Computer Music 198 – Easy Guide: Melodic Minor Scale, Automation Masterclass

Computer Music 198 – Easy Guide: Melodic Minor Scale, Automation Masterclass


CM198 Cover
In the December 2013 issue of Computer Music, which is hot off the press and available now, you’ll find two contributions from me. Starting on page 63, my 5-page CM Guide to Automation highlights some of the more interesting things you can do with parameter automation in your DAW. From programming basic linear ramps and parabolic curves to sending ‘spot’ FX and crafting evolving synth sounds, automation is the key to a dynamic mix, and this piece walks you through exactly how to use it in your productions.

Elsewhere, on page 76, you’ll find my regular music theory Easy Guide, and this month we’re all about how to construct and use the Melodic Minor scale. Of course, as well as the usual audio examples and MIDI files, you’ll find video walkthroughs for both pieces on the cover DVD or downloadable from the CM vault if you’ve gone for the digital edition of the mag.

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iCreate 116 – FX Automation & Numbers Fitness Tracker

iCreate 116 – FX Automation & Numbers Fitness Tracker

iCreate 116 Cover 500With Christmas and New Year’s Eve firmly behind us, I hit the ground running in 2013 with two pieces in the latest issue of iCreate. If you hit the mince pies slightly too hard over the festive period, you might find my double-page Numbers tutorial handy this month. Found on page 58, it shows in detail how to create a basic fitness, weight loss and BMI tracker, complete with progress graphs and automatic calculations, in Apple’s stylish spreadsheet app.

Elsewhere, on page 48, my GarageBand tutorial this month is all about effect automation – what it is, what it does and how to use it to increase excitement and dynamic movement within your mixes. For an app that comes free on every Mac, I’ve always championed the remarkable latent power of GarageBand’s automation system, and with this easy-to-follow guide to how it works, there’s really no excuse not to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in – so grab yourself a copy today!