Exporting audio out of Reason

So, today we will be turning in our songs for the class compilation.

As I said yesterday, you need to turn in audio files of your songs.  Audio files are files that you can  listen to through your computer. There are different types of audio files, including WAVs, AIFs, and MP3s.

Audio files are different from Reason files because you can open them and listen to them on any computer, you can burn CDs of them, etc.  Reason files, on the other hand, can only be opened with a computer that has Reason installed on it.

So Reason allows you to export your songs as audio files. Here's how...

1. Make any final adjustments to your mix (volume levels, panning, etc.)
2. In the Sequencer Window, make sure the E marker is set to just past the end of your song. This tells Reason where the end of the song is.
3. Go to File>Export Song as Audio File.
4. Name the file. PLEASE include your name somewhere in the file name.
5. Choose the location where you want to save your file.
6. Hit Save.
7. When the Export Audio Settings window comes up, leave everything the way it is and hit Export.
   
8. Put a copy of the file in the Dropoff folder.
9. Come to the Holiday Fest and listen to your beats! 

Holiday Festival compilation

This Wednesday (Dec. 17th) there is going to be a Holiday Festival here at O'Connell at 5:30. Our class is going to contribute music to be played over the P.A. 

Everyone must submit 1-2 songs to be part of our class compilation. I want to hear your best work from this class. This is going to count as our quiz (10 points) for this week, so it is not an optional assignment. Please note that we you will be turning in an audio file, not a Reason file. I will be posting the steps for doing this on our blog tomorrow. In the meantime, you can find instructions here.

Your final song should include all of the following elements:

1. Identifiable structure (Intro, Verses, Choruses)
2. Basic mixing - volume, panning, use of FX
3. A fade out at the end.
4. If you are turning in an instrumental song, don't make it longer than 1-2 minutes. Acapella remixes can be as long as you need them to be, BUT if you turn in a remix, then you also need to turn in an original instrumental.

Friday Assignments 12/11/08

So today you have a few things to work on...

• First priority is on finishing and turning in the "Single Ladies" remix that we've been working on this week.
• Second priority is to get a song finished for the Holiday Festival compilation (see below). You must get one of the instructors to sign off on your beat before you turn it in.
  
• If you finish both of the above assignments, I have another acapella remix for you to work on (5 points extra credit.)

Next Wednesday (Dec. 17th) there is going to be a Holiday Festival here at O'Connell at 5:30. Our class is going to contribute music to be played over the P.A. system. I'm going to put together a compilation and I want everyone to submit 1-2 pieces of their best work to be in it.

Your final song should have all of the following elements:

1. Identifiable structure (intro, verses, choruses)
   
2. Basic mixing (volume, panning and FX)
3. A fade out at the end
4. If it is a strictly instrumental song, this should be no longer than 1-2 minutes(the acapella remixes can be as long as you want).

Note: you are welcome to submit one of the acapella remixes we've been working on, but if you do so you must also submit one of your original beats!

Acapella 2 - part 2

Today we're going to finish working on the "Single Ladies" remix and turn it in. This will be worth a quiz (10 points).

I've put three more parts of the acapella in the Pickup folder. These files are:

• Single Ladies_Verse2 (8 bars)
• Single Ladies_Bridge  (12 bars)
• Single Ladies_Whuh Oh  (4 bars)

Please note how long each part of the song is.

To get full credit, you must include all of the following:

1. Both Verses, at least 2 Choruses (either A or B) and the Intro
2. At least 3 instruments, including at least one melodic instrument
3. A fade out at the end of the song.

EXTRA CREDIT if you include the Bridge!!!

Remember to do Song Self-Contain Settings before you save.  Save this as "(your name)_Single Ladies.rns" and turn it in to the Dropoff folder.

Acapella 2 - part 1

This week we're going to be working with another acapella and remixing the song. This one is going to be the song, "Single Ladies" by Beyonce.

