Montreal music production blog
Explore the latest trends in the audio industry and music production.
You are looking for music production courses in Montreal and what to learn first. This journal covers music production software for students, sound engineering courses, and how Collège Unica / Musitechnic A.E.C. programs work in Westmount. Start with the software guide, then book a studio visit.
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.
Read articleChoose 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.
Read articleSet 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.
Read articleOrganize 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.
Read articleDiagnose 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.
Read articleBuild 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.
Read articleChoose 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.
Read articleUse 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.
Read articleCompare 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.
Read articleMic 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.
Read articleSet 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.
Read articleTreat Room Acoustics for Vocal Tracking Intelligibility
Early reflections from bare walls cause comb filtering. Place broadband absorption behind the vocalist to preserve intelligibility.
Read articleBuild 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.
Read articleRun 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.
Read articleManage 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.
Read articleDocument 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.
Read articleBuild DIY Acoustic Diffusers on a Student Budget
Calculate mathematical well depths using prime numbers to construct a functional skyline acoustic diffuser without commercial markup.
Read articleTrace 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.
Read articleStructure 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.
Read articleBalance 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.
Read articleCalibrate 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.
Read articleBuild 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.
Read articleIs 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.
Read articleWhat Our Game Audio Program (NNC.0N) Actually Covers
NNC.0N covers Wwise and surround mixing directly, not just recording basics.
Read articleHow 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.
Read articleMusic 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.
Read articleImmersive 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.
Read articleA 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.
Read articleAudio 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.
Read articleFrom 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.
Read articleScholarships 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.
Read articleNetworking in the Montreal Audio Industry: Where to Start?
In the audio industry, a large share of opportunities come through word of mouth.
Read articleAudio 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.
Read articleAnalog 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?
Read articleAI 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.
Read articleStudio 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.
Read articleLoudness and Streaming: What Every Audio Student Must Understand
The rise of streaming platforms has changed the rules of mastering. An essential skill to understand.
Read articleWomen in Sound Engineering: Breaking Industry Stereotypes
Sound engineering has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. That reality is changing in Montreal.
Read articleInternships 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.
Read articleBuilding 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.
Read articlePodcasts: 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.
Read articleBecoming 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.
Read articlePro 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.
Read articleBuilding 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.
Read articleIngénieur 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.
Read articleMusitechnic 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.
Read articleAEC 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.
Read articleWhere to study music production in Montreal (A.E.C.)?
Study music production in Montreal at Collège Unica / Musitechnic in Westmount, Westmount campus.
Read articleMusic 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.
Read articleSound 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.
Read articleAudio Engineering Schools: How to Find the Right Program in 2026
Choosing an audio engineering school is a decision that directly shapes your career trajectory.
Read articleMusic 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.
Read articleBest 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.
Read articleAudio 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?
Read articleQuestions & Answers
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.).
Questions about the audio programs?
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