exact length and movement
Add modulation and effects for a more dynamic transition
Setting Up Custom Risers in Serum
To create a riser in Serum, start with a simple waveform, like a saw wave, and use automation to shape the pitch, filter, and effects over time. A few key tips:
Choose a Waveform: Start with a basic saw wave, noise oscillator, or a custom wavetable.
Apply Pitch Modulation: Use an envelope to gradually pitch the sound upward for a riser or downward for a fall.
Shape the Volume: Adjust the ADSR envelope to control how the riser builds over time.
Add Movement: Use LFOs to modulate parameters like filter cutoff, wavetable position, or unison detune for a more dynamic sound.
Enhance with Effects: Add reverb, delay, and distortion to make the riser stand out in the mix.
How to Set Up a Fall in Serum
Creating a fall (downlifter) in Serum is similar to making a riser, but instead of building tension, it helps release energy and transition smoothly between sections. Here’s how to design one:
Start with the Same Patch – If you’ve already made a riser, duplicate it and reverse the pitch movement.
Reverse the Pitch Modulation – Instead of an upward sweep, set your envelope or LFO to modulate the pitch downward. This creates that signature falling effect.
Slow Down the LFO or Envelope – Adjust the timing to make the descent smooth and natural. Experiment with different slopes for a dramatic or subtle fall.
Apply Filtering for a Smoother Sound – Use a low-pass filter to gradually remove high frequencies as the fall progresses, making it blend seamlessly into the mix.
Add Effects for Depth – Use reverb and delay to create a sense of space and atmosphere. Distortion or phasing can add character if you want a more aggressive fall.
Fine-Tune the Release Time – Make sure the tail of your fall fades out smoothly so it doesn’t end too abruptly.
Falls are essential for transitioning between drops, breakdowns, and outros, helping to create movement and flow in your track.
Designing your own risers and falls in Serum is a powerful way to make your music more unique. Instead of relying on generic samples, you’ll have custom transition effects that fit perfectly within your tracks.
The Ableton Auto Filter is a versatile tool that goes beyond simple EQ moves. Whether you’re looking to clean up a mix, add dynamic movement, or dive into advanced sound design techniques, this plugin can be a game-changer. In this tutorial, I’ll break down how the Auto Filter works, show you creative ways to use it, and give you some advanced tips to take your productions to the next level. Plus, members can access exclusive content for a deeper dive into Auto Filter techniques.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the number of sounds, samples, and plugins in Ableton Live, you’re not alone. The new Ableton Live 12 browser has introduced some powerful features to help you organize, search, and access your tools more efficiently.
In this video, I break down advanced browser techniques that will streamline your workflow. I also created a members-only video that dives even deeper into my personal organization system. After spending most of 2024 refining my setup, I’m still improving it in 2025—so let’s go through the best ways to make your Ableton browser work for you.
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.
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.
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.
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!
