FULL REGGAE PRODUCTION TUTORIAL with DM Kahn and LOGIC PRO X

In this video, DM Kahn shows step-by-step how to produce a reggae riddim in Logic Pro X, using Logic's onboard software instruments, EQ, and compression.
Techniques covered:
-Reggae piano skank using the Steinway piano.
-Bubble organ and the "swing effect" using the Vintage B3 organ.
-Half drop style drum beat, using the Drum Kit.
-Software bass using the Liverpool patch and Bass Amp.
-Pluck guitar techniques and how to shorten MIDI note lengths.
-Percussion techniques using the African kit.
-EQing and compressing the drums, and setting up a drum bus auxiliary track.
-EQing and compressing the riddim section, and setting up a riddim section bus auxiliary track.
-Reverb techniques on individual and auxiliary send tracks using the Space Designer.
-Delay techniques using the Tape Delay on a aux send track.
-Quick dub technique how-to.
SORRY THE VOICE AND KEYBOARD NOISE IS LOUDER THAN THE MUSIC
check out / dm-kahn for more of Kahn's productions.

[@kijeeli]

Dude.. this is exactly what I wanted to learn for my logic and reggae. Thanks a lot.

[@deniskolek5847]

i have decided that i will try to do a reggae for the change and this tutorial really helped me a lot..before i had no idea,what to do and where to start..man honestly..thanks a lot.. big respect !!!! i will keep watching your videos. peace

[@DMKahn]

Denis Kolek thanks so much! I really enjoyed your comment and I'm super glad I was able to bring value to your productions! Cheers

[@wallockhavard2033]

Wonderful, reggae beat is from the mind. You are reggae minded. I love this✊

[@barstuard]

Nice trick with the gate on the snare. One of the best reggae related tutorials on youtube. Many are ameteurish/sound terribly midi. Enjoyed watching, cheers!

[@DMKahn]

Thank you! I try my best to make the productions sound realistic...as if a live band were playing, but I am bound to software instruments. There are a lot of digital production styles out there for sure... I just really enjoy reggae of the 70s and 80s and the rawness and heaviness l it's known for. So I just try to recreate it to the best of my ability. Thanks again for tuning in. Bless

[@azaleajanemusic]

Notes to self: - skank notes can be a little bit _before_ the beat?? hmm! I almost always delay notes if anything. - can combine a swung bubble with a more straight hi-hat for an interesting sound! - eq/compress/tweak each drum. - try different bubble sounds, not just the 16' drawbar alone. - add some rhythm organ parts!

[@kapenamokiao6384]

Braahhhh!! dat was sooo sick! I got the same program and my stuff sounds nothing like that! Thanks man inspired me to tweak once again!

[@fallenleaf24]

Got to love to sound profile of the yellow keyed edirol keyboard. I have the same one & that thing is meant to be a MIDI keyboard but it makes enough noise to be a synth xD Love the vid! Great to see the process of building a track

[@wiseknowin777]

You mixed that just like an engineer would.. Big Respect

[@davidatkins111]

one of the best I've seen .. well done Sir!

[@DMKahn]

+David Atkins You're welcome, thank you for the compliment. Happy roots-making!

[@KadrianThomas]

I've learnt so much from this video. Thank you.

[@pitzdifixer3598]

Bigup DM Kahn you're a good teacher really made my day💯✅👍respect

[@DMKahn]

Pitz Dimax thanks brother, you made my day when you commented this! Cheers

[@TheMaceo900]

Hey man, in the process of building a dub studio in Philippines, lots of percussionists, brass players and reggae bands to record, got a tape machine and logic on the sea on its way.. I appreciate your overview of the different effects and instruments used in logic for when I get gwanen. 1st tutorial I've ever watched all the way through.. Maybe you can do some dubs for us next year.. Peace

[@DMKahn]

Wayne Mercer Nuff respect Wayne! Let me know if I can help in any way. I'm an open book. Love to do a dub :) Blessings

[@davidtreasure5906]

your attention to detail is on point big up DM Kahn

[@DMKahn]

David Treasure thanks man! It's all in the details. Reggae is made up of very "simple" components, but many of them meshing together beautifully !

