Keeping up with the audio tech industry gives me a front-row seat to watch trends come and go. Smart software has seen its fair share of popularity lately, but it’s not quite what it may appear at first glance – while some products do indeed offer impressive capabilities that would otherwise be impossible without AI or machine learning algorithms, others simply use these terms as a marketing ploy for simplified processes.
Despite the emergence of products that claim to contain artificial intelligence, it’s important to recognize that these technologies are not actually thinking for themselves. Instead, they simply adhere to a pre-programmed set of instructions created by developers and producers who have implemented their ideas into the software’s functionality. Words like “AI” or “Smart” may be used in marketing materials as a way to attract attention; however, this often contradicts what is truly happening inside audio processing tools.
With the advent of modern AI-based technology, companies such as Sonnox and Steinberg are pioneering new “smart” tools with exciting features. For instance, Oxford Drum Gate utilizes machine learning to recognize drum transients while SpectraLayers offers powerful spectral editing capabilities for accurate mix separation. These products demonstrate tremendous potential in revolutionizing our music production experience!
Achieving a perfectly gated drum kit recording or manually extracting components from an audio mix are laborious endeavors that can be simplified and expedited through the use of modern studio technologies. Traditional techniques allow us to do these things, but using only conventional processors offers no respite for our time constraints – something all producers need in abundance!
Smart audio technology can offer a lot of conveniences when it comes to sound production, from automatic equalizers and compressors that promise exact responses for specific sources. While these tools may seem like fantastic time-savers at first glance, experienced producers should approach them with caution; presets are not always reliable or suitable in every situation.
Smart processors enable effective production by producing the same output from any given input. They don’t rely on conventional presets, but instead use preset targets which match an audio signal to create a consistent sound across different users of common plug-ins or processors – no matter your setup, you can expect similar-sounding parts and mixes!
When it comes to producing your own sound, blindly trusting untested software isn’t the way to go. Instead of relying on sonic judgments made by unknown developers, take charge and learn how to become an expert in setting up audio processors yourself – with enough dedication and time, you can easily get the hang of all principles and techniques involved!
The producer’s art is an intricate balancing act between creativity and technical know-how. We grow through trial, error, and comparison – all in pursuit of creating the perfect composition. Like a budding artist harnessing their talent from pen to canvas; with each mistake we become better designers of soundscapes that are entirely our own.
Mistakes can lead to invaluable learning experiences, allowing us to master our craft and develop a better understanding of the elements that make up true excellence. However, relinquishing control by relying on automation might mean forfeiting any chance at discovering your own unique definition of perfect sound quality – depriving yourself of an incredible opportunity for growth.
Here at Mello Studio, we love to help producers to sharpen their skills! Drop us a message today and let us work together to make your next production a hit!
