Remix 101

So hopefully by this stage you’re becoming aware that we’re running the mother of all remix competitions. $6k prize, I mean SERIOUSLY guys. Win this thing. I’m not allowed to enter (sigh), so it’s all up to you young Skywalker.

But Matt, I’ve never done a Remix before! What do I need to Remix you cry? Creativity.  End of the day that’s it really. It’s important to remember that the idea of a “Remix” began with the re-dubbing of analog tape masters. That’s some tedious time consuming genius right there. Your average iPhone has more advanced audio editing functions than a guy, two reels of tape and a pair of scissors. Pawn shops will probably pay you to take a cassette recording four- track off their shelves. There really is NO EXCUSE for not giving it a go. Use anything that is on hand. Pots and Pans. Whatever.

But Matt, I want to use my computer! Of course you do. It’s so easy. And all those clean parallel OS lines are so soothing. With the exception of browsing for TV plot synopsis on Wikipedia, editing Audio and making music is one of the most enjoyable, creative and understandable functionalities of a modern PC.  So what are you going to need and where can you get it?

There are two basic types of Audio editing software commonly used when remixing. The first is a WAV editor and the second is a DAW.

The WAV editor is your sampling tool. This is your go-to program for extracting your favorite bars or phrases out of desired material to begin that masterful Disco Re-Edit.  WAV editors cut down longer audio into your favorite loops, samples, blips, glitches, drones or other preferred noises. When you’re cutting a loop, you want zoom in nice and close on the waveform so you can get as close to the start of a sound as possible, use logical loop lengths (your typical 4/4 song use 1,2,4,8,16 or 32 bar loops or ¼,1/8,1/16 or 1/32 time divisions in bars) and be aware of long transient sounds (long cymbal splashes, backing vocals, long reverb or delay tails) as they will make your loops sound choppy if you cut them out to suddenly.

The nice thing about WAV editors is that the best ones are largely free. A great understandable WAV editor to start with is Audacity.

DAW programs are your arranger, effecter and mixer program. Some of the most popular DAWS include ProTools, Cubase, Ableton Live, Logic Studio and Fruity Loops Studio. Generally speaking a DAW’s job is to pull all of your external devices, effects, samples and midi units together into one interface so you can combine them quickly and efficiently. If you want to record your own live instruments or synthesizers into your remix you can do this directly into most DAWs using a sound card I/O interface. You will also be able to apply a plethora of effects, from the essentials like compression, reverb and delay to the enjoyable like phaser , flanger, chorus, distortion and filter. Most DAWS come with a built-in selection of MIDI and audio devices but you can also apply you 3rd party software using VST plug-in or Rewire devices. Most DAW’s offer some kind of light version or demo trial from their websites so you can get familiar with the interface and components. For Mac OS users, your platform actually comes with a (albeit simple) DAW in garage band, so don’t be ashamed to get used to general recording & arrangement techniques on a simple program like this first. This is a great opportunity just to drag the master tracks that Damn Arms have given you into all of these programs and see what new sounds you can make up by simply applying effects and re-arranging parts. Get a taste for it, I promise it’ll be your new favorite hobby!

For the more advanced remixer’s who are looking for new sounds to add to their mix, there is truly no end to specialty programs out there that might have just that synth sound or FX parameter you’re looking for. If you’re after drums, the new Native Instruments Maschine and Battery offer a great range of sampled drum sounds and controls. There are different soft-synths a-plenty - Arturia do an excellent line in modeling classic synths like the Mini-Moog and Moog Modular, while Kore, Komplete, Massive and Reaktor from NI set the standard in modern synth sounds. If you want something that does it all and you’re not afraid of the classic rack arrangement Propellerhead’s Reason is a force to be reckoned with.

Once you’ve finished mixing and mastering your sound, you will need to submit your entry to us as an MP3. Be aware when you make these compressions that the smaller you make your file, the more tinny and hollow your sound will be. Try and find that balance between keeping the size small and manageable and retaining the integrity of your sound. 320kbs is the standard high quality format for mp3’s. The LAME codec tends to be the highest quality conversion out there in free-ware land.

Remember guys, no-one knows how you made your track, all that matters is how good it sounds in the end. Get inventive and do whatever works for you. Just as long as it ends up as an mp3 and in our submissions you’re up for consideration!

Happy Remixing

Matt,

Spank! Records.