![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_683,h_1024/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/saso-tusar-181518-683x1024.jpg)
Why Mixing Through a Gain Maximizer is a Bad Idea
Here’s a common mistake I see over and over: producing and mixing a track with a gain maximizer on your mixer’s main output.
Discover
![Hip-hop beat making tutorial in progress!](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_768/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/l1000861-1024x768.jpg)
Hip-Hop Drum Beat and Bass Tutorial
Berklee Online music production instructor Erik Hawkins offers a tutorial for writing and producing a hip-hop or dance beat.
![Person playing the drums.](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_768/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/l1000491-1024x768.jpg)
Programming and Producing Drum Beats Course and Book
I’ve been busy rolling out a new book and a new Berklee Online course that I’m very excited to tell you about.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_683/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/alex-holyoake-copy.jpg)
Sidechain Compression in Pro Tools and Reason
Sidechain compression is a wonderful production trick. Originally, it was used to duck music behind an announcer’s voice on the radio.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_406/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/infinite-studio-1920-1024x406.jpg)
When to Hire a Mastering Engineer
A common question I hear from students is, “Do I need to hire a mastering engineer?” The answer is, it really depends; it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
![Drum Programming](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_576/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/photo-1466907840060-8934465084e5-1024x576.jpeg)
Drum Programming in Your DAW
I always sequence my drum beats in real-time, using a MIDI controller, such as my keyboard or drum pads.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_945,h_513/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/recycle-screenshot-1000px-cropped.6216a4cd2b0b.png)
Propellerhead’s ReCycle: Making REX Loops
As promised, I’ve finally put together a comprehensive video about using Propellerhead’s ReCycle software and how to create your own REX loops.
![](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_683/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/25569917873_fa5cd684b0_h-1024x683.jpg)
Mixing Tips: How to Know When to Solo
Every term, without fail, I get a few assignments handed in with all of a mixer’s solo buttons enabled.
![Making beats in Pro Tools requires good headphones.](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_764/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/alice-moore-192526-1024x764.jpg)
How to Change a Loop’s Tempo in Pro Tools
“How do I tempo change a loop in Pro Tools?” This is a common question and the answer is, “There are lots of ways.”
![A musician playing a keyboard.](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1024,h_683/https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/puk-khanthocopy-1024x683.jpg)
Improve Your Sampler Chops
Berklee Online music production instructor Erik Hawkins explains how to improve your sampler skills, with advice from his “Producing Music with Reason” course.