[@liminalman8135]

this is what Ive been looking for.... stick video.. respect!

[@yvesdje820]

So goooood !!! thanks bro🙏

[@raywood5313]

Woah bro!!......certainly got the retro feel going on!🎶 A cool tutorial man, very to the point, easy to follow and full of tips!.........kudos to you 👌🏻👍🏻 Subscribed!!🙏🏻👏🏻

[@hfv1907]

Thanks bro 🙏 I had no idea how to do multiple output.

[@zac1002]

Great video! This has me re-thinking how I go about my reggae production workflow (the order of recording instruments and applying effects). You also implicitly pointed out the areas where I am lacking with my music. Loved the Dub jam at the end! I use Reaper for my DAW and I think pretty much all of this is transferable to that software; it has similar corresponding plug-ins and if it doesn't you can just download and add them!

[@jegnowanbessa5610]

really liked this tutorial about how you set up the busses . One Love

[@DMKahn]

+Jegnow Anbessa Thanks man, I learned the technique from Graham at the Recording Revolution. Check him out on youtube. Bless

[@grooveincorporated]

Fantastic

[@flameporter6343]

Yes i Dub Master! mahalo nui loa for your manaʻo. awesome tutorial

[@DMKahn]

Flame Porter you da man Flame Porter

[@Beracahmusic]

Excellent in-depth tutorial, thanks!

[@DMKahn]

Respect

[@millionhertz]

found it very informative, both reggae and logic contents wise !!! big up!!!

[@DMKahn]

+millionhertz Glad you enjoyed it, hoped you learned something new!

[@yifanlu4473]

THats awesome man! thanks for your dedication!

[@DMKahn]

陆怡帆 you're very welcome, glad you enjoyed!

[@DEREKBROWN360]

Was just browsing videos... you should use the split option on this B3. The split gives a closer upper and lower keyboard sound

[@DMKahn]

Great idea

[@alexufimsky7030]

Thank you for this tutorial! it's really helped me. I look forward to your new video. Good luck!

[@DMKahn]

Alex Ufimskiy thanks for checking it out, I hope you were able to watch "Kahn's Reggae Production Corner" videos!

[@wiseaxe]

Well done-- a very enjoyable tutorial! Thanks!

[@dagmusicproduction2585]

this is awesome tutorial omg you are gienues love all your vidoe well done my professor

[@DMKahn]

Big up bro. Thanks!!

[@jahmiracle7055]

thank you dm kahn I learn a lot respect

[@DMKahn]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@keefazstudio]

Great video, thanks. For emulating guitar skanks, may I suggest using the stock vintage clav instrument plugin instead of guitar sample? You can get great muted like skanks with it, using damp at maximum and playing with decay also modify the pickup position, add a pedal box with wah wah pedal (record movement in touch automation mode then maybe edit automation curves)

[@crisdaquini7786]

Big up DM Khan! 💥 what about a tutorial for roots reggae 70' era?

[@DMKahn]

Maybe one day.... A one drop style like Marley..

[@tommy3mundell]

Really good tutorial, thanks :)

[@DMKahn]

Tommy Mundell you're more than welcome, thanks for tuning in.

[@AUDIODIDACTS]

Ya man...., many thanks for this nice tutorial....and many thanks for inspiration. I work with Cu5 and so it is not so easy to transfer what you are doing in this video. But I did a nice Reggae-Dub track because of your tutorial, and so everything is fine...! Cheers from Cologne...!

[@DMKahn]

AUDIODIDACTS thanks brother! I'm glad this video was useful to you. Hit me up if you have any particular questions on achieving a tone or sound. Bless

[@AUDIODIDACTS]

Thanxxx mate, that is really good to know......! Is there an e-mail adress where I can get in touch with you?

[@DMKahn]

AUDIODIDACTS [e-mail] hit me up! I have some really great reggae samples I want you to hear

[@AUDIODIDACTS]

@@DMKahn Yo man..., you wrote back ,I see now. I'll send you an e-mail.

