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Splice blog
New and noteworthy
Best mastering plugins for Pro Tools (free and paid)
We explore the best mastering plugins for Pro Tools, including powerful free options as well as industry-standard paid tools.
What is harmony in music? A guide to triads, chord progressions, and scale degrees
Learn about triads, chord progressions, and the other music theory subtopics that constitute the vast but exciting world of harmony.
What is cloud rap? Exploring its history, sound, and influential artists
Learn about what cloud rap is and dive into its unique region-less origins, defining sounds, and influential artists.
The 10 best free music production plugins for 2026 (instruments and effects)
From long-time classics to game-changing newcomers, we overview ten free plugins that have the potential to be your next music production toolkit staple in 2026.
How to set and achieve your creative goals for 2026
Let’s look at some actionable steps you can take to set yourself up for success in reaching your goals and staying productive through the entire year.
EP vs. LP: What’s the difference (and do they still matter)?
Learn about the difference between an EP and an LP, dive into their history, and explore why these mediums still matter in the digital era.
What is EQ? Definition, common types, and how to use it
In this comprehensive guide, learn about what EQ (equalization) is, its common types, and how to use it in your music.
Chromeo and A-Trak on how they shape their sounds, collaboration, and more
In this exclusive interview, A-Trak and Chromeo's Dave 1 discuss their creative toolkits, collaborative process, and more.
Latest obsessions
John Legend on the art of songwriting and his new Splice INSTRUMENT pack
John Legend sat down with us to provide an intimate look into how he approaches songwriting on his signature instrument, the piano.
How to make music: Create your own music in 6 steps
Learn the ins-and-outs of how to make music in this complete guide to music production, from picking a DAW to composing, mixing, and mastering your work.
Southside (Future, Lil Durk) cooks up a beat and shares his sounds
GRAMMY-nominated producer and rapper Southside (Future, Lil Durk) shares his new sample pack and showcases his beatmaking process.
Best mastering plugins for Pro Tools (free and paid)
We explore the best mastering plugins for Pro Tools, including powerful free options as well as industry-standard paid tools.
What is harmony in music? A guide to triads, chord progressions, and scale degrees
Learn about triads, chord progressions, and the other music theory subtopics that constitute the vast but exciting world of harmony.
What is cloud rap? Exploring its history, sound, and influential artists
Learn about what cloud rap is and dive into its unique region-less origins, defining sounds, and influential artists.
The 10 best free music production plugins for 2026 (instruments and effects)
From long-time classics to game-changing newcomers, we overview ten free plugins that have the potential to be your next music production toolkit staple in 2026.
How to set and achieve your creative goals for 2026
Let’s look at some actionable steps you can take to set yourself up for success in reaching your goals and staying productive through the entire year.
EP vs. LP: What’s the difference (and do they still matter)?
Learn about the difference between an EP and an LP, dive into their history, and explore why these mediums still matter in the digital era.
What is EQ? Definition, common types, and how to use it
In this comprehensive guide, learn about what EQ (equalization) is, its common types, and how to use it in your music.
Reggae chord progressions: A beginner’s guide
Learn about the three key reggae chord progressions (I - ii, I - ♭VII, and vi - v) that are behind so many of the genre's classics.
Get a free glitchy sub bass for Splice INSTRUMENT
Download our free sub bass preset for our new Splice INSTRUMENT plugin—grab these presets during the drop window and they’re yours to keep forever.
Get a free drum machine for Splice INSTRUMENT
Download our free drum machine preset for our new Splice INSTRUMENT plugin—grab these presets during the drop window and they’re yours to keep forever.
Get free synth plucks for Splice INSTRUMENT
Download our free synth pluck preset for our new Splice INSTRUMENT plugin—grab these presets during the drop window and they’re yours to keep forever.
Free Drops for Splice INSTRUMENT
Find the full list of current and past Free Drops for Splice INSTRUMENT—grab these presets during the drop window and they’re yours to keep forever.
The 6 best reverb plugins for vocals with SIRMA (free presets included)
Expert artist, songwriter, and music producer SIRMA showcases six reverb plugins for vocals that have become staples in her toolkit.
The best free plugins for music production in 2025
Let's explore 18 must-try free plugins for music production that can elevate your tracks without denting your budget.
5 simple pitch shifting plugins (free and paid)
We've rounded up five essential pitch shifting plugins that every producer should know, ranging from industry favorites to hidden gems.
11 sad chord progressions you need to know (free MIDI files included)
We analyze 11 sad chord progressions and some songs they're used in to identify what makes them so effective at tugging at our heartstrings.
Home studio acoustic treatment: An in-depth DIY guide
Dive into DIY home studio acoustic treatment approaches that are viable within three different budgets: $0, $500, and $1,000.
Types of microphones: A guide to how they work and best use cases
Join us as we explore a few of the most common types of microphones, what makes them work, and what sets them apart.
Touring The Pharmacy Studios (Dr. Dre, Eminem) with TRINITY
Join us on an exclusive tour of The Pharmacy Studios, where Dr. Dre, Michael Jackson, Eminem, and countless others have recorded their hits.
What is phantom power (and when do you need it)?
Learn about what phantom power is, how it works, and when and why you need it when you're making music using microphones and other devices.
Vocal comping: The 4 steps for getting perfect vocals
Learn about what vocal comping is and explore key tips and tricks you can apply to get the best final results possible.
