Montreal music production blog

How to Build an Audio Portfolio That Gets You Hired

Build an audio portfolio that wins work: choose your best projects, show your role, organize samples and present them on a simple website.

Audio Gigs for Influencers: Services Creators Actually Need

Audio services influencers and creators need: podcast editing, video sound cleanup, voice-over, music edits and more. Learn how to offer them.

Foley in Film and TV: The Sound Artist's Craft Explained

Foley in film and TV: the sound artist's craft, footsteps, props, recording, sync, and its place in the audio post-production pipeline.

Audio Post Production: The Complete Film Sound Workflow

Audio post production explained step by step: dialogue editing, ADR, Foley, sound effects, music, film sound mixing, and final deliverables and stems.

Soundproofing vs Acoustic Treatment: Which One Does Your Studio Need?

Soundproofing vs acoustic treatment explained: mass, decoupling, absorption, bass traps, home studio priorities and when to hire an acoustics pro.

What Is Sound Design? A Practical Guide (and How to Learn It)

What is sound design? See how it shapes music, film, games and UI, the core techniques pros use, and what to look for in a sound design course in Montreal.

Game Audio and Wwise for Beginners: How Sound Design for Video Games Really Works

New to game audio? Learn how sound design for video games works and how Wwise events, RTPCs, switches, states and SoundBanks bring sound into a game.

Audio Industry Careers in Quebec: A Guide to the Sectors and Roles

Explore audio industry careers in Quebec: studio, film post, video games, live sound, radio and podcasting, plus how training prepares you for each.

The ORTF Stereo Microphone Technique: How It Works and When to Use It

Learn the ORTF stereo microphone technique: two cardioids at 110° and 17 cm, how it compares to XY, AB and NOS, when to use it, and mistakes to avoid.

Is Audio Engineering a Viable Career in Canada? An Honest Answer

Is audio engineering a viable career in Canada? An honest look at freelance work, the sectors that hire, skills that matter and where to check salaries.

Audio Engineering Schools in Canada: How to Compare Programs Before You Apply

Comparing audio engineering schools in Canada? Learn how credentials, studio hours, gear, online options, language and cost questions really differ.

Online Audio Engineering Course vs In-Person Program: How to Choose

Online audio engineering course or in-person program? Pros, cons and who each suits, plus what stays the same: one 960-hour NNC.0S A.E.C. in Montreal.

Computer Music Production: A Complete DAW Guide from Beginner to Pro

A complete computer music production guide: choosing a DAW, audio interface, MIDI, a pro workflow and a clear learning path from beginner to professional.

Plan a Vocal Recording Session Before the Artist Arrives

A successful vocal session is prepared before the singer enters: signal chain, headphone mix, count-ins, and studio environment.

Choose a Microphone Position by Listening, Not by Copying a Diagram

Diagrams give a starting point, but the right position is confirmed by ear, adjusting the capsule in small physical increments.

Set Recording Gain Without Confusing Loudness With Sound Quality

A hotter signal is not better. Set gain on performance peaks and maintain a conservative headroom safety margin.

Organize Takes and Playlists So a Vocal Comp Stays Reversible

Record to playlists, build the comp on a dedicated track, and preserve original takes through final delivery.

Diagnose Phase Problems in a Two-Microphone Recording

If two mics sound hollow combined, diagnose path-length differences, test polarity inversion, and apply the 3:1 guideline.

Build a Headphone Mix a Vocalist Actually Wants to Sing Into

A great headphone cue mix balances vocals against the track and adds cue-only reverb without affecting the raw vocal print.

Choose a Vocal Microphone by Matching It to the Voice

Match the transducer to vocal timbre and dynamics: condenser for detail, dynamic for power, ribbon for smooth high-end.

Use Proximity Effect on Purpose Instead of by Accident

Proximity effect boosts low frequencies at close distances. Control working distance with pop filters to shape bass response.

Compare Stereo Microphone Techniques for Acoustic Sources

Choose between XY coincident, ORTF near-coincident, and AB spaced pairs based on stereo width and mono summing requirements.

Mic an Acoustic Guitar by Finding Where the Tone Lives

Avoid pointing directly into the soundhole. Aim near the 12th fret for a balanced blend of string attack and body resonance.

Set Drum Overheads by Deciding What They Are For

Determine whether overheads capture the full acoustic kit or isolate cymbals. Equalize snare-to-capsule distance for stable imaging.

Treat Room Acoustics for Vocal Tracking Intelligibility

Early reflections from bare walls cause comb filtering. Place broadband absorption behind the vocalist to preserve intelligibility.

Build a Session Template So You Start Tracking in Minutes

A DAW tracking template pre-routes physical inputs, group buses, and cue mixes, enabling immediate recording on arrival.

Run a Pre-Production Checklist Before You Book Studio Time

Finalize song structure, tempo BPMs, keys, and instrument tuning in rehearsal to prevent wasted commercial studio hours.

Manage the Clock So Studio Time Stays Within Budget

Divide studio bookings into time blocks, track demanding vocals and drums early, and allocate dedicated file backup time.