Like last week, I have broken the song into different sections for you to import into your song using NN19s. The files are in the Dropoff folder (look for files called "Single Ladies"). For today, concentrate on the Intro and Verse 1. If you have time, feel free to move on to the Chorus.

Couple things you should be aware of:

• The tempo is 97 BPMs.
• This song has a lot of swing to it, so you should probably want to turn on the Shuffle button on in your Redrum.
• Pay attention to the melody and figure out what key this is in. Play your own parts in the same key.
• Save this as "(your name)_Single Ladies.rns"

Remember to do Song Self-Contain Settings before you save!

Acapella remix - part 4

Today is your last day to finish your remix of "Tell Me When to Go". I've been hearing some amazing tracks so far!

Anyway, in order to get full credit (20-points), you need to include all of the following elements:

• All 3 verses and at least 3 choruses.
• At least 4 instruments (in addition to the NN19's for the vocals) with clearly different parts for the verses and choruses.
• Some kind of FX on the vocals.
• Basic mixing, including volume and panning adjustments.
• A fade out at the end of the song.

Remember to Self Contain the file before you save it. Name the file "(your name)_Tell Me When.rns" and turn it in to the Dropoff folder.

To do a fade out, do the following:

1. Highlight the Mixer track in your Sequencer Window
2. Now decide what bars you want to do the fade out at.
3. Click on the button to go to the Edit View.
4. Click the Envelope Button.
5. Click the Controllers Button and select Master Level from the menu.
6. Now find the bars where you want to do the fade out.
7. Select the Line Tool.
8. Click and drag the line tool diagonally down to the right to the zero

Acapella remix - part 3

So by now you should have the first chorus and verse from "Tell Me When To Go" in your song. Today, your goals will be to:

1. Add the second and third verses to the song.
2. Copy and paste the chorus in between the verses (and wherever else you want).
3. Add additional instruments to the song (at least 4).
4. Add some kind of FX to the chorus.
5. A fade out at the end.

You can find the audio files of the 2nd/3rd verses in the Pickup folder. (Pickupdropoff>Runde>Pickup>Period 5).

A few things you should be aware of...

• The structure of the original song is:  Chorus-Verse 1-Chorus-Verse 2- Chorus-Verse 3-Chorus.  If you want to switch the order up, I am fine with that, but I want all three verses in your song and at least 3 choruses.
• Verse 3 is 24 bars long!!!  Remember to draw a note that is long enough.  If you're not sure how long to make it, just take the number of the bar you are starting on and add 24 to it.  

For example, if you are putting Verse 3 in at Bar 57, you would just do this: 

        57 + 24=81. 

The note ends on Bar 81.

Please remember to Self-Contain your song before you save it. (File>Self Contain Settings>Check All).

We'll be turning these in tomorrow.

Acapella Remix - part 2

Yesterday we started working on our own remixes of "Tell Me When To Go" using the acapella of the hook. Today we're going to focus on making a verse section to the song.

Please do the following:

1. Go to the Pickup folder and find the file called "Tell Me When_Verse 1.wav" Copy it to the same place where you copied the hook yesterday.
   
2. Open your Reason file from yesterday.
3. Create a new NN19 sampler (you should have 2 now) and load this new audio file.
4. Move your markers so that they go for 16 bars AFTER the hook. Hint: if your hook goes from Bar 1-9, then your Verse should go from Bar 9 - 25. (L marker on 9, R marker on 25).
5. In the Sequencer, switch to Edit Mode and, use the Pencil Tool to draw in a note for this whole 16-bar section. Remember that to draw the note at C3.
   
6. Now switch to a new pattern in your Redrum and make a beat to go under this section. Please make it at least a little different from yesterday's beat.
7. Add at least one more melodic instrument (NN19/Subtractor/Malstrom/etc.)
8. Save, save, save!!!

Acapella Remix - part 1

Today we're going to start a new remix project using an acapella from a famous song...

