Plugins are the norm in today’s music production.
But as with any tool, plugins require proper application so as not to hamper the music-making process. In this blog post, we will discuss five common mistakes music producers make when using plugins in their work and how to avoid them.
1. Using too many plugins: It is easy to get carried away with plugins, especially when you have so many at your disposal. However, stacking too many plugins on individual tracks or mixing sessions could result in too much clutter. Consequently, this impedes the progress of the mixing process and leads to poor sound quality.
The solution is to use only the plugins that you really need for your music production. Pick the ones that will contribute the most towards achieving your sound goals.
2. Relying solely on presets: Presets are fantastic shortcuts that allow you to jumpstart the music-making process. However, there is no guarantee that the presets will be perfect for your musical arrangements. Relying solely on presets can lead to unoriginal beats that do not stand out from the crowd.
To avoid this, experiment with the different settings to tweak the sounds you desire. Start with the presets, but don’t be afraid to adjust the parameters to match your musical vision.
3. Using plugins only for technical purposes: Plugins are versatile tools that can be used for creative purposes too. Using plugins only for technical enhancements is a common mistake made by music producers. Technical enhancements are just one part of producing great music. Creative experimentation in arrangement, sounds, and lyrics also plays a significant role in producing high-quality music.
To overcome this, explore plugins extensively. Use them to create unconventional sounds and explore how you can leverage them creatively, giving your music a unique edge.
4. Not understanding plugin compatibility and integration: Plugins are not created equal. They have different compatibility and integration features. This can lead to problems such as compatibility issues, crashes, or tedious installation processes.
Before using any plugin, read the user manual, or check for online resources to make sure it is compatible with your DAW. Research to ensure that you do not introduce any system issues into your music production process.
5. Overlooking the need for regular maintenance: Regularly maintaining your plugin collection is essential for smooth music production. Not checking for updates on plugins, not removing plugins that have been outgrown, and ignoring corrupt plugins can harm your workflow and sound output.
To avoid this mistake, regularly schedule times to go through your plugin collections to check for updates and remove plugins that you are no longer using.
Conclusion
Plugins are essential tools in modern-day music production. But mistakes can happen easily and derail the music-making process. With the above information, music producers will be able to avoid common plugin mistakes during music production. We hope that you can apply these tips and find success in your music-making journey to create outstanding sounds.
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