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Music

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If there is one thing I would like to be exemplary at, aside from being a great friend, son, brother, husband and father, it would be to be able to create music.

I have had many great moments in music, playing drums in bands, jamming and such but I always admire those who can play all the instruments or just one and make a song of it.

Enter the DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) almost an acronym for computer with music creation program on it, a program like Presonus Studio One, Ableton Live, Avis Peo Tools, Apple Logic Pro or others. (Note, I have settled into Studio One).

The DAW has brought "all the instruments", automated notation, key detections, mastering tools and methods to put this all together, so a person does not need to have all the instruments and a studio, but just a computer and a DAW.

Additionally a mic is necessary for recording voice, a keyboard is best to control the DAW and understanding MIDI are additional key ingredients. But I digress. Yes you still need some tools but this has been largely reduced. It is the knowledge that separates those who can create a sound and those who can turn a sound into a song.

There are a lot of good sounds that end up trying to be a song. Good training and music theory is helpful to get over this hump. Enough of the background. This is about recognizing something I do for myself, that I can share with others, music.

I have always liked music but never got formal training for it, looking back it almost doesn't make sense. Why did I just dabble and not apply myself fully to it!

So now, I am.

DAW, Music

Why I use Presonus Studio One

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I had a colleague in about 2015, whom I had told that based on the music he was creating in Audacity that he should look into a DAW. He didn't even know what it meant. Well, Norman E. Riley, of "Pagan Logic" , who doesn't use social media,  is a very fastidious perfectionist and did his research. When he was satisfied he told me he had chosen Presonus Studio One. At this time I had not heard of the program and was just out of Garage Band and learning Apple's Pro Logic. Since we wanted to collaborate, I agreed to move to Presonus as well. This was right after version 3 came out.

Prime (free version) of Studio One was my first download, after Norman bought Pro.  I used this free version to familiarize myself with the interface. Very soon after I bought the Presonus Audiobox 96 the basic model which was bundled with Studio One Artist. This got me on the road and it wasn't long after that I got Pro. I wanted the mastering module... of course. The best way to export out of Studio One and with instant publishing to SoundCloud built in.

The real reason to get Pro is the mastering module and the increased plugins and instruments which can be bought piecemeal but over toime for more money that Pro (Especially during a sale, wait for it...). Presonus Studio One Pro, in case you don't know, is a creation/mixing/mastering suite all in one app. The stock instruments and filters are enough to produce professional quality audio files. Serious stuff. The Pro industry has noticed and Presonus Studio One is also popular in the Pro field.

I personally like Studio One because it helps me make good music by offering deep tools including a sampler, notation and a basic Melodyne plug in license out of the box and including incredible non destructive ways to stretch files in both timing and sound and while not getting in my way of creativity (Remember we started with Audacity, so if you are here, take note). It has a relatively flat interface which allows you to see most of what is going on. This description barely scratches the surface. Give it a try, if you haven't. Get the free version and give it a look.

I recommend Presonus Studio One for these reasons and more. Check out YouTube for many videos on Studio One to see just how great it is. For the record, I haven't looked back. I am not a known name in the industry, I get no money from Presonus (On the other hand, I give them my money...) but I do because I know I am working with the best. If you don't already know, and if you do... Please add your comments to help share your and Presonus' story.

Here are a few links I have found of good reviews and Tips:
I suggest to start Alan Zhelon Presonus Studio One 4 Review review at about 3:00. In the first three minute he basically just says he found Presonus Studio One based on a friend's recommendation when deciding to move from Apple to Windows.  He found it much like me and it is a good entry video to Studio One 4, minus the Mastering Component. )

Here are are some other useful links:
Craig Anderson Studio One Tips
Marcus Huyskens' Music Blog