[@DoubleVisionSoundSystem]

Nice. reminds me of "come me brethren" by The Eclipse Band

[@DMKahn]

Philip Smith thanks

[@SchergeFX]

Good tut my friend, Jah love!

[@DMKahn]

Many thanks! Check out my latest in depth reggae tutorial series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f16kmmyPbpiVmZY

[@Kr0n3kLe]

Super dope. Thanks for sharing

[@DMKahn]

K oNe you're super dope for commenting! Cheers

[@mrjavitot]

That is a sickass tutorial bro. You get a pretty good reggae sound and you are not even using a real guitar or bass. Congratulations!! I am clicking on your next video, riiiiiiight now!!! Bless

[@DMKahn]

Thanks for watching Javier. If you like this one you'll love the new one! Bless

[@mrjavitot]

Yesterday I saw 4 of your production chapters on the row. Dude you are making an incredible job, I love reggae and I learn a lot of mixing watching your videos. I will try to apply all your thoughts to my songs and I will show you the difference between the beggining and the end result. Irie!!!

[@DMKahn]

Love it! please do so. Looking forward to hearing the riddims! Bless

[@billyrogers7125]

Groove template doeeee. Great vid!

[@eksempler69]

It's just Amazing ,thank you very much.

[@DMKahn]

eksempler l you're welcome brother!

[@Zhahlivy]

Big up,man! Nice tut. Hope it's not the last one. P.S. if u record sound and comments separately it would be awesome.

[@DMKahn]

Zhahlivy thanks for the constructive criticism, you're absolutely right! At this time I didn't even own an interface, it was a pretty low tech setup. I'm hoping to make another one soon implementing your suggestion. Cheers!

[@joesombach]

Trying to Figure this program out your tutorial starting to help... trying to figure out the start and see what actual note on the keyboard sounds like what your using

[@Shamrock27]

Awesome Vid dude.. thanks!

[@DMKahn]

Shamir Peermohamed you're welcome, thanks for tuning in!

[@AUDIODIDACTS]

Really cool Tut. Thanks man....!

[@augustomedeirosmotivacao2145]

What are the notes of this chord, right at the beginning of the video? Reggae, thank you!

[@DMKahn]

Augusto Medeiros Motivação Am to G

[@augustomedeirosmotivacao2145]

@@DMKahn Thank you!

[@houseofkaine]

AWESOME VID BRO THANKS FOR THE TIPS!

[@DMKahn]

Kane Hunt you're welcome my friend, cheers!

[@jaminwong8370]

That was cool!

[@DMKahn]

Jamin Wong thanks man! Come check out my newer videos! Cheers and thanks for stopping by

[@Gisterson]

Cool!

[@aimepax]

u explain so well man!!!! this is so helpful . big up!

[@hombo13]

Guitar? Maybe Ample Sound? Dessert: Maybe some trumpets, trombones, brass - melody? Thank you - very good instructions.

[@DMKahn]

This video isn't as much of an instructional "how to add sounds" video, but it does have guitar, horns, melody in it. check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHW3oKNqpberors

[@Bantubrotha]

I'm working on a reggae cd and your vids have truly helped me. Question how can I get the timbale to rock like Carlton?

[@DMKahn]

Bantubrotha bless up and thanks for the question. If you use the native instruments "Cuba" plugin they have some really good timbale sounds. Or you can try to pitch shift up an "open snare sound" (no snare wires engaged). The real way to do it is to hit the snare and the rim of the snare at the same time... It's all in how you execute the lick

[@TheHologr4m]

Good stuff here.

[@DMKahn]

TheHologr4m thanks!

[@nelsonrocha6638]

nice bro

[@Logictemplates]

Best beat raise your weapons.

[@DMKahn]

Logic Templates lol, brap brap brap

[@MrBiswas123]

good video worth watching

[@DMKahn]

Rudra Biswas thank you, considering how long it is!!