Here's what you're going to do:

1. Go to the Pickup folder and find the file called "Tell Me_hook.wav".  Copy it to your folder.
   
2. Create a new Reason file.
3. Create an NN19 Digital Sampler.
4. Click the Browse Sample button and load the file you just copied to your folder.
5. Switch the Sequencer Window to Edit Mode by clicking on this button:  
6. Use the Pencil Tool to draw in a note at C3 that goes from Bar 1 to Bar 9. It should look like this: 
7. Switch back to Arrange Mode by clicking this button again:  
8. Set your L Marker to Bar 1 and the R marker to Bar 9.
9. Important!  Set the Tempo to 107 BPMs. Hit play and listen to the loop.
10. Create a Redrum and make a 32-step beat to go under this (remember, it will probably work best if you put a snare or clap on 5 & 13!)
11. Create a Subtractor/NN19/Malstrom/NNXT/Combinator and make a melody to go with this.
12. Create a Dr. Rex and load a Percussion loop to go along with your drums.
13. Save this beat to your folder as "(your name)_Tell Me.rns".

Tune in tomorrow to start working with the verses!

Collabo - part 2

So, yesterday we laid down some drum tracks and put them into a song structure. Today, we're going to trade beats and work with other people's drums to make remixes of their songs.

To get the beats, go to the Pickup folder and find the folder called Collabo drums (Pickupdropoff>Runde>Pickup>Collabo drums). Now do the following:

1. Find the beat of the person you're collaborating with and copy it to your folder to work on.
2. Do a Save As and name this file:  "(your name)_(partner name)_collabo.rns"
3. Open the file and listen to the beat. What style of music is this? What kinds of sounds do you think could work with this song? Pay attention to how the song switches up at the chorus. Think about what you're going to do to match the switch up.
   
4. Using at least 2 instruments (no Dr. Rex, no Redrums), record some melodies to go with the drums.
5. Once you have the two parts recorded, copy them so you have a whole song.
6. Save it and turn in a copy to the Dropoff folder.
7. Have your collabo partner come listen to your slap!

To get full credit, you need:

• At least 2 original instruments (no Dr. Rex, no Redrums)
• Drums and melodies copied out for at least 3 verses and 3 choruses
• The correct file name:  "(yourname)_(partnername)_collabo.rns"

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Collabo - part 1

Today and tomorrow we will be working on a 2-part assignment that will be worth a quiz grade (10 points).

You are going to be collaborating with another student to create an original song. Today, you are just going to focus on making a full song's worth of drum tracks. It is  you possibly can.

1.  Create a Redrum, and make a 32-step beat.

2.  Put the beat into the Sequencer from Bar 1-Bar 17.

3.  Move the L marker to Bar 17 and the R marker to Bar 25. 

4.  Create a second Redrum. Load different sounds and make 16-step beat. 

5.  Highlight everything and copy and paste it twice . You should end up with a song that has 3 verses and 3 choruses.

6. Now mute the first two Redrum tracks by clicking on the M button on the left side of the track. 

7. Create a third Redrum and make a 16-step beat. This is going to be the bridge. When you get it down, find a place in your song where you want it to go and move everything over to give it space. Put it in for 8 bars.

Save this as "(your name)_collabodrums.rns" and put a copy in the Dropoff folder.

Finish Song Projects

Today we're going to continue working on (and hopefully finish) our Song Projects. Hopefully, at this point you should have your verse and chorus sections pretty much done. Once you've got those down, you should concentrate on creating the other parts of the song.

In particular, I want everyone to make a bridge for their songs. What is a bridge again?

A bridge is a short section in the middle of a song that is different from the other parts. The purpose is to switch things up for the listener. A bridge is usually 8 bars long.

A bridge can be something as simple as a different drum pattern, but it's even better if it is different melody. It's up to you, but I want some kind of short part that is different from the verses and choruses.

Remember, the main goal of this project is to write music that reflects a certain idea or emotion in your life. You should have all turned in your song topics last week. Please make sure that you are still writing your song to this idea!

