THE #1 PROBLEM WITH AMATEUR PRODUCTIONS (How To Master Sound Selection) | Make Pop Music

In this video, Austin talks about how sound selection can make or break a production. Austin talks about key components to keep in mind when you select sounds for a production, what makes a sound a "good" or "bad" sound, how to narrow down options to find the perfect sound, and more. Austin also shows examples of how sound selection can drastically change the quality, tone, and vibe of an entire production!
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My Gear:
DAW: Cubase 11 Pro
Desk: AZ Studio Workstations
Main Microphone: Lewitt LCT1040
Monitors: Focal Shape 65s with Focal Sub6
Interface: UAD Apollo Twin USB
MIDI Keyboard: M-Audio Code 61
Keyboards: Roland Juno DS88, Roland Juno 106, Arturia PolyBrute
Guitars: Fender American Professional Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul Studio, Taylor 214 CE Plus
Preamps: Heritage Audio HA81A & Audient ASP800
Microphones: Advanced Audio 251, Slate ML-1, Shure SM7B, JZ BH-1, JZ V67, Lauten Audio LA-320, Lauten Audio LA-220, Lauten Audio LA-120, AKG P170, Sterling ST59
Camera: Panasonic G7
Lens: Rokinon 12mm f2
Camera Lights: Neewer LED Light Panels
Timestamps:
Preview 0:00
Intro 0:24
Defining The Vibe Of The Record 1:45
What This Record Needs 2:36
Selecting BAD Drum Sounds 2:49
Why These Drums Are Bad 3:30
Bad Synth Sounds 4:33
Generic Guitar 5:38
Why These Sounds Don't Work Together 5:54
Choosing The Right Sounds 6:29
Selecting Perfect Kicks and Snares 6:45
Using Live Loops When Possible 8:40
Selecting Solid Synths 9:01
Picking Sounds That Lack Depth 10:13
Spicing Up Guitar Tones 10:59
Good Sound Selection Example 12:00
Sound Selection Tip 12:44
Altering The Genre With Sound Selection 13:13
Hip Hop Drums Example 14:09
Altering The Vibe With Synths 14:17
Sounds The Don't Gel With Each Other 15:20
How To Develop Your Sound Selection Taste 15:50
Bad Sounds On Bad Sounds 16:27
A Good Sound Can Still Be "Bad" 16:57
Synths That Don't Mix Together Well 17:50
Boring Guitar Tones 18:21
Nailing Drum Arrangements With Good Sounds 19:03
How to Choose The Right Bass Instrument 19:59
Selecting Synths That Work Well Together 20:27
Making Guitars Feel Polished 21:58
Good Sound Vs Bad Sound Example 22:17
Tips On How To Know When A Sound Is Right 22:47
Outro 24:33

[@carlostorres1171]

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. Good mixes come from good recordings of good performances (w/good sounds) of good arrangements of good songs! 👌🏼

[@carlost2067]

sup carlos torres im carlos torres

[@Juliano_DJOL]

nicely put!

[@SamSilk]

Man, I've been doing this for 20 years, I don't think many people can still teach me new stuff but everytime I watch your channel...I actually learn something new, big and game changing.

[@janzimmermann5861]

No offense but if u produce for 20 years and learned something new in this video what were you doing😂

[@SamSilk]

@@janzimmermann5861 no offense but the real question is what are YOU doing here?

[@nixweldon1618]

​@@janzimmermann5861no matter how long youve been in the game there's always something to learn. Now sit down and be humble.

[@busyworksbeats]

Jeez, I thought it was already fire 😤😤 then, it got better!

[@athomesongwriting]

Sounds like it is more about your ears than the sounds. Knowing what sounds good for what you are going for.

[@MakePopMusic]

Exactly!

[@mgmthegrand]

Yep! Cos even the "bad sounds" can be used as a breakdown or part of a build up before the drop, etc... Or you can process the sounds you chose and design the sound. I find that referencing helps a lot when looking for sounds. Hearing a finished production while you're still creating yours gives you perspective. I toggle my song and a finished production from the very early stages of song creation, before even mixing.

