Guides
Production guides, backed by real measurement
Practical production guides, including original data from testing over a thousand free samples - not generic advice.
Original Data · Samples
We Tested 1,004 Free CC0 Samples: Why 45% of Free Kicks Fail a Basic Quality Check
Pass rates by drum type, the faults that survive cleanup, and a 5-minute check for any free sample.
Licensing · Samples
How to Check a Free Sample's License Before You Release a Track
CC0 vs CC BY vs NC vs Sampling+, the drum-machine upload risk, and the record to keep for every sample.
Mixing · Loudness
True Peak vs Sample Peak: Why "-1 dB" Still Clips
Inter-sample peaks explained with real measurements: files normalised to -1 dBFS came out as high as -0.76 dBTP.
Mastering · Psy-Trance
How to Master a Psy-Trance Track
LUFS targets, low-end mono discipline and real sidechain depth, measured from released tracks.
Sound Design · Techno
What Actually Makes a Techno Kick Punch
The real sub/punch band-energy split, and why most free kicks get the balance backwards.
Sound Design · Trap & Hip-Hop
How to Saturate and Tune Trap 808s for Small Speakers
Harmonic saturation, overtone injection, and phase alignment without losing subwoofer power.
Sound Design · Dubstep & Bass
Engineering Heavy Dubstep Bass: Growls, Riddim & Air
Formant filters, riddim chop transient envelopes, and high-frequency presence sidebands.
Sound Design · Phonk & Underground
Drift & Memphis Phonk Drum Design: Tape Saturation & Cowbells
808 cowbell tuning, analog cassette warmth, and hard-clipped snares.
Tools · Stem Separation
Free Stem Separation Compared: HTDemucs vs. Paid Tools
An honest comparison, including where the free option genuinely loses.
Sound Design · Amapiano & Afro House
Amapiano Log Drum Sound Design: A Real FM Synthesis Breakdown
The decaying-index FM engine and click layer behind the genre's defining instrument.
Sound Design · Drum & Bass / Neuro
Neurofunk Reese Bass Sound Design: Detune, Mono & Growl
Unison detune spread, mono-below discipline, and the growl that separates neuro from classic reese.
Sound Design · FX / Transitions
How to Make a Riser for an EDM Build-Up
Noise sweeps, detuned tone stacks, the swell curve, Shepard tones and downlifters.
Sound Design · UK Drill
UK Drill 808 Slides: How to Make the 808 Glide Properly
Real portamento, fifth and octave slides, glide timing, and harmonics that survive phone speakers.