When you finish, save this as "(your name)_Song project 11-20.rns"

Below are the requirements for this assignment:
1. A minimum of 5 instruments
2. A clear song structure including

• An Intro
• 3 or more Verses
• 3 or more Choruses (including a change in the drums)
• A Bridge
• An Outro (fade out)
  

3. Use of FX (Inserts & Auxes)
4. Basic Mixing (Volume and Panning)

Song Project - keep going

Your goal for today should be to get the verse part of your song completed and start working on the chorus.

Remember...

• A verse is typically 16 bars long
  
• A chorus is typically 8 bars long

I'm going to add one more requirement to this project:

The chorus section must have some kind of change in the drums. 

You can either add an extra instrument (cymbals, bongos, etc.), or switch the pattern up completely. Something that tells me that this is a different section of the song.

Song Project - due 11/20

What are songs about?

Think of one of your favorite songs and really take a minute to think about what the topic of the song is. Now think about how the song manages to make you feel the way that it does. What kinds of instruments are used? What is the tempo like? What kind of scale (major/minor) is being used?

Let's listen to one song and pay attention to what it is doing to create a specific emotion: link

Here's another:  link

So, starting today, you will be working on making your most complete song to date. These songs are due by the end of class a week from today (Thursday 11/20) and will be worth a double quiz (20 points).

But before you get really into writing your song, I want you to take the time to pick a topic that you're going to write about. Your topic can be whatever you want, within reason (nothing violent, sexual or drug related). And I want you to turn in by the end of today a Word or text document that tells:

1.  What the topic of your song is

2.  3  things you are going to try to put in your song to give it the emotion that you are trying to get across.  Be specific, don't tell me, "I'm going to put in some drums."  Tell me what kinds of drums - club sounding, old school, distorted drums.

Call this file:  "(your name)_song topic" and put a copy in the Dropoff folder.

Your song must include:

1. A minimum of 5 instruments
2. A clear song structure including

• An Intro
• 3 or more Verses
• 3 or more Choruses (including a change in the drums)
• A Bridge
• An Outro (fade out)
  

3. Use of FX (Inserts & Auxes)
4. Basic Mixing (Volume and Panning)

Most of all, your song must include a genuine effort to express something through your music.

I can't wait to hear your song!

Basic Mixing - Fade Outs

Today we're going to practice a common technique for ending a song:  the fade out!

A fade out is just that final part of the song where everything starts to get quieter until you can't hear it anymore. It's a simple way of bringing a song to a close.

Here's your assignment:

1.  Go to the Pickupdropoff folder and find the file called Fade Out.rns.  Copy the file to your folder.

2.  Open the file and create a Redrum. Make a beat and copy it to track from Bar 1 - 25

3.  Create a Dr. Rex and put an instrument loop over your beat from Bar 1-17.

4.  Now click on the Mixer track in the Sequencer Window.

5.   Set your L marker on the 17 and the R marker on 25.

6.  Click on the Line Tool.

7.  At Bar 17, starting about half way between the 64 and 127, draw a diagonal line down to the bottom of the track at Bar 25. 

8.  Play back to hear what happens. If you don't like it, try adjusting the starting point of your fade.

9.  Save this as "(your name)_Fade Out.rns"

Friday Quiz: 11/7/08

Part 1 (5 points)

1.  The type of effect that makes things sound like they are in a big, echoey space is called:

a.  Distortion

b.  Reverb

c.  EQ

d.  Compression

2.  The knob on an FX Processor that controls how much of an effect wil be put on an instrument is the:

a.  Pan knob

b.  Fader

c.  Dry/Wet

d.  Mixer

3.  The part of a mixer that controls the volume of a track is called ______________.

4.  The distortion processor in Reason is called ______________.

5.  Name one thing that  you can adjust when you are mixing a song:  _____________.

Part 2 (5 points)

Please make a Reason file that includes all of the following steps:

1. Connect an RV7000 Advanced Reverb to the Mixer.
2. Create a Dr. Rex.  Load a Drum loop into it and connect (Insert) a Scream Distortion to it.
3. Create a second Dr. Rex and load an Instrument loop into it.
4. Put both loops into your song for 4 bars.
5. Turn up the reverb on the second Dr. Rex using the Aux 1 knob.