[@vvsmusic1480]

That was one of my biggest problems before I met MPM. Professional sound packs of MPM helped me a lot with sound selection. ( yes even the freebies!) Cause they don't have any bad quality samples if you decide the vibe of your track! Thanks for everything you do for us Austin!💜

[@toneravnabjrnstad6948]

I just want to say: I am so grateful for you! Thank you for choosing to use your time to share so much knowledge! I find constant tips and reminders that help me go forward when I am stuck, whatever the reason. Always inspiring! You help me through my uninspired or bad days

[@RhyceRecords]

Great video, easy to follow as always - "try not to stay to committed to sounds" love it. Such truth... you can't fix stuff in post if the sounds don't work. Appreciate you!

[@tsukkikei571]

AYOOOO!!! Thanks for everything you've done for upcoming artists, producers, songwriters. BTW still jamming hard on the track that you never released (Take My Breath style) everytime I listen. That was one of your best songs imo ngl

[@channelmames]

RIght on point as always. Sound selection is vital...and way harder than most would expect.

[@mgmthegrand]

Perfect subject. Can't wait to delve in. This really is the number 1 problem with most productions. With so much variety these days, finding the right sound can be daunting. Thanks for the vid!

[@iliaslef]

Definitely with better sound selection your production can sound better faster but if you know how to layer and mix you can make any production sound good. IMO the best results are the ones with many layers even for the kick because you can layer for example a good low-end kick with the mids of another kick and the high-end of another kick combined to make it the perfect kick for the style of your song. Layering is often underestimated. It doesn't matter if you have 5 layers at -20db in your mix those details makes your production sound more professional and full.

[@LianDyogi]

This is what I try to do since I’m trying to build up my library !

[@cheery-hex]

I know Mutt Lange did a lot of this. you're absolutely right!

[@DavidDiMuzio]

Great tutorial. Love your teaching!

[@mattmorrin1406]

This is really helpful man! Straight to the point and very very clear!

[@kiliankraus]

Love this video Austin, sound selection is so underappreciated and not talked about here on youtube!

[@timothyforry2222]

Been watching Austin ever since I had to mix my first pop song. After using alot of these techniques I finally made a pop mix that sounds awesome. I wish I knew more of a cheat code on how to know what sounds to pick. I do deathcore/heavy metal personally so sometimes my drums on pop songs tend to sound more "rock" feeling. I'm really trying to get away from this .

[@MsInstrumentalBeatz]

Love this video, great tips and examples Austin!

[@nikofisk]

Holy fuck, I really needed this! I love the comparisons, it makes it much easier to understand. The "bad sound" beats really sounds like my beats, and I have been driving myself insane from trying to understand why I cant make my music sound the way I want it to. Thank you so much, Austin

[@calebthebarnes]

this video is WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD 🤘🏼 Such helpful info, this one's a game-changer.

[@filiprangus5826]

Thanks so much Austin, just what I needed

[@phynyxsound]

I tried making Fred Again's Turn on the light, everything was done very fast and easy until I reached sound selection where there was a massive difference! It all really comes down to your sounds having the best quality and also fitting the vibe and genre! Nice video.

[@billmcnelis5999]

That was very revealing. I didn't realize how much difference just the sound selection could make. Definitely one of those "easier said than done" things also, so I think they key is practice practice practice. Great video.

[@gaintima]

This is what I needed to hear, thanks

[@flyback777]

Love your channel man!! Keep it up!

[@deannaalee]

The video I've been wishing for I wish I found it sooner!! Thank you!

[@McDudouzz]

Thanks so much for this content, bro, it's gold

[@popgeek503]

TNice tutorials is literally the best tutorial on KZbin. It's right to the point, and very informative at the sa ti. Thank you so much

[@LovenArtiste]

Super important topic. Thank you 🤍

[@toddscot4988]

A video explaining the different genres could be helpful. Great video. Thank you

[@Justauri-asdfghjkl]

This might be the most useful production video on KZbin I've ever seen

[@user-os1wx6nx6l]

Thanks Austin, that very very helpful. I had this problem with picking suitable sounds on the similar song that you had on the first part. Spend so much time, and lost a client

[@emmamarx9284]

Amazing advice as always! Thanks!

