Rules of engagement for getting the most out of remote group music projects I recently agreed to join with a couple pals in a music creation...
The Rock Band 3 keytar is crazy-cheap and amazingly useful. Behold the power of mass production: this two-octave MIDI controller has a keyboard feel that rivals...
If you want the predictability of an LFO with the pattern variations of random modulation, just add chaos. One challenge in music composition is finding the...
The heart of many synths is a wavetable oscillator, but what the heck are wavetables? Filling your mix with fresh, exciting sounds is what electronic music...
How to use sequencers to create musical patterns My last few columns have discussed repetition in music and the patterns that result. Until now, those discussions...
Automate your modular system with step sequencers. Playing music with our hands, feet, and breath is a wonderful thing. Sometimes, though, you want to set up...
This misunderstood stompbox adds magic to synth pads. When Boss released its 100th compact effects pedal in 2013, it tried something truly different. Unfortunately, guitarists around...
The 4ms SWN is more than a wavetable oscillator module; it’s also a powerful six-voice drone and generative music device. More powerful microcontrollers are having a...
As music evolved, repetitions became patterns, and patterns became musical meters. Meters are time signatures. While tempo is how fast the music goes, meter is how the music goes fast. Together they...
If you don’t have a thorough understanding of what FM synthesis is or how it works, start here. FM synthesis has always had a reputation as...
Opening image courtesy of yamahablackboxes.com Yamaha’s MCS2 MIDI Control Station could turn any MIDI keyboard into a master controller. Rewind to 1983: I am working at...
Power all kinds of music gear with USB. Welcome to the second episode of Bat Utility Belt, where I share quick profiles of my favorite music...
Three female electronic composers who made their mark in film scoring This month we pay homage to another trio of women who have made outstanding contributions...
Gerry Bassermann’s “Composer’s Forum” series features his unique insights on composition. Forums were part of my musical training, and those experiences have stayed with me and...
Learning about synthesizers doesn’t have to be a struggle… Those of us who have worked with them for years can breeze past the basics without stopping....