In the wild world of music production, myths and misconceptions are as common as catchy hooks in a pop song. But fear not, my fellow sonic adventurers, for I'm here to guide you through the murky waters of misinformation, armed with truth bombs dropped by the industry's seasoned pros. Let's crank up the volume on reality and tune out the myths.
Myth #1: You Need Top-of-the-Line Gear to Produce Great Music
Ah, the classic gear myth. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a mortgage's worth of high-end equipment is your golden ticket to producing chart-toppers. The truth? It's your skills and creativity that truly make the magic happen. Countless hits were crafted on modest setups, proving that a keen ear and a creative mind trump a hefty gear list any day.
Myth #2: More Plugins = Better Sound
Plugins are the spices of the music production world, And some times more plugins are actually better hehe but I think that the "secret sauce" for many pro users is to make small moves on each plugin, So to achieve a big change use a bunch of small changes from each plugin. The pros know that a minimalistic approach often yields the best results, focusing on the right tools for the job rather than an overloaded digital rack.
Myth #3: Loudness Wins the Race
The loudness war has left many casualties in its wake, with dynamics squashed under the heavy boots of maximization. But whisper it quietly: Loudness isn't everything. What truly resonates with listeners is the emotional depth and clarity of your mix, not just how it stacks up on the decibel meter. Plus with everything these days being normalized (Spotify, YouTube, and other services) if you crush the master you end up "loosing". Aiming to getting the sound that fits best to the song is the best practice imho.
Myth #4: Perfect Pitch and Technical Skills Outweigh Everything
While technical skills and a good ear are invaluable, they're not the be-all and end-all. Emotion, vibe, and the ability to connect with your audience often carry more weight than a perfectly tuned track. Music is, after all, about expression and feeling. Try and automate as much as you can and listen to the song from start to finish as opposed to listening to one part in loops while working on the mix.
Myth #5: Audio Engineering is Just a Technical Job
Think audio engineers are just knob-twiddlers and fader-pushers? Think again. It's as much an art as it is a science, requiring a blend of technical know-how and creative intuition. The best engineers paint with sound, crafting auditory experiences that move and captivate.
Myth #6: Digital is Cold, Analog is Warm
The digital vs. analog debate is as old as time (or at least as old as digital audio). While analog gear has its charm and character, digital technology offers unmatched precision and flexibility. The warmth often attributed to analog can be replicated digitally, and the choice between the two should be based on the desired outcome, not blanket stereotypes. To be honest Im a huge lover of analog gear and have my fair share of analog "master peaces" I would never sell. But that doesn't mean you need any of them to achieve amazing sounds. I'm 100% sure that if I would start my mixing career now I would never have invested in analog gear to start with. Get a good pair of speakers, and get to work!
Remember, in the ever-evolving landscape of music production, knowledge is power, but experimentation is key. Don't let myths hold you back from exploring the vast possibilities of sound. Who knows? The next groundbreaking track might just come from your bedroom studio, defying all the myths in the book.