[@MB1z]

Solid vid. Really showed w hat sound choices do to a track.

[@supergman312]

Great video. Leaning to “mix” from the production stage is such a huge difference maker that there needs to be more education on.

[@yalcy.mailliw]

Amazing work as always thanks Austin

[@bekivvovv2527]

eventually it all snapped into place and I started learning how to add all the effects, titles, motion text. It was pretty cool to see my

[@KellyRobinson]

Super helpful tutorial! Thank you 🙏 I'm wondering what would be daily/weekly habits I could do to help build up my library and ability to recognize good sounds for my production?

[@alinenunez4270]

Been learning this lately . It is about the frequencies

[@demonrozemusic]

FINALLY! The question I've asked myself for months, answered 😁

[@sterlinggrinnell]

This is mind blowing, thank you

[@backbeatben]

great tips, thank you!! 🙏🏽

[@PaulineMancini]

One of the most helpful video ever ❤

[@JesusRodriguez-dc7of]

At 22:10 ...... That's the perfect example of amateur vs. professional music production. What an incredible difference. 👏👏👏

[@gbengaakinnola677]

Amazing video Austin. Definitely the "good sounds" was way better for the song made. thanks.

[@garrettlajoiemusic3577]

Amazing video. Thank you!

[@brauliopolanco4557]

Another masterclass from The Jedi Master Austin

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The first bit I'd actually keep because it works as a hold back variation and then the second bit stands out and sounds better but only sounds so impactful because of the first bit.

[@itskdn]

Thankyou Soo Much for this!! 💕

[@disickwashere]

Great video man! 🤓👍🏻❤

[@filiprangus5826]

Perhaps a bit of a challenging topic to explain or demonstrate, but you did a great job, thank you !

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Excellent presentation 🙂👍

[@johnkeable5304]

Another great video! Man I wish someone told me this when I first started producing. I used to spend so long trying to mix my sounds when I could have just changed the sample and it would’ve sounded a lot better

[@MakePopMusic]

Truly is the biggest difference between a solid mix and production, and one that has potential but isn't quite there!

[@scottgriffin4644]

Man, that intro drove the point home perfectly. I thought the "bad sounds" were pretty great until I heard the "good sounds". That was a massive take away in like 6 seconds. Awesome work

[@winstonhulley626]

Hi Austin, thank you so much for your tutorials! Just a heads up, when I want to click and download the free content from your site the wetransfer links come with error messages "link has expired"

[@MukeshRathore]

Thanks for this Austin. I was looking for such type of stuff. However was more expecting frequency and depth/dimensions oriented talks. Maybe you can make another one 😊 Thanks a ton in advance.

[@MakePopMusic]

I can do a follow up!

[@jhamPlays]

Biggest takeaway is getting nice sounds that feel like they have some flavour (for pop anyway). For me this is using something like RC20 or Spaced Out first in the chain to do some sound design on an instrument and seeing if it fits in directly. Far too easy to get bogged down in EQing and Compressing sounds, which makes me less likely to switch it out if it doesn't suit because I've invested too much into a bad sound.

[@Amzegal]

This preview deserved a like in itself. Just blew me up.

[@user-zg9bb3ib7h]

you should do these sound selection video more!!!

[@Rhekluse]

Great stuff, Austin baby! 🙏

[@Omar-dt9rq]

Thank you, i love you

[@morispradayoggi2285]

Thanks For this tips. God Bless

[@jaikumarsivalingam]

Thank you, Austin! I have a question when a song becomes popular by using a sample bank (NOT Loops) will there be any issue due to copyright infringement? Does a composer have to obtain any additional agreement from the Sample Bank Production Companies?

[@riharrds]

Thank you!