Document a Session So Anyone Can Reopen It Months Later

Use descriptive track names, record mic and preamp settings in track notes, and consolidate all stems from bar 1 beat 1.

Build DIY Acoustic Diffusers on a Student Budget

Calculate mathematical well depths using prime numbers to construct a functional skyline acoustic diffuser without commercial markup.

Trace and Eliminate Noise Floor Issues in Studio Signal Chains

Methodically isolate ground hum, preamp hiss, and electromagnetic interference along studio signal paths using half-split troubleshooting.

Structure a Vocal Comp in a Large Multitrack Session

Organize target playlist lanes, evaluate phrases in full mix context, and smooth edit boundaries with equal-power crossfades.

Balance Direct Microphone Tone with Room Ambience on Acoustic Instruments

Evaluate critical distance and blend close spot microphones with room boundary pairs to add acoustic depth without washing out transients.

Calibrate Studio Monitors and Ergonomic Listening Position

Set up an exact equilateral monitoring triangle, apply the 38% room placement rule, and calibrate reference listening levels to 79–83 dB SPL C.

Build a Learner Portfolio and Mix Showreel That Secures Internships

Assemble a focused 90-second audio showreel, feature interactive before-and-after A/B mix comparisons, and document exact technical roles.

How to Build a Personal Brand as an Artist or Creator

Build a personal brand that attracts the right audience and opportunities: define your positioning, stay consistent, and show your work in a clear way.

Collaborating With Music Producers: A Practical Guide for Artists

How to find, approach and work with a music producer: clarify roles, agree on credits and splits in writing, and keep the creative process smooth.

Copyright and Royalties Basics for Quebec Creators (SOCAN and More)

General guide to copyright and music royalties in Canada and Quebec: what you own, what SOCAN does, and questions to ask. Not legal advice.

How to Write a Creator Business Plan in One Weekend

A simple, practical business plan for creators and artists: offer, customers, pricing, costs, income sources, marketing and a 90-day action plan.

How a Fair Referral Partner Program Works (and the Red Flags to Avoid)

What a fair referral partner program looks like, what to check before you join one, and the red flags that point to multi-level schemes.

How to Find Paid Brand Collaborations as a Creator or Artist

A practical guide for creators and artists to find paid brand collaborations: where to look, how to qualify a brand, and how to pitch with confidence.

Freelance Rates and Contracts: The Basics for Creators and Artists

How to think about freelance rates and what a simple creative contract should cover: scope, payment, rights and revisions. General info, not legal advice.

Grants and Funding for Artists in Quebec and Canada: Where to Start

A general guide to arts grants and funding for artists in Quebec and Canada: official sources to check, how applications work, and how to prepare.

Home Studio vs. Professional Studio: How to Choose

Should you record at home or in a professional studio? Compare cost drivers, sound quality and workflow, and learn when to mix both in Montreal.

How to Build an Influencer Media Kit That Brands Take Seriously

What to put in a one-page media kit as a creator or artist: audience data, past work, offers and contact details, plus common mistakes to avoid.

Mixing Basics for Beginners: Balance, EQ, Compression and Space

Learn mixing basics: level balance, panning, EQ, compression, reverb and reference tracks, with a simple order of operations for beginners.

Music Release Workflow: From Final Mix to Streaming Platforms

A step-by-step music release workflow for independent artists: mastering, metadata, distribution, pitching and release timing, with Quebec context.

Podcast Guesting and Distribution: Get Heard on More Platforms

How to pitch yourself as a podcast guest and how to distribute your own show: hosting, RSS, directories, show notes and consistent publishing.

How to Produce a Podcast: From Idea to Finished Episode

A practical podcast production workflow for creators: planning, recording, editing, mixing and export, plus how to get studio support in Montreal.

How to Register a Small Business in Quebec: A General Overview

General overview of registering a small business in Quebec as a creator or artist: structures, the Registraire des entreprises, taxes and official sources.

Working With a School Incubation Program: What Creators Should Know

What a school incubation program is, what to expect, and how creators and young founders can prepare. Includes Unica incubation facts.

Social Media Content Strategy for Musicians: A Practical Plan

A practical social media content strategy for musicians: pick platforms, plan content pillars, build a weekly rhythm and measure what matters.

Sound Design for Video: Make Your Content Sound Professional

Learn the layers of sound design for video: dialogue, ambience, effects, music and mix. Practical tips for creators and filmmakers.

Starting an Audio Business in Quebec: First Steps

Thinking of starting a studio, podcast or audio services business in Quebec? Learn structure options, registration, taxes and planning basics.

Studio Etiquette and Booking: How to Get the Most From Your Session

How to book a recording studio and behave professionally: preparation, communication, file management, time and respect for people and gear.

How to Turn Your Followers Into Paying Clients

Turn social media attention into real clients: define one clear offer, build a simple path from follower to inquiry, and follow up professionally.

Voice-Over Careers: How to Get Started as a Voice Actor

How to start a voice-over career: skills, demo reel, home recording setup, finding work and French-English opportunities in Quebec.