[@weedimpairedmemory]

I don't use logic but I learned what I wanted about dub reverb and delays from your video! Thanks. One question though, when you route the delay send to the reverb send does that have a muddying effect on the instruments routed to the reverb already or does it not matter because the reverb on the delay comes in after the reverb on the instrument? Sorry if that doesn't make sense but I think you will understand my question.

[@DMKahn]

I don't think the reverb sent from the delay aux track would muddy up the reverb aux track, unless you sent too much of the signal. Hope that makes sense.

[@GilbertoAvalos675]

wicked stuff man realy dig ur sound! wanted to ask if its not too much, as for computer specs wat would u recommend?

[@DMKahn]

Much thanks for the compliment! I run a 2010 iMac 27" i7 with 16gb of ram. Anything around those specs should be fine. The newer i5's are better than my older i7. Hope this helps. Have a blessed day

[@dissdad8744]

nice.

[@DMKahn]

Hans Franz thanks Hanz

[@aboudzkho]

bravoooooooo you are the best

[@DMKahn]

Bless! Thanks for tuning in

[@gcastroism]

What do you think about the reggae bass that comes in logic? Does it really compare to your real bass?

[@DMKahn]

G Castro nothing compares to a real bass to be honest

[@marcomizzoni8323]

I still don't understand putting a gate on a "VST snare sample". If their is no spill from the rest of the drum set going into snare why gate it. Maybe I need to listen on monitors, it's hard to tell that the gate tightens it up or adds any benefits. Thanks For your videos and knowledge!!! A+++

[@DMKahn]

Marco Mizzoni you're missing the point of the gate in this scenario. The gate is to cut down the length of the sample. It's to try to recreate the roots radics style "crack" snare sound. I hope this helps... It's not to mitigate bleed from other drums. Bless

[@djcrank107]

love it

[@DMKahn]

dj crank107 bless

[@nixonomollo]

Hi DM Kahn. Is logic Pro best for reggae production in your experience? I've been using reason but I'm thinking of trying a different software. Thank you for your videos

[@DMKahn]

I think any DAW is fine. Logic is good because it has a halfway decent starting point with regards to on-board software instruments. I would say Reason is a very a-typical DAW, not that it’s bad, but it’s just odd compared to others with regards to workflow. If you have a Mac, I suggest Logic for sure.

[@Sparrow420]

Big up man!

[@DMKahn]

Sparrow you too! Cheers

[@ilikrassunrise]

👍🏻

[@TwixmanDaProducer]

WICKED TUTORIAL THNX FOR THE ADVICE SOUNDS LIKE SOME JAH SHAKA MUSIC

[@patkelly3966]

Jah Shaka plays dubs in a steppers style mate.

[@BkuBrown]

Beginner here, i need this for Reaper

[@dennisortiz-morales9214]

yeeesssss u got the shuffle. most musicians I deal with don't understand that.

[@DMKahn]

Thanks Dennis! Having the shuffle definitely adds that human element into what's otherwise a pretty digital sounding track. Original reggae is especially known for its "pulse" which could be interpreted as the shuffle. Thanks for the feedback brother

[@dennisortiz-morales9214]

YAAHH! Check out our demo on our soundcloud if you have time:) soundcloud.com/nabredren

[@DMKahn]

Big up Dennis. Got a chance to listen to a few of dem tracks. I really like the first one, it's Supah uptempo. I also really like the "lately" track too. I can just imagine how it'd sound if I re-made the riddim. I think a half or whole step up would sound better for the lead vocals. Overall good quality tunes.. I see you got them Hawaiian vibes for sure!

[@dennisortiz-morales9214]

Mahalo for the input. Is there a way i can here your work?

[@DMKahn]

+Dennis Ortiz-Morales soundcloud.com/dm-kahn

[@YouGoCycling]

I dont have a keybord connected to my Logic Pro, I have a MPD. How can I put that a-minor to trigger a drumpad? I tried it with the chordtrigger but it wont work out. Can u help me with this? Thanks

[@DMKahn]

Hugo Troost the best thing for you to do is not use your MPD, but use musical typing. You can access musical typing by pressing command + K. This will turn your regular computer keyboard into a musical keyboard for the sake of recording simple chords or melodies. Try that out and let me know if it works for you. Peace -Kahn

[@diegossotomayoririzarry2840]

nice video, do you ever use Logic's Drummer ? any tips on it ?

