Audio effects
The best lo-fi plugins for making beats
Discover the best lo-fi plugins for making beats, from free emulation tools to pro sounds. Explore top lo-fi effects, synths, drums, and mixing plugins.
5 ways compression can give you a rich, harmonically-driven sound
Discover compression techniques to add a harmonic-rich sound to your tracks using tools from the NI 360 Essentials subscription.
How to get a cohesive sound with mixing and mastering
Discover tips for using EQ, compression, reverb, and delay in mixing and mastering to create a mix that sounds consistent, smooth, and delivers impact.
How to add definition to your tracks with effects
Learn how to improve track definition using simple techniques and audio effects available in the NI 360 Essentials subscription.
5 creative reverb techniques to try in your productions
Discover creative reverb techniques to transform your music production. Learn about mixing with reverb, and explore Native Instruments reverbs using NI 360 Essentials.
Audio routing: how to use buses, auxes, sends, and returns when producing music
Master DAW signal routing and learn creative tips for using mix buses and aux channels in this detailed guide, with diagrams and audio examples.
Music production 101: How to start producing music
Learn how to start producing music and all about the basics of music production, including home setup, audio recording, sound design, mixing, and mastering.
The Fairchild 660 and 670: Vari-mu compressor icons
Learn about the history of the Fairchild compressor, modern use cases, famous models like the 660 and 670, and a popular Fairchild emulation.
What is a glue compressor plugin? How to use it to create a cohesive mix
Learn the benefits, techniques, and tips for integrating a glue compressor into your mixing process for a professional, balanced sound.
Kick drum EQ essentials: how to create punch and presence
The definitive kick drum EQ cheat sheet, with everything you need to know about kick drum EQ, from basic methods to sophisticated problem-solving.
How to use saturation in music production
Get a grasp on saturation and start adding warmth, depth, and juicy character to your tracks with this comprehensive guide to the saturation effect in music.
Mixing beats: essential skills for hip hop, rap, and electronic music producers
Explore essential beat mixing techniques for hip hop, rap, and electronic music and learn how to mix a beat with leveling, panning, EQ, compression, and effects.
6 ways to use a bus compressor in your mix
Discover how to use a bus compressor plugin. Learn bus compression techniques to enhance cohesion, control dynamics, and add impact to your mixes.
9 benefits of using a channel strip plugin
Discover the workflow improvements, analog sound, and CPU efficiency that channel strip plugins provide to simplify your mixing and mastering process.
How to use the free Ozone EQ to balance your sound
Learn how to EQ your song with the powerful, free Ozone EQ plug-in, plus learn the basics of EQ and common EQ tasks.
Digital amp sims 101: tips and tricks for music production
Learn everything you need to know about virtual amps in this guide to digital amp sims, with step-by-step instructions for getting great tone and shaping sounds.
Mastering the art of vocal layering: a step-by-step guide
Learn how to layer vocals from a professional topline producer to create a rich and robust sounding vocal section.
7 ways to use an optical compressor in your mix
Discover seven expert techniques for maximizing the potential of your optical compressor in audio mixing using powerful optical compressors from Plugin Alliance, Native Instruments, and iZotope.
Capturing the tone: How to get iconic guitar sounds with Guitar Rig 7 Pro
Create iconic guitar tones in no time using Guitar Rig 7 Pro. Learn what great guitar tone is, and fuel your creativity with tones that are inspired by some of...
Why upgrade to Guitar Rig 7 Pro? Here’s what’s new
Explore the powerful Guitar Rig 7 Pro, an extensive multi-effects rack and amp simulator with new ICM amps, pedals, and effects for jamming and producing. Learn about the latest features...
How to produce a drum and bass track
Explore the world of energetic beats, pulsating basslines, and intricate production techniques with drum and bass music. Discover what drum and bass music is along with how to create a...
Audio compression 101 for music producers
Learn audio compression is, how it works, and discover practical tips on how to use it to improve the sound quality of your tracks with our complete guide for music...
What is the chorus effect? How to add depth and texture to your music
Discover the chorus effect in music and how to use it to enhance your tracks. Learn tips and techniques for creating sonic landscapes with chorusing and uncover how to use...
What is 90s house music? How to make a classic house track
Learn about the iconic sound of 90s house music and how to make it with our step-by-step guide. From programming drum beats to writing bass lines, vocals, and leads, we’ll...