Is Musitechnic Still Around? Here's Where We Stand in 2026

An old rumor claimed Musitechnic was closing. Here are the current facts: 39+ years operating, ministry-recognized AECs.

What Our Game Audio Program (NNC.0N) Actually Covers

NNC.0N covers Wwise and surround mixing directly, not just recording basics.

How to Actually Compare Audio & Multimedia Schools in Quebec

AEC, DEC or university? Length, government recognition, equipment, outcomes and industry ties: the real questions to ask each school.

Music and Video Games: How Interactive Sound Changes the Game for Engineers

Unlike music or film, video games demand a different approach: audio must react in real time.

Immersive Audio and Dolby Atmos: The Next Frontier of Mixing

Immersive audio — mixing in three dimensions rather than simple stereo — is transforming how sound is designed.

A Typical Day in Musitechnic's Sound Engineering Program

For prospective students wondering what to expect, here is a realistic overview of a typical day in the program.

Audio Interfaces and Studio Monitors: A Buying Guide for Beginners

Faced with the multitude of options on the market, choosing your first equipment can be intimidating. Here are the criteria that really matter.

From School to Your Own Studio: The Entrepreneurial Path of Many Graduates

Working in an established studio is not the only path after an AEC in sound engineering. Many graduates launch their own studio.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for the AEC in Sound Engineering: What to Know

The cost of professional training is a legitimate concern for many prospective students.

Networking in the Montreal Audio Industry: Where to Start?

In the audio industry, a large share of opportunities come through word of mouth.

Audio Post-Production for Film and Television: A Craft of Precision

Sound editing and mixing for film and television is a discipline distinct from music, with its own codes and skill set.

Analog vs Digital Consoles: What Students Still Learn on SSL

In a world where almost all mixing happens in the box, why does Musitechnic still teach on analog consoles like the SSL?

AI and Music Creation: Threat or New Tool for the Sound Engineer?

AI-powered music generation tools spark as much curiosity as concern in the audio industry.

Studio Etiquette and Professionalism: What Books Don't Always Teach

Technique can be learned, but studio professionalism often makes the difference between an intern who gets called back and one who is forgotten.

Loudness and Streaming: What Every Audio Student Must Understand

The rise of streaming platforms has changed the rules of mastering. An essential skill to understand.

Women in Sound Engineering: Breaking Industry Stereotypes

Sound engineering has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. That reality is changing in Montreal.

Internships and Studio Opportunities: How Montreal Supports New Graduates

Montreal is recognized as one of the most active creative hubs in North America, favourable for audio interns.

Building an Audio Portfolio That Impresses Recruiters

A diploma is an entry point, but in the audio industry, it is the portfolio that convinces an employer or client to trust you.

Podcasts: How Musitechnic Prepares Students for a Growing Market

Podcasting has become an industry in its own right, and the demand for qualified sound engineers is exploding.

Becoming a Live Sound Engineer: A Touring Career

Unlike the studio engineer, the live sound engineer (FOH) works in real time in front of hundreds of people.

Pro Tools, Ableton or Logic Pro: Which DAW Should You Choose?

The choice of a digital audio workstation (DAW) depends largely on the career you are aiming for.

Building a Home Studio: The Essential Guide for Audio Students

Having access to Musitechnic's pro studios is a clear advantage, but practising at home makes all the difference.

Ingénieur du son vs ingénieur de mastering : quelle est la différence ?

Many students confuse the roles of mixing engineer and mastering engineer. They are two distinct professions.

Musitechnic and Collège Unica are the same school

If you are looking for Musitechnic, you are looking for Collège Unica. Same school since 1987, same Westmount campus.

AEC or DEC in Audio in Montreal: Which to Choose

Compare AEC and DEC paths for studying audio in Montreal. Discover Musitechnic's program and talk with admissions.

Where to Study Music Production in Montreal: AEC Guide

AEC, DEC or private school? Compare length, prerequisites, studio access and careers for music production programs in Montreal. Visit our campus.

Music Licensing in Canada: How It Works and How to Make Money From Your Music in 2026

Music licensing is the legal and business framework that determines how music creators get paid.

Sound Engineering Course: What to Expect and How to Choose the Right One in 2026

A sound engineering course teaches the practical skills to record, edit, mix, and master audio.

Audio Engineering Schools: How to Find the Right Program in 2026

Choosing an audio engineering school is a decision that directly shapes your career trajectory.

Music Engineering Jobs: Career Paths, Salaries & How to Get Hired in 2026

Music engineering is one of the most versatile career fields in the creative industry.

Best Music Production Software in 2026: Complete Guide for Beginners and Professionals

Choosing the right music production software is one of the most important decisions for a producer or composer.

Audio Engineering Degree vs AEC Diploma: Which Path Is Right for You in 2026?

One of the most common questions from prospective audio students: university degree or shorter technical program?

What is this blog for?

Practical answers for people comparing music production courses in Montreal and the tools students actually use.

Which article should I read first?

Best music production software for students, then the new post on where to study music production in Montreal (A.E.C.).