Midi to Maxi (weekly diary)

week 1(mic techniques phasing)
This week we were introduced to some different microphone setup techniques in order to discover more efficient ways to record sounds in the studio. A technique that especially stood out to me was stereo phasing. I found this useful because i realised the i really had to think quite a bit about mic placement.

week2 (shards drums)
This week we focused on setting up live drums for Sade. However there was quite a bit of confusion doing so. This meant that we had used most of our time however I did manage to record some live drums for her as a session player. This also helped me out because it gave me some more idea's on ways I can implement live sounds into my music.

week3 (matt drums.)
This week I was doing session playing again. This time I was playing the drums for Matthew's track. however I found this slightly difficult because the pattern which I was to replicate was quite complex. however despite the difficulty we still managed to get something recorded.

week4(play the fool)
This week we had an extra studio session booked on a wednesday evening. Our Band recorded live drums, piano, synth's and voice. All of these instruments were for the song. "Play The Fool"

Week5(play the fool)
I decided I was going to build my first track using the sample from play the fool, I wanted to make the song more into a style that suited me. I decided that I was going to use the part of the sample that contains the Tom roll as well because it added to the atmosphere of the piece.

week6(play the fool + jazz trap)
I pitched the sample much lower and added a kick and hi-hat pattern. I found this slightly difficult because the not all of the sample was completely in time. I decided that I was going to need to use the flex tool in logic in order to make the sample easier to work with. The flex tool allows me to manipulate audio by setting transient markers within the audio. The flex tool then allows me to manipulate those transient markers by moving them in and out of time.

 I also started my second track this week. I created an 8-bar loop of a midi piano, midi trumpet, and a midi french horn. I then added a kick, clap, snare and some percussion consisting of open hi-hats, brush and hi-hats

week7
i recorded the live brass sections for my jazz trap songs, i decided i was going to use the SE Titan and use different polar patterns to see which i liked most.


Week8
I added in some live bongo's to this track. I did this because I was trying to create two different styles using live instruments and see how well I could blend them together for a smooth transition.
I also used the flex tool to time stretch my sample. I slowed it down to create a more serious eerie vibe that would contrast more with the upbeat melodic tempo.

I also finished off the arrangement for play the fool I added a rising filter and some flanging just to change the atmosphere and tone of the piece so it wouldn't become too repetitive.

Week9
I spent this week mixing my tracks and trying to get the levels where I wanted them, I didn't want the high end to drown out the other frequencies, so i adjusted the levels until i could hear all the tracks playing at the levels intended.