[@DMKahn]

I listened to the samples.. I wasn't too Impressed so I haven't really used it. That's not to say that it wouldn't work.

[@royallmuzikproductionz]

Hi khan I’ve just bought logic via the apple app is that the latest version?

[@DMKahn]

No this is an older version but it’s very similar

[@royallmuzikproductionz]

@@DMKahn cheers

great

[@DMKahn]

Carbones o Diamantes thanks for checking out the channel!

[@MrJerryHsu]

How did you get the drums to have separate channels? You were able to individually mix the hat, kick, and snare etc.

[@DMKahn]

+noel phrakornkham watch carefully at 5:11. I explain how to set that up.

[@MrJerryHsu]

thanks

[@rodjymusictv7789]

i have to buy melodine separated where to find it ?

[@narotrans4mermusic792]

God bless you brother where can I find your beats

[@DMKahn]

NARO TRANS4MER MUSIC thanks brother, I don't have any music released commercially... I mostly collaborate with artist who then release it. Cheers

[@tobiaspfaff293]

Hi, where do I find the Reggae piano skank? I can't find it anywhere! Please help me! Thank you! :)

[@DMKahn]

Tobias Pfaff it starts in the very beginning with the piano, then the second layer (the guitar) is at 17:26

[@tobiaspfaff293]

I do not understand it.. what I mean is which piano has to be decided in the exs24? because the standard doesn't sound like your! i tried many but I don´t get the same sound..

[@DMKahn]

On the top of logic, hit Track > New Software Instrument Track. Then on the left side, make sure the Library tab is open, and click Piano > Yamaha Grand Piano. Make sure the velocities are high when you record the notes. That should be a pretty good reggae piano tone. To get it even better, take an EQ and lower some of the bottom end, and boost a bit of the top end if you like. Hope this helps...

[@tobiaspfaff293]

i found the problem! It was my fail! The tutorial is great! kind regards Tobias

[@CosmicSoundMDB]

I do not get it how you get the Piano notes in Logic to be recorder, I do not see you typing or doing anything on video... The part where you say Im gona do E minor... I am lost there.

[@DMKahn]

I am using a midi keyboard to record the notes. If you don't have one, you can use Logic's musical keyboard. Just google that for more info. Hope this helps and happy music making. Bless

[@DMKahn]

Musical Typing can be accessed by pressing "command + K"

[@CosmicSoundMDB]

Can you point me to the Midi Keyboard you are using? I was a bit confused while I just seen the notes appearing while no changes directly on Logic's side.

[@DMKahn]

+Kos mOS you have to make sure the piano track is record enabled. It's the little "R" in the arrange window and it should be red. As far as a midi keyboard, I use an M-Audio 49. They're not too expensive... Like $149. Good luck

[@rodjymusictv7789]

i have logic pro but it doesnt have melodyne why ?

[@DMKahn]

rodjymusic Tv melodyne doesn’t come with Logic

[@joesombach]

What is your Octave at and how can you go from A Minor to G Major on same beat

[@DMKahn]

I am starting on the second octave. Using my midi keyboard, and the steinway piano sound, i'm playing A2, C3, E3 together to make up the "A minor chord". With my right hand, i'm playing the same thing on the next octave up.Then, while it's still recording, I am playing the G major which is literally moving all of your fingers down one space to the left (it's easy since it's all white keys)....G2, B2, and D3 makes up the "G major chord." And i'm doing the same thing with my right hand on the next octave up. Hope this helps.

[@joesombach]

DM Kahn I Am Still trying using the Keyboard that comes with the Program so i am using the keys on my Keyboard to figure this all out.... can be tough

[@Darksagan]

I found the organ part absolutely impossible to follow, pausing nothing would help.really wish you would have zoomed in a bit. Other wise good tutorial.

