Add docs/music_production_guide.md

This commit is contained in:
2024-03-19 07:16:30 +00:00
parent 3a5cd0945f
commit f21b32cc89

View File

@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
Creating a cohesive and efficient workflow with your Linux-based DAW setup, incorporating Ardour, LMMS, Spleeter, Calf Studio Gear, Helm, Hydrogen, and your specific hardware (Shure SM58-LC, Novation Launchkey Mini MK3, PreSonus ATOM, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro), requires a structured approach. Here's a technical guide to navigating your music production process from setup to final mastering, ensuring you leverage the strengths of each tool and piece of equipment.
### Initial Setup and Project Planning
1. **System Preparation**:
- Ensure your Linux OS is updated and configured for audio work, with low-latency kernels if available.
- Install and configure JACK Audio Connection Kit for managing audio and MIDI routing between your software and hardware. Tools like `qjackctl` offer a graphical interface for configuring JACK.
2. **DAW and Tools Installation**:
- Install Ardour, LMMS, Hydrogen, and Helm from your distribution's package manager or official websites.
- Install Spleeter using Pythons package manager pip for vocal and stem separation tasks.
- Install Calf Studio Gear for a comprehensive suite of audio effects and mastering tools.
3. **Hardware Configuration**:
- Connect your Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to your computer. Linux should recognize it automatically as an audio interface. Use JACK to ensure it's set as the primary audio input/output device.
- Connect your MIDI controllers (Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and PreSonus ATOM) via USB. Verify their recognition in your system and DAWs (Ardour and LMMS) for MIDI input.
### Workflow Overview
1. **Idea and Beat Making in LMMS**:
- Start with LMMS for creating beats, melodies, and initial song ideas using its built-in instruments and samples.
- Use the Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 for playing melodies and the PreSonus ATOM for drum programming.
2. **Vocal and Instrument Recording in Ardour**:
- Use Ardour for recording vocals with your Shure SM58-LC through the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. For acoustic instruments or any additional recordings requiring a condenser microphone, consider adding one to your setup for increased fidelity.
- Monitor your recordings in real-time with your beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones to check for clarity and performance.
3. **Editing and Arrangement in Ardour**:
- Transfer MIDI arrangements from LMMS to Ardour or continue using LMMS in conjunction with Ardour for synthesizer parts, using JACK to route audio and MIDI.
- Use Ardours robust editing toolkit for cutting, moving, and arranging your tracks. Apply EQ, compression, and effects using Calf Studio Gear for initial mixing.
4. **Vocal Manipulation and Sample Extraction**:
- Use Spleeter for isolating vocals from tracks for remixing purposes, processing your tracks outside of Ardour, and then importing the separated stems into your project.
5. **Advanced Synthesis with Helm and Hydrogen for Drums**:
- Incorporate Helm for custom synthesizer sounds directly within Ardour using MIDI tracks for additional texture and layers.
- Use Hydrogen for complex drum patterns, exporting them as audio to integrate into your Ardour project.
6. **Mixing and Mastering**:
- Focus on mixing within Ardour, leveraging the comprehensive plugin suite of Calf Studio Gear for final touches, spatial effects, and mastering.
### Ensuring Efficiency
- **Template Creation**: Once you have a basic workflow, create templates in Ardour and LMMS with your preferred settings, tracks, and buses pre-configured. This saves time for future projects.
- **Keyboard Shortcuts**: Learn and customize keyboard shortcuts in Ardour and LMMS to speed up your workflow.
- **Regular Backups**: Utilize Ardours snapshot feature and regular project backups to avoid losing work.
- **Collaborative Tools**: For collaborative projects, explore tools like git for version control of Ardour projects or use cloud storage for sharing project files.
### Expanding Your Skills
- **Continuous Learning**: Dive into the manuals and online resources for each tool. Tutorials, forums, and user communities can offer invaluable insights and tips.
- **Experimentation**: Regularly set aside time to explore new techniques, plugins, and instruments to continuously evolve your music production capabilities.
This guide lays out a structured approach to integrating your tools and gear into a cohesive Linux-based music production workflow. By following these steps, you're equipped to navigate your projects efficiently from conception to final mastering, with a focus on creativity and technical proficiency.