Top Ten EDM Don'ts

Adam Pollard, aka Multiplier, returns in this in-depth video tutorial series teaching you how to avoid common pitfalls and “gotchas” when creating cutting edge EDM music. With these tried and true tips, you’ll learn to make pumping tracks that avoid tired cliches!

Videos

• Intro (00:39) - Multiplier welcomes you to this course and explains what all he'll be going over in this tutorial.

• Set Bass Level Too High or Too Low (05:41) - Don't set the bass level too high (the sub bass fundamental should hit around -6db on the master).

• Sidechain Compress Just Bass to Kick (06:34) - Use sidechain compression, but not just on the bass; sidechain compress everything to the kick.

• Make Your Track Too Loud (04:13) - Pay attention to perceived loudness; don’t make your tracks too loud!

• Use Genre Inappropriate Drums (07:46) - Use genre appropriate kicks and snares.

• Discontinuities (07:31) - Don't overlook clicks from discontinuities.

• Over Process Drum Samples (08:12) - Sample pack drums are already compressed/eq’d; no need to do it a second time.

• Clipping the Master (05:07) - Don't clip the master, but also know where it’s ok to clip.

• Reference on Great Speakers (04:06) - Referencing your tracks on horrible speakers can help you ensure your ideas are musically interesting.

• Overlook Attack (06:46) - Add a percussive attack to the first 30 ms of synths to help define the start of new notes.

• Don't Just Use Sample Packs (06:11) - Don’t just use sample packs, record your own samples.