AJALA ADEYINKA EMMANUEL

Introduction to Music Production (Ableton)

Re ective Commentary

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 Introduction

I started my composition with my drums using the step sequencing, I got my drum samples and put them inside the drum rack. I wasn’t sure how my drum patterns would
end up if I used the real-time recording. With the step sequencing, I have direct control of my drum elements, everything is on time, quick work ow, constant looping. It was
very easy to lay down my drum pattern considering that I already know what kind of drum pattern I want for my chosen genre. However, with the step sequencing, my drums
sound robotic and I didn’t feel that human drum pattern because of the stagnant velocity on all of my shakers.

I tried to correct this Robotic feeling on my shakers using the velocity randomize button, when I did that, I noticed that I lost the dancehall rhythm, I then decided to change
the velocity of my notes manually to be able to achieve the perfect drum pattern for my chosen genre as well making use of Chance on the drums to create some variations
for my drums. With this, I was able to x the issues with my drums.

My next approach was choosing my chords, I rst created a Pad sound, making use of subtractive synth which I then used in creating my chords. Again I used the step
sequencing in the piano roll. Before I started punching in my note in the piano roll, I applied the scale midi e ect that enabled me to stay on a particular scale while inputting
my note in the piano roll, this is de nitely not the best way to make music but it was good for the quick work ow and then I can move on to other parts of my composition.

A music composition without a baseline is almost incomplete, especially for my chosen genre. I applied the same technical sequencing approach and it was easy to stay on
the same key because my chords are already in the C major scale. In live 11, when you apply the scale midi e ect on a midi track, every other midi track you create will be
on the same scale when you trigger the scale button, which easily allows your composition to be on the same key. I used a sample loop bass, warped it to be in time with my
tempo. I realized I might be needing a di erent variation of bass when it’s time for the arrangement.

The step sequencing didn’t quite work very well for my melody, I honestly thought it was going to be as easy as my chords and bass but I was wrong, I couldn’t nd a good
melody while punching my note in one by one. I got a Midi keyboard and I was able to play a sweet dance melody in real-time while still staying in a key using the scale midi
e ect. With my scale e ect, I’m always in key with my composition.
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I have a condenser Microphone Rode NT 2 which I used for recording my audio, I connected the XLR cable which is sometimes called microphone cables to
connect my Microphone to my interface. The end with three pins (male) plugs into the interface and the other end with three holes (female), goes into the
microphone. Afterward, I connected my interface to my computer using a USB cable and my headphone plugged into my interface. While recording, I
maintained a reasonable distance from the microphone, I’m aware that Being too close to the microphone or not holding the microphone properly can cause
a proximity e ect, more lips sound, and less natural chest and head resonance capturing.

Recording my audio was one of the most interesting parts of my music composition, playing my chords and melody already gave me an idea of what I could
record when it was time, I knew I just needed to record a dance song anyone could easily sing along to. I was also able to record a performer who gave
variations to my recording. I did a couple of edits on my recording
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 CONCLUSION

My production/composition as a whole was exactly what I wanted, in regards to the rhythm and melody and harmony though I know I
could have done better with my Audio recording and overall mixing, I could have gotten some acoustics treating to make my recording
less noisy and also perfect my mixing and also having a better understanding of how the EQ and compressor works would really improve
my mix to have a more clearer sound and not just a loud one.