Improve your production skills: 5 great tutorial sites and channels

The Best Audio Tutorial Sites: Great resources for musicians  ·  Source: PureMix/Decibel

 ·  Source: MacProVideo

 ·  Source: In The Mix/Michael Wynne

 ·  Source: Underdog

 ·  Source: Daw Worrall

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Aiming to improve your production skills? There are a great many resources out there, especially since the creator explosion of the last 2-5 years. So, if you’re trying to increase your audio knowledge or simply become a better producer, it’s hard to know where to begin. With the holiday season upon us, some might be gifted with a little more time on our hands than usual, so we’ve shortlisted our Top 5 online production resources for musicians. There are far too many to mention, so we’ve selected a few with strengths in different areas. Please let us know about your go-to audio resources in the comments!

Dan Worrall

Over the years, Dan Worrall has built a reputation for creating uncompromisingly thorough and highly informative videos. The response from his content production for clients like FabFilter, UVI, Camel Audio, Tone2 Audio Software, and Sound on Sound magazine, as well as his own personal YouTube channel, have made Dan a cult figure in the audio tutorials game. Even veteran engineers with 20-30 years behind them in the industry have mentioned learning a thing or two from these well-researched explanatory videos.

Pros

• A diverse range of topics with a high level of detail
• Content created by an experienced engineer

Cons

• The steep technical learning curve
• Lack of practical music production tutorials for noobs

Underdog Electronic Music School

Launched pre-pandemic out of Brussels, Belgium by techno artist Oscar Verlinden aka Torc, Underdog Electronic Music School provides engaging content for those seeking to learn about the more electronic side of music production. Aside from the free content on Youtube, there are 2 paid long-form video courses of over 40 lessons each, as well as a tiered Patreon membership plan available. The content is detailed and varied enough, delving into essential aspects of sound design like drum synthesis. Although the course follows electronic music, for the most part, there is a great deal a beginner can pick up from the free content alone and the knowledge and techniques covered are relevant to most modern styles of music.

Pros

• The application-based approach means beginners advance quickly
• Techniques covered in sound design and synthesis modules are useful in most styles of modern music

Cons

• Ableton Live and electronic music specific content doesn’t cater for all
• More experienced users may find some of the content a tad rudimentary

In The Mix

YouTube channel In The Mix is the brainchild of UK-based mastering engineer and FL Studio specialist, Michael Wynn. The incredibly transparent style of his videos makes them very digestible regardless of the subject matter, and justifies the over 850,000 subscribers on the channel. From product reviews, comparisons, and deep dives to tutorials and useful home studio tips, this channel is an extremely useful resource for musicians, producers, or engineers of any level. Apart from the video content and his mastering service, Michael also offers his own custom presets and sound packs via the In The Mix store.

Pros

• Highly detailed, honest, and well-edited content
• Diversity of topics means there is something for almost everyone

Cons

• Those seeking info about songwriting or arrangement might be disappointed, however, there are other recommendations on the In The Mix channels list

Puremix

If you’re looking for a more analog approach to audio, Puremix is one of the best online resources for musicians and engineers looking to learn more about their craft. A well-curated blog and an extensive collection of videos from the household names in the business means there is no shortage of inspiration and the old-style real-world industry approach adds a useful perspective for learners. The paid content is divided into 3 sections specific to beginners, engineers, and musicians, with different subscription plans to suit your needs. Subscribers also get access to a plugin package with some great tools to get you started.

Pros

• Content from highly acclaimed engineers and producers
• Plugins pack makes the cost of the subscription a little more worthwhile

Cons

• Pricey subscriber-based service
• Some might find this approach to content a little outdated

MacProVideo

One of the largest sources of online tutorials, MacProVideo offers content from certified trainers of many disciplines. There is a huge selection of courses ranging from simple step-by-step how-to’s to feature explainers and more technical videos. The content library is regularly updated as new DAW versions and updates arrive, so you can ensure your knowledge is current – especially if you are a trainer yourself. A monthly or yearly subscription plan unlocks the entire library, which provides an amazing resource for home users, studios, or media companies.

Pros

• One of the largest online video resources
• Constantly updated with new content

Cons

• The library might be too broad for some
• Subscriber plans with content of this nature are more suited to beginners

More Online Resources for Musicians:

• Cinematic and Game Sound libraries
• Music production on your M1 Mac
• Vintage Emu Emulator II rebuild

Videos:

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