[@orlandomenal3531]

Bro can you make a midi file for us.. like this

[@MikeWongVideo]

im sorry but your bubble sound is playing in too low of a register in my opinion. realize there are 2 tiers on the Hammond organ top has more harmonics than the lower one. i just use the lowest harmonic slider all the way up sound more real. thats just my opinion. i've used a real hammond with leslie cabinet.and it does make a big difference.

[@DMKahn]

Michael Wong thanks for the feedback! I love constructive criticism. I’ll try that out for sure! Cheers

[@carlospellot2426]

@@DMKahn which Amp do you use on your software Reggae Bass plug in preset? thank you! Bless!

[@ssenius]

好好学习

[@DMKahn]

zhx z thanks, I think 🔥😂🤙

[@augustolucero517]

Soy el 808!!! jaja

[@churize]

dude, get yourself a LIVID DS1 controller off Ebay and dub that shit out Bhaay... nice Tut

[@yusefdiallo4746]

Hello i would like to record some reggae songs in your studio please contact me back

[@smcsounds2778]

Got two questions on this: 1. are we listening to the music through your talking mic...? All sounds boxy and mono to me. 2. why do you mix shuffled feeling on organ, bass and pluck guitar with straight feeling on drums, percussions and chop guitar (which is changing to shuffled feeling later) ? It kills the groove... Absolutely no offense! I love your stuff! Just trying to understand

[@DMKahn]

Hey SMC, great questions!! 1. I don’t remember completely but I think this audio was straight from the DAW, mixed with a very loud SM57 on my voice. I was using a very cheap converter too. Compared to my latest videos the mix is also a lot muddier for sure, I’ve learned a lot too since this video. 2. I agree 💯with what you’re saying! At this point I didn’t fully understand the affects shuffle can have on a song. I have heard many songs done this way though with varying amounts of shuffle, however I find it best if most of the elements match with regards to their shuffle timing! Cheers and thank you for the questions. No offence taken at all, I love feedback of any kind, especially the ones that make me ponder or learn something new. 🙏

[@joeqiokata9006]

Hi mate I was just wondering if have any snare plug in with you i can use?

[@DMKahn]

Hi brother, I sell a reggae drum sample pack. Send me an email to [e-mail]

[@Research420US]

Weed ♥ ♥

[@DMKahn]

Research 420 I don't smoke weed. People don't believe me, lol

[@TwixmanDaProducer]

YOU SHOULD OF USED THE SECOND ORGAN BROTHER WHEN U FIRST STARTED RECORDING 100

[@DMKahn]

NO PRETENDERS MUSIC GROUP thanks for the feedback, you can definitely do it that way!

[@GabrielTheGuitarist]

it's not 'off' beat. you're just making use of 1e+a2e+a3e+a4e+a

[@DMKahn]

So sorry I'm a musician who learned by ear... I call it off beat, you can formulate your own mathematical equations all you want, but it's a swing feeling that I'm trying to portrait but with midi blocks. Bless

[@GabrielTheGuitarist]

+DM Kahn I was just trying to help you with the technical terms. swing usually hits the e and the a of a bar like you demonstrated.

[@DMKahn]

+GabrielTheGuitarist thanks for that.. I'll look into the technical terms so I don't misinform peeps.

[@masauchongwe]

It is off beat as it is between the beats not on the beat :)

[@tristonstewart416]

yow bod riddim

[@DMKahn]

Triston Stewart thank you I think 😂

[@thesnowleopard66]

I need an artistic last name for alex and I need some help, I was thinking Alex Vanhaal or something like that. Any one? haha

[@VoiAhoyTV]

+thesnowleopard66 Alex Alex or Alex A

[@thlgnd]

+thesnowleopard66 RA-Lex

[@monib3605]

Its called a "swing"

[@DMKahn]

Moni #B is that not what I called it?

[@monib3605]

DM Kahn you did but ....u kinda never said it clearly

[@thomasyoung5680]

Send f

[@jak1oak677]

this people calling reggae now a days?? just loop some kinda reggae sounding loops and thats it huh? lol..... u mad....

[@uichtoryu6624]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