Many friends who are new to computer music do not know the formal music production process because they do not have the environment and conditions. And this is pretty important stuff. So here I will briefly talk about the formal music production process. Although as an amateur, these processes are unrealistic. But it is necessary to understand these.

1. Compose lyrics and music. Usually the lyrics are written first and then the music is composed. It is also often the case that the music is composed first and then the lyrics are written. The former is more common. After the lyrics and music are completed, the songwriter usually makes a demo and records and sings it himself. Generally, the singing in demos can be sung softly in falsetto. Keep it for later use.

2. After the singer listens to the demo and decides to sing the song, the songwriter will deliver the score and song demo to the singer and producer. Find an arranger.

3. The arranger gets the music score and demo (sometimes no demo is needed) and starts arranging.

Note that if you need to record the parts of real musical instruments, they are usually done using MIDI first. (Delete it later when recording) Strings require the arranger to type out the score and parts. Rhythm guitar generally only needs to be marked with chords. Cadenzas sometimes require typed scores, sometimes they don't, only chords and style notes are marked, and the guitarist improvises.

4. After the arrangement is completed, export the split-track audio for each part of the instrument, including each percussion instrument, on an independent track. Note that theoretically, these audio tracks are not allowed to add any audio effects, all are dry sounds. However, some synthesized sounds have their own effects, which are a separate matter.

The audio track format generally needs to be negotiated with the recording engineer and mixer. to exchange files. Usually exported to an audio format suitable for use with ProTools.

Generally speaking, there are two forms of audio splitting. One is head-to-tail, that is, all audio files can be aligned from the beginning of the song.

The other is to get both the head and the tail right. That is, if this piece of music is 3 minutes long, then all the tracks are three minutes long. Even if some tracks only last a few seconds and the rest are blank, they must all be exported.

After exporting the tracks, the general arranger can also roughly mix down a demo for the mixer's reference. You don’t have to mix it either.

5. Deliver the tracks to the recording studio. Import into Mac. Also contact guitarists, band directors and other real instrument actors.

6. Record real musical instruments. Generally, the composer or the arranger can come to the studio to supervise the performance at this time. It is convenient to communicate with guitarists and band directors to grasp the playing style.

7. Record the singer’s voice. It can be recorded in a studio, but often there is no need to monitor the studio (so as not to affect the singer's condition). Only the sound engineer and singer complete the recording.

8. After the singer, composer, arranger and producer are satisfied with the recording results, all tracks (including accompaniment tracks, vocals, instruments, etc.) will be handed over to the mixer. Those with higher requirements usually find foreign mixers.

9. After the mixer gets the track separation, he will use digital or pure analog (by the producer) in a professional mixing environment and professional conditions such as far, medium, near, and various reference boxes. Specify) to mix. Apply effects such as compression, equalization, excitation, distortion, reverb, etc. to each track to complete the mix.

Generally speaking, mixing work is not allowed to add effects to the main output, nor is it allowed to do overall fade-in and fade-out (if necessary, a note must be made for the mastering engineer).

After the mixer completes his work and is satisfied, it will be handed over to the producer for review.

10. The producer will deliver the mixed audio files to the mastering engineer (if the requirements are higher, you will generally find a foreign mastering engineer), and digital or pure analog mastering will be performed as needed.

11. The mastering engineer delivers the final mastering tape to the producer. At this point the production process is complete. The producer delivers to the publishing department.

12. If it is used in film and television works or in the production of MV, it will be handed over to the video production personnel.

How to say, above I just wrote the most complete music production process.

Of course, even professional production processes are often not so comprehensive, and many projects are often handled by one person, which is especially common in China. For example, composing itself is also an arranger. It’s normal for the sound engineer to turn into a sound mixer after recording. The purpose of writing this post is to let friends who are new to computer music understand what formal music production is like. Admittedly, it is impossible for most enthusiasts to produce their own works using such a process. But we should at least know what formality is. Even if it is a personal work or a less demanding job, if you can follow such a formal process, you will find that it will be of great benefit to your production level.