[@Juliano_DJOL]

lol I def got some kits w those Oliver drums off splice they are crisp!

[@A.JayWeber]

I love the pacing of this video.

[@MakePopMusic]

Thank you! Tried out a new format and it seemed to work well!

[@BrandonWells]

i woke up this morning thinking i need to look for a video that answers all of this for me lol thank you

[@tiago_oliveirac]

what a great video !!!

[@wilasco_]

ngl I lowkey laughed the first time Austin played the bad drums LOL great video as always my man

[@ThisisAstridBlack]

I'm kinda laughing at the sametime while watching this because everytime you say about this bad kicks, snares etc was on point 😂 reminds me of my old doing. and while watching this it's funny how I recorded a melody from my phone through this beat LOL! I love this channel! 🙏❤

[@Vrainy]

oh man, here's something great to take in again from my man Austinnnnn! Loving everything that you have ever shared in this platform and you inspire me to create and try to teach those who I could. keep it coming man! I hope you have time to check my upcoming release this Monday and you know, share some constructive criticism that would gladly make me better. 😂😂😂 you the real GOAT btw

[@LA610]

great ideas!

[@SergOMusic]

Such a helpful video! I feel like sample selection is such a crucial part of making music. For several years I have created music and haven't known about it.. I could not even hear what is sounded good or not in my mix. You are so good here. Probably, here you are the best teacher in the world. Also need to add several secrets that are important during sound selection and mixing. Austin here always looks at it as each element either adds to or takes away from the energy you are trying to create 1) get professional Studio Headphones. I've selected two famous models, closed and opened. One of them has more high frequencies than another. It allows you to refresh your hear and change between them. The studio headphones are more honest, so you hear the correct true sound of a sample. Also use small headphones, cheap and non-professional, to test your sounds 2) test your mix on a small speaker like on SmartPhone. It should be good sounded on any shit speaker. 3) use software that simulates different speakers. 4) don't release music for several days after you think that everything is completed, and listen to mix again after several days to find more issues 5) listen to your mix in the car 6) always use professional loops and best sounds from producer libraries collections, in your genre 7) don't write music in the "unknown" genre, all genres already exist. select the most popular trends, and use the same sounds and samples from them, to make more people love it

[@rezarafie7851]

thankyou austin for video and camera placment is better now

[@MakePopMusic]

We decided to try a new mic and angle so I’m glad you like it better!

[@diversekcox]

Great video!!!

[@wishcloudstudios]

The first part with the "bad" instruments reminded me of some old Michael Jackson stuff, so I kinda liked it. 🙈🙈🙈

[@syedbukhari6578]

It takes time and lots of trial and error in the beginning stages. I’m 2 years in and my production sounds so much better now, though I know I still have some more years to go. Just keep practising and let your ears develop slowly. Sound selection and other techniques slowly come over time. Another reason why I mention trial and error is because you’re sometimes not sure if the sound you selected is working like you’d like it to till you find another sound that just fits in so much better.

[@LianDyogi]

I resonate with this a lot! Two years in as well and I spend a lot of time doubting, swapping out things until I “get it right”. But this is such a good reminder-patience is key and things do take time.

[@nathalielow4504]

loves it

[@bopphrases]

great advice

[@JacobScott0000]

Great video

[@alexandersorbas1881]

Very good my friend

[@Excellentness]

Sounds good

[@johnw.7399]

You are right thats my main problem. Sometimes just like 2 off my 5 sounds work well together and its not about they are badly Mixed. Often if I just put the third sound into it I already destroy my before good sounding idea. And you know what - I try and error then but I cant find it … it feels like at a certain point - and that point can come early - each fucking sound I add ruins it..

[@user-go4kx4ii8k]

Hi, first of all thank you for the video! What do you mean when you refer to a sound as "dry"? Does it just mean it has no reverb?

[@MakePopMusic]

Yes. Dry refers to no reverb. It could also no mean or little processing in general

[@lloyd7808]

nice hack i appreciate it

[@tabodee]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@philiphugoofficial]

Duuuude those first 6 minutes hit way too close to home lol But jokes aside, this was the most helpful vid I've seen in a very long while. I've seen myself doing a ton of these mistakes and not seeing why they are bad choices.