Audio cable types: A complete guide (with pictures)
Learn about common audio cable types spanning TS, TRS, XLR, MIDI, USB, and more, and how you can use them effectively when making music.
Microphone polar patterns: What they are and common types
We explore the most common microphone polar patterns and discuss how they can shape your recordings.
How to create the perfect sample: 5 tips and techniques
2x GRAMMY-nominated music producer John Smythe breaks down the process for how he creates a perfect sample, from ideation to completion.
Julian Bunetta talks songwriting, One Direction, and the “Espresso” loop
GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Julian Bunetta (One Direction, Teddy Swims) discusses how he got started, the stories behind his biggest hits, and more.
Southside on his come-up, working with Future, and going on a duck hunt
Southside sat down with us to discuss his come-up, how hunting helps his mental health, working with Future, and much, much more.
John Legend reflects on his early career, songwriting process, upcoming album, and more
We had the opportunity to sit down with John Legend for an in-depth conversation about the key moments that have shaped his career, his songwriting process, and more.
Common on the state of hip hop
Hip hop legend Common sat down with us to discuss his beginnings, his new album, where the genre is headed, and more.
Mike Shinoda on crafting Meteora, songwriting, and the art of vocal production
We sat down with Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park, Fort Minor) to discuss the creative process behind Meteora, how it informs his trajectory for the music he's releasing today, his advice for budding music creators, and more.
Behind the sample in Pokémon’s “Pikkaan!”: A conversation with Petal Supply
Petal Supply breaks down how her sample heard in Pokémon's ending theme "Pikkaan!" was made and shares her top tips for budding producers.
Best mastering plugins for Pro Tools (free and paid)
We explore the best mastering plugins for Pro Tools, including powerful free options as well as industry-standard paid tools.
How loud should you master your music?
Learn about the most important factors that go into answering the age-old question of how loud you should master your music.
How to prepare your mix for mastering: 5 essential tips
From leaving headroom to best practices for exporting, here are five essential tips that will help you prepare your mix for mastering.
Exporting your song: The best settings for bouncing audio explained
Learn about sample rate, bit depth, dithering, and the various other parameters you might come across when exporting your song from the DAW.
What is dithering in audio? When to dither and how it works
Learn how dithering can help enhance the sound of your digital audio, despite the fact that it adds noise to the waveform.
What are inter-sample peaks and true peaks?
Learn about what inter-sample peaks / true peaks are, why and where they occur, and to what extent you should pay attention to them when creating music.
Make learning a habit with our top tips and tutorials on music production
We’ve compiled some of our most popular articles and videos across the realm of music creation to help you get back in that groove.
5 mastering myths you’ve believed this whole time
We discuss five common mastering myths you may have heard before, and shed light on the reality that lies behind each of them.
What is harmony in music? A guide to triads, chord progressions, and scale degrees
Learn about triads, chord progressions, and the other music theory subtopics that constitute the vast but exciting world of harmony.
Reggae chord progressions: A beginner’s guide
Learn about the three key reggae chord progressions (I - ii, I - ♭VII, and vi - v) that are behind so many of the genre's classics.
The tritone: Why it’s called the devil’s interval and how to use it
Let's walk through what a tritone is, its impact across music history, and its surprising sensitive side that isn't so diabolical.
What is a key change and why does it matter?
In this guide, we explore what a key change is and how you can use the technique in your own music.
What is funk? How two James Brown classics define the genre
Learn about the key characteristics, instrumentation, music theory, and more of funk music, as defined by two James Brown classics.
Botanica music: What it is and how to make it
Learn about the world of botanica music alongside expert producer and songwriter Michael Bruner, who overviews music theory concepts, production techniques, and more.
How to make disco music: An in-depth guide with Jafunk
Learn how to make disco music alongside expert producer and DJ Jafunk, who overviews key instruments, music theory concepts, plugins, and more.
The diminished chord: What it is and how to use them
Learn about what a diminished chord is and how to use half-diminished seventh chords, diminished seventh chords, and triads in your music.
Splice is now integrated in Ableton Live 12.3+
Splice is now integrated into Ableton Live—discover, audition, and drop in sounds from Splice without ever leaving the DAW.
Win VIP tickets and a meet & greet with John Legend on his Get Lifted anniversary tour
We’re excited to give music creators a one-of-a-kind chance to meet John Legend in person on his Get Lifted anniversary tour.
Introducing Splice INSTRUMENT: Our new flagship virtual instrument plugin
Explore Splice INSTRUMENT, our virtual instrument plugin that puts an ever-growing catalog of free and premium sounds at your fingertips.
From inspiration to expression: The next chapter of Splice tools
We're excited to share two new Beta releases that mark the next step in Splice' journey.
Win $1,000 and join our live beat battle with Southside in Los Angeles
Following the release of Southside’s new sample pack on Splice, we’re excited to announce a one-of-a-kind live beat battle with him as the judge.
Win $1,000 and get your remix released on EMPIRE via our contest with Farrah Fawx
Craft a club edit of Farrah Fawx's "Slippery" for the chance to win $1,000 and get your remix released with EMPIRE.
Win $1,000 and a spot at the Splice × COLORS writing camp via our NYC beat battle
Create a track for the chance to attend our NYC event and win $1,000 USD, a spot at the first-ever Splice x COLORS writing camp, and more.
Splice x Pro Tools: Unlocking a new era of seamless creativity
Splice is now integrated into Pro Tools—discover how to search, filter, and audition Splice sounds, all synced to your project’s key and tempo.