General MIDI in Logic

In past papers, there have been several questions regarding general MIDI. Although MIDI is still at the heart of modern sequencers, they now work differently than ‘old school’ general MIDI sequencers. Here is a good video showing you how you can set up Logic to program general MIDI tracks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twK7QAyVhiM

By doing this, you can learn more about MIDI program numbers and how to program MIDI controllers.

Here is a link to a list of MIDI program numbers: http://www.midi.org/techspecs/gm1sound.php

A2 Composing – Food Brief

For those of you who have chosen to do the food brief for your A2 composition, take a look at this video… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6EkdsgeAQA

It’s an advert I spotted on TV the other day and thought it could prove to be good inspiration for the food brief. The advert is for Kikkoman Soy Sauce and includes a soundtrack created using audio samples from the kitchen.

Demo videos…

To those who are wondering where the sequencing and arrangement videos have gone… Unfortunately, for various reasons, I’ve had to remove these from both my blog and Youtube account.

I will however continue to post useful links and hints and tips on the coursework tasks.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Many useful sequencing videos…

Youtube user ‘Logic Pro Trainer’ has uploaded many sequencing tutorial videos covering most parts of Small Town for A-level and Gotta Get Thru This for AS sequencing.

Certainly worth checking them out if you’re struggling with a particular section. But please remember to use your ear and make your own decisions rather than just copying!

Here’s the link – Click Here

AS Sequenced Arrangement – Trance Production Techniques

I have put together a PDF document describing various Trance music production techniques. I often reference my arrangement (this can be found further down the page), so it might be helpful to listen to this first.

Please note this document concentrates on production techniques, covering things like side-chain compression, automation, use of plug-ins and layering timbres.

Trance_Music_Production_tips

Sound design and manipulation in Logic

Here’s a PDF you can download that talks about various sample manipulation techniques in Logic Pro 9. These techniques are particularly useful for the composing task in A2 Music Tech.

Sound Design and Manipulation in Logic Pro

Varispeed in Logic…

Varispeed in Logic…

Here’s a link to a demo video all about listening techniques for the sequencing task (Although the video focuses on the AS stimulus, the techniques can be applied to both AS and A2). Probably the most useful part of the demo starts at 4:18. Here he explains Logic’s Varispeed function, allowing you to quickly adjust the playback speed of audio files in order to listen in more detail to the original. So, for example, if there’s a particularly complex melody (like there is in the A2 tracks!), slowing the original down by 50% should make it a lot easier to figure this out.

The demo was created by Youtube user ‘Logic pro trainer’. It’s definitely worth checking out his channel for more Music tech demos.

Anyone got an iPad?

Found this cool little gadget today: http://www.dv247.com/computer-hardware/akai-synthstation-49–82728?utm_source=mailshot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=christmas-campaign-day-6-20131205&utm_content=productlink-01

Turns your iPad into a hardware synth for £80, plus includes a drum pad and can be used as a standard usb midi controller too.

A2 Sequencing: Madness – Muse – Link to the score

Here is a link to a site where you can download a score produced for Madness. I’ve had a quick look at the score, and it seems very good but I recommend using the score only when you’re stuck, or to check a part, remember to use your ears!

Click Here

Note: this site is filtered on the schools network due to it being from a forum. You’ll have to access the page from home.

AS Sequencing: Beat-boxing guide document

Below is a link to a PDF document I made about producing a convincing beat-boxing part using Logics sampler – the ESX24.
This is a tricky part to sequence, as there isn’t a preset sound of pitched beat-boxing in Logic. So this method explains how to create your own sampler instrument.
To download the document, right click on the link below and select ‘save file as’.

Beatboxing Excitement