[@bladiebla716]

In soft One, there is relatively little although I will say soft One has so fantastic features and I tNice tutorialnk it is going places (Rated No 2

[@mariomaslik]

at what stage do you commit to the sound? If you keep it open to change it later down the line, isnt it distracting or counter-productive?

[@MakePopMusic]

No. I just have the self control to not change shit unless it really needs it later. I don't commit much unless I specifically want to mess with it as Audio instead of MIDI.

[@Tivan_music]

nice) some day ill give u my song for mixing )

[@NickLAnderson]

🙏🏼

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

For my tracks, I'm finding that I always have a *near perfect* rendition in my head and I can never find or make the sounds I'm looking for no matter how hard I try. Even if the sounds are good, they're not the ones I want. Why is this happening?? It's really limiting my production.

[@MakePopMusic]

I'd spend more time in my synths and packs learning what's in there, what I like and don't like, how to make or change sounds to fit my vision, etc. Learning your tools and learning sound design basics will be THE big factor in making solid quality records.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

@@MakePopMusic sweet, thank you so much for taking the time to answer! Gonna give this a try!

[@syedbukhari6578]

Try lots of different sounds till some sit better than the most. Also, give your ears time to develop. Dw, you’ll start selecting better sounds over time, usually in a couple of years

[@lawrence78]

I've been telling this to a lot of new producers, SOUND SELECTION, don't put your time sooooo much into mixing, is not gonna fix a sound that just simply isn't doing the song justice.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

If you're at the mercy of the sounds in your DAW because you're broke (which almost every beginner is), then this becomes much more difficult if your DAW doesn't have good, or appropriate sounds.

[@MakePopMusic]

Most DAWs have enough sounds to make something solid. I literally made and mixed an entire project in Cubase with ONLY stock sounds, presets, synths, and plugins.

[@lawrence78]

To be honest, personally I don't really think that this opinion still holds, because nowadays there are some many free good plugins you can get your sounds from, U-HE's plugins, Labs, BBC orchestra, Vital, Surge, and a buuunch a bunch more.

[@Quant-Beat]

The example you play in the beginning could be a build-up for the real to come, to make the latter pop. Not bad, but the second example is better.

[@nakrecord4307]

What microphone model you use?

[@MakePopMusic]

Lewitt LCT1040 (normally on Clear Tube mode) into a Heritage Audio HA81A

[@Essenjul]

I need a whole semester on this type of ear training lol

[@souljarohill8795]

The crazy thing is because the notes are written well and the groove is there, the bad sounds to my ears even sound good. It seems like sound selection just takes time. Don’t even get frustrated with it

[@downcode-backstage]

To be fair - the "good" sounds are way louder and people will pick them because of psychoacoustics. You should've level matched them at least.Thanks for the tips Austin, you have a great channel!

[@MakePopMusic]

Impossible to level match stuff like this precisely. They're actually hitting a VU meter and compressor very similarly, but the "good" samples have a ton of compression and saturation baked into them so even with level matching, the perceived loudness is SO much louder due to heavy processing within the sample.

[@downcode-backstage]

@@MakePopMusic Sure thing but maybe next time level out things in terms of perceivable loudness. Thanks :)

[@Byron101_]

And you don't need new Synths or Presets when you can edit your VSTis... !

[@thevirtunaut2577]

It sounds so much better than this, right? ::kicks something under the desk:: great video haha

[@wishcloudstudios]

My problem is, I make tunes based on sound selection. I'm not sure if that is part of being a keyboardist. But, I get stuck on where to go from there to make a whole song. I get so frustrated, because someone can take a sample of my idea and come up with a whole song. I just can't seem to go there. 😣

[@belairdeep]

Make a drum pattern first or use a placeholder, and then play your keyboard ideas over the drums.

[@mrmorpheus9707]

i would use both the more acoustic one would be a break