Save this beat as: "(your name)_Quiz 11-07-08.rns" and drag a copy to the Dropoff folder. (Pickupdropoff>Runde>Dropoff>Period 5)

When you have finished the quiz, you can either:

• Finish the assignment and turn in the assignment from Tuesday (11/4/08).
• Work on your own music.
• Work on homework from another class.

As always, no Internet, texting, etc.

Have a nice weekend!

Have a nice weekend!

Have a nice weekend!

Basic Mixing - Volume & Panning

When you have finished recording your music, it is really important that you spend some time mixing it.

Mixing is the process of taking all your tracks and making them sound as good as possible together. There is a lot that goes into mixing, but for today we're going to just concentrate on two main aspects: volume and panning.

Volume
Balancing the volume of all of your tracks is important because you are deciding what are the most important parts of the song for your listeners to hear. If all your instruments are at the same volume, you make it so that people can't hear the best parts as well as you want them to. So, you need to learn to prioritize your tracks and decide which are the most important, and which ones you can pull down a little. A lot of the time, by just making one track just a little bit softer, you make another track stand out a lot more.

Panning
Panning is where you move a particular instrument to the left or the right in your headphones. You do this in order to give each instrument its own special spot in the mix and help it to be heard more clearly. Panning can also be used to make it sound as though instruments are talking to each other. Things like this help to make the song more interesting for the listener.

Certain instruments AREN'T usually panned; these include:

• Bass (drums and basslines)
  
• Snares and Claps

Almost all other instruments are panned at least a little to the left or the right.

Both volume and panning are usually handled through the mixer.

The faders control volume:

The pan knobs control the panning.

To get a better idea about what a professional mix sounds like, lets listen closely to the instrumental of a popular song. Pay attention to how loud certain instruments are in relation to each other and where they are (left to right) in your headphones. Listen to just a minute or two: LINK

Working with FX (part 2) - Inserts & Auxes

So, yesterday we started working with putting some FX on our tracks. We were doing this by directly connecting FX processors to our instruments. Using FX this way is called "Inserting"; you are inserting the FX processor in between the instrument and the mixer, like this:

Subtractor -> Scream -> Mixer

There is another way to work with FX, though, that is a little more complicated to explain, but actually a really useful tool for when you're working on your music.

In this method, you connect the FX processor to your Mixer. You can then apply these FX to any instrument coming through the Mixer by turning up the knobs called Auxes.

Aux knobs let you send a certain amount of your signal to the FX processor and then blend the affected (wet) sound with your original (dry) sound. Reason will let you connect up to four different FX processors to the Auxes. As usual, this sounds way more complicated than it actually is.

To use the Auxes, just do the following:

1. Click on the Mixer in the rack to make sure it is highlighted.
2. Go to the Create menu and pick an FX processor (reverb, distortion, delay, etc.). Reason will automatically connect it to the Mixer for you.
   
3. Pay attention to which Aux the processor is connected to. You can tell by looking in the upper right corner of the Mixer where it says "Return".
4. Find the track of the instrument you want to put the effect on and turn up the appropriate Aux knob.

Assignment:

So today you are going to be creating a song (at least 24 bars) that uses both styles of FX - Inserts and Auxes.

1. Start a new Reason file.
2. Click on the Mixer.
3. Go to Create>RV7000 Advanced Reverb.
4. Create at least one more FX processor of your choice to attach to your Mixer.
5. Using whatever instruments you want (at least 3), make a song that has identifiable Verse and Chorus sections.
6. Now use at least 2 more FX processors with either the Insert or Aux method.