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Make One Vocal Go Further: Creative Vocal Techniques

  • Make One Vocal Go Further: Creative Vocal Techniques

    Make One Vocal Go Further: Creative Vocal Techniques

    A brand new course has landed at Raven Studios – and this week we’re also welcoming our brand new tutor, CHANNE!

    In her first course for Raven, Make One Vocal Go Further: Creative Vocal Techniques, CHANNE takes a simple one-line vocal and demonstrates just how much you can create from limited source material.

    Across six chapters, you’ll learn creative vocal chopping, reverse reverb, pitching and formant processing, rhythmic effects using plugins including ShaperBox, Tantra and Effectrix, vocoder-style processing with Spectral Resonator and TAL-Vocoder, and creative sampling techniques using Simpler and Serato Sample.

    The course is all about experimentation and getting more from what you already have – finding unexpected hooks, rhythmic ideas, textures and ear candy without constantly searching for another vocal.

    Take the course: Make One Vocal Go Further: Creative Vocal Techniques

    Make One Vocal Go Further: Creative Vocal Techniques with Channe
  • AI and Music: Where Do We Draw the Line?

    AI and Music: Where Do We Draw the Line?

    Our latest Raven Studios course is now available to watch. In AI and Music: Where Do We Draw the Line?, D. Ramirez explores one of the biggest questions facing producers right now: when does AI stop being a useful creative tool and start becoming the creator itself? Through practical examples, the course looks at AI-generated vocals, idea generation, sampling, resampling, authorship, honesty and the wider impact AI could have on creativity and the development of your own sound. There may not be one clear answer, but it’s an important conversation for every modern producer.

    Members can watch the full course now in the Raven Studios course library: AI & Music: Where Do We Draw The Line?

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  • The Final 10%

    The Final 10%

    In this course, Denney takes a finished rolling tribal house track and demonstrates the extra thought process and techniques he uses before considering a production truly complete.

    You’ll learn how subtle atmosphere and background textures can help glue a mix together, how carefully placed FX can emphasise transitions, and how automation can create movement and dynamics using sounds already in your track.

    Denney also explores small kick and velocity variations to keep a groove evolving without overcomplicating it. This course is less about adding endless new elements and more about training your ear to recognise those final details that can take a track to the next level.

    Take the course: The Final 10%

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  • Top Down Mixing: Completing The Mix

    Top Down Mixing: Completing The Mix

    The final instalment of our Top Down Mixing series is now available inside Raven Studios.

    In this course, we complete the top-down mixing workflow by moving beyond the drums and applying the same professional approach across the rest of the production. Rather than becoming lost in individual channels, you’ll learn how to shape the mix from the top down, making only the adjustments that genuinely improve the overall sound.

    Throughout the course you’ll discover how to process your mix bus, synth bus, bass bus and vocal bus using EQ, compression, saturation, limiting and stereo processing to create a polished, cohesive and balanced mix.

    In this course you’ll learn:

    • How to shape your mix bus for tone, cohesion and loudness.
    • Professional processing techniques for synth groups.
    • How to control low-end energy and improve the relationship between bass and drums.
    • Creating consistent, polished vocals that sit naturally within the mix.
    • Why treating instruments as groups leads to faster, cleaner and more musical mixes.

    Whether you’re producing House, Tech House, Minimal or any style of electronic music, this course will help you build a more efficient mixing workflow while achieving professional results.

    Start the course: Top Down Mixing: Completing The Mix

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  • 10 Free Must Have Plug Ins

    10 Free Must Have Plug Ins

    Great news! A brand new course has just landed.

    In 10 Free Must Have Plug Ins, Denney walks you through 10 incredible plugins that won’t cost you a penny but can make a huge difference to your productions. Covering everything from delays, reverbs and filters through to creative modulation effects and powerful synthesizers, you’ll discover professional-quality tools that deserve a place in every producer’s setup.

    Throughout the course you’ll see each plugin demonstrated in a real music production session, learn where it works best and pick up practical tips that you can immediately apply to your own tracks. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been producing for years, these free plugins offer exceptional value and plenty of creative inspiration.

    Head over to the course now and see which ones become your new favourite: Take The Course

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  • A Deep Dive Into RAV3

    A Deep Dive Into RAV3

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    This week I’ve added a brand new course, A Deep Dive Into RAV3, where I explore one of the most exciting new plugins for producers creating house, tech house, rave, trance and classic electronic music.

    Throughout the course I’ll walk you through the entire plugin, from navigating its interface and browsing presets to layering sounds, creating your own presets, using the built-in effects, editing envelopes and discovering the huge library of stabs, basses, pianos, pads and classic rave sounds.

    If you’re looking for an affordable VST packed with inspiring sounds that can instantly speed up your workflow, this course will show you exactly how to get the most out of it.

    Check it out here: A Deep Dive Into RAV3

  • How To Use Reference Tracks Properly

    How To Use Reference Tracks Properly

    Reference tracks are one of the most powerful tools available to music producers, yet they’re often misunderstood and misused.

    Many producers either avoid using reference tracks altogether or use them in a way that leads to comparison, frustration and second-guessing. The reality is that professional producers use reference tracks to make faster, more confident decisions throughout the production process.

    Our latest Raven Studios course, How to Use Reference Tracks Properly, shows you exactly how to use references as a practical tool for both arrangement and mixing.

    In this course, you’ll learn how to use reference tracks to analyse structure, pacing and energy so you can build stronger arrangements and finish tracks faster. You’ll also discover how to compare your mixes objectively using Ableton and Voxengo SPAN, helping you make informed decisions about frequency balance, low-end energy and overall translation.

    Most importantly, this course isn’t about copying other tracks. It’s about developing a workflow that removes guesswork, improves confidence and helps you make better production decisions.

    Whether you’re struggling to finish tracks, unsure about your arrangements, or constantly questioning your mixes, this course will give you a clear framework for using reference tracks effectively.

    Check out the full course here: How To Use Reference Tracks Properly

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  • Understanding Sample Clearance

    Understanding Sample Clearance

    New Course: Understanding Sample Clearance

    Sampling has been a cornerstone of music production for decades, but navigating the legal side of using samples can often feel overwhelming. In this new course, Denney provides a practical guide to understanding sample clearance, explaining the difference between master and publishing rights and outlining the steps required to clear a sample correctly.

    You’ll also discover alternative approaches when clearance isn’t possible, including replaying samples, working with session vocalists, using modern AI vocal recreation tools, and professional replay services. Through real-world examples and industry insights, this course gives producers a clearer understanding of how to approach sampling legally and creatively while avoiding costly mistakes.

    Whether you’re producing house, hip-hop, pop, or electronic music, this lesson will help you confidently navigate one of the most important areas of modern music production.

    Watch the course here: Understanding Sample Clearance

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  • How To Approach Record Labels

    How To Approach Record Labels

    Discover the proven strategies Denney has used throughout his career to connect with labels, submit demos effectively, and build valuable industry relationships. Watch the new course today and take the next step in your music journey.

    Take the course here: ‘How To Approach Record Labels

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  • Understanding EQ – 5 Types & When to Use Them

    Understanding EQ – 5 Types & When to Use Them

    D. Ramirez just dropped his new course, designed to explain and demonstrate what each type of EQ does and how to use them. You may have caught a glimpse of this on YouTube or maybe you want to check it out there before you dive into the full course online. Here are the links for you to get started:

    Course

    YouTube

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