Neuro Divergence Music

YOUR FREE SONG FRAMEWORK! A song framework is included in this blog for your ammusement, for your use, and your own style of musical creativity. I would very much like to know your thoughts, or indeed, listen to whatever it is you create from it, as it is purposely shared as creative commons, so that you may explore your endless talents and possibilities.  NB: All content is for entertainment purposes only, and does not represent any bias, opinions, discrimination, or commitment on the part of the author. Use or dispose of as you deem fit, no liability accepted. Disclaimer: The Average Creative I'm not a prodigy, a genius, or even particularly talented. What I am is someone who's found a way to turn limitations into a creative outlet. I live with a neurological condition that makes the world a cause for sensory overload, and as a result, I’m wheelchairbound and largely housebound. My smartphone has become my universe, a tool that allows me to escape the confines of my reality a...

Finalizing vs. Mastering: The Finishing Touches of Audio Production Ever wondered what happens to your favorite song after it's recorded and mixed? It goes through two crucial processes... finalizing and mastering. While they might sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in shaping the final sound you hear. What is Audio Finalizing? Finalizing is the technical cleanup stage of audio production. It's where the rough edges are smoothed out before the audio is ready for its grand finale. Think of it as preparing a meal for presentation; you've cooked the ingredients, now it's time to plate it beautifully. Key tasks in finalizing include: - Eliminating unwanted noise, clicks, or pops. - Ensuring consistent volume throughout the track. - Converting the audio to a suitable format for mastering (like WAV or AIFF). - Adding essential information like song title, artist, and album details. What is Mastering? Mastering is the artistic process of polishing the audio to perfect...

THE HEART OF THE STUDIO The Mixer A mixer is the central hub in an audio setup. It's a device with multiple input channels, each equipped with controls for gain, equalization, panning, and often additional effects like compression and reverb. These channels converge into output channels, typically stereo, that feed your speakers or recording interface.  Software vs. Hardware Audio Mixers Software audio mixers are digital programs that run on computers or other digital devices. They offer flexibility, unlimited channels, and access to a vast array of plugins and effects. However, they can be resource-intensive and require a powerful computer. A Hardware audio mixers on the otherhand, is a physical device with physical controls. These are often preferred for their tactile feel, reliability, and potential for better audio quality due to analog components. However, they are limited in terms of channels and effects, and are generally more expensive.  Ultimately, the best choice dep...

NOISE POLLUTION: A Recording Artist's Bane White Noise White noise is a type of audio signal that contains all audible frequencies at equal power. It sounds like a constant hissing or static. While it's often used intentionally in certain genres or for therapeutic purposes, it's generally unwanted in recordings. Radio Interference Radio interference, or RFI, is unwanted electrical signals that disrupt the reception of radio waves. It can manifest as crackling, hissing, buzzing, or other distorted sounds. Common sources of RFI include electrical equipment (including mobile phones), power lines, and even atmospheric disturbances. Power Hum Power hum is a low-frequency electrical noise that can be picked up by microphones and other audio equipment. It sounds like a constant, low-pitched buzzing or humming. Common causes of power hum:  -  Ground loops : This occurs when there are multiple ground connections in a circuit, creating a loop for electrical current to flow.  - Elec...

Unlocking the Power of Sound : DSP and the Synthesizer. Ever wondered how professional synth musicians achieve that rich, polished sound? The secret weapon in their arsenal? Digital Signal Processing (DSP). This blog dives into the fascinating world of DSP, specifically how it empowers you to sculpt and transform your synthesizer compositions.  What is DSP? DSP essentially enables you to shape  sound in powerful ways.  Imagine sound as a wave, constantly moving up and down. Normally, this wave is physical, like the vibrations in the air when you hear music. But in synthesizers and computers, sound is turned into numbers – a digital representation of the wave. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is like having a fancy toolbox for editing those numbers. It lets you change the sound in all sorts of cool ways, just like turning knobs on a stereo or using effect pedals on a guitar. Think of your voice as the sound wave. DSP is like using a computer program to edit your voice recor...

Building Your Tracks, One Performance at a Time Ever wondered how that modern pop song, bursting with intricate melodies and driving beats, came to life? The secret weapon in a producer's arsenal is often the sequencer. But what exactly is it, and how does it turn musical ideas into chart-topping hits? The Mastermind Behind the Music A sequencer is like a digital conductor. Imagine a recording studio filled with musicians, each playing their part. The sequencer lets you capture these performances, not as single audio recording, but as a series of instructions for each instrument being played (one per track). These instructions, often called "events," tell the sequencer what note was played, how long it was held for, and with what intensity was it played. These events are then stored in Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) format, so that is can be used to reproduce the original performance of each instrument, by triggering exactly the same events, in exactly the sa...

Layering Voices: The Secrets of Unique Synthesized Sounds As a fellow synth musician, I know the feeling of chasing down that awesome synth sound, that has unique texture,  rich depth, that takes your music way beyond the realm of the ordinary. One of the many powerful techniques I use in my sonic arsenal, is the process of  layering patches or voices,  depending on your synth pedigree. So why does this work, and what exactly is this type of alchemy?... ✨️ Think Orchestral, Think Layered: Imagine a grand orchestra. Violins soar, cellos add warmth, flutes bring delicacy, and the brass section punches with power. Each instrument contributes its own character, weaving together a tapestry of sound far richer than any single instrument could achieve. But what if the melody as one example, were played by two different instrument simultaneously? Well... this, my friends, in its most basic form, is the essence of layering sounds. 🎹🎸🎷🥁🎺🎻🪕🎷🎼🎵🎶 The Power of Multi...