welcome to my new series in which I'll be explaining some music production and
music creation concepts in simple terms it's kind of the way I wish someone had
explained them to me when I first got started. Even if you're not a beginner
keep watching till the end because today I'm featuring some virtual instruments
from one of my favorite companies. If you need a music production on computers
like I once was there probably tons of new things you're learning. Today
let's explore virtual instruments. Virtual instruments let you play and
record sounds you hear in your head. That sounds kind of weird but it's kind of
true. We're creatives and many great ideas start here. A virtual instrument is
software you install on your computer that emulates the sound of real
instruments like pianos, guitars, vintage synthesizers, orchestral instruments,
drums, and even some sounds you haven't even heard yet. Many companies sell
virtual instruments and there are lots of free ones too. Adding them to your
studio typically involves visiting website downloading the install file and
then installing it. Now after you install it you can load it right from your DAW's
lists of plugins and then you can start playing. Now if you're just getting
started you may want to check out my home studio essentials video to
understand some of the basic parts of a home studio it'll explain what a DAW is . Ok so why would you choose to have these sounds installed in your computer
instead of a digital piano with built in sounds. Well two reasons. First it's a
whole lot easier to construct a song these days using software. Your DAW is
software so playing software instruments inside of your DAW makes things quick
and more important you can play, make mistakes and quickly correct them. Let me
show you.
Now that wasn't perfect but watch this. Let's correct just that one bad note
super quick.
Second you get to collect tons of sounds and different user interfaces. Imagine
having all the classic synthesizers and a 40-piece orchestra right in your
computer and each with a unique interface that works best for that
instrument. There are so many ways to modify sounds with these virtual
instruments that some of the interfaces could actually look intimidating. But I
always start with the presets. It's a great way to learn the sounds that the
instrument can make and how the controls modify those sounds. Here's a popular
modern synth with an excellent layout that works well for these sounds
and now here's an emulation of a classic synth by Casio laid out similar to the
original one. Plus if you prefer hands on control this synth sound can be adjusted
tweaked, and modified with the knobs on an inexpensive controller keyboard. This
one's just $100 and can control any virtual instrument.
If you're looking for some other hundred dollar options out there check out my
video here. Most virtual instruments use the Audio Units au or VST format so
compatibility with your DAW usually isn't an issue with Macs or PCs. Just
check the specs to make sure you've got enough computer power for them. Now if
you're just getting started check out the sounds included in your DAW.
You'll find a bunch of free stuff already there. If you're looking for some
more free sounds download Dexed. It's a free classic FM synth plugin. Now if you
want to dive into some classic synthesizers you got to check out the
brand new V Collection 7 by Arturia announced today. Three of the brand new
synths that you heard in the song I made today are made using the Arturia V
Collection 7. I'll put links to everything I've mentioned in the
description of this video. If you liked this video hit the like
button and subscribe if you haven't already. Now get back to making some
music you love. See you guys later!