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A recording producer is an expert with specialist knowledge and skills, but it is possible to produce your own music. Here are a few basic principles for getting started:

The positioning of instruments in the mix is very important. Generally speaking, bass instruments such as bass guitar, kick drum and vocals are placed centre stage.

Other instruments can be panned left or right to give the piece more of a feeling of space. Try various ideas in the mix until you are satisfied with the way the music sounds.

Balance the sounds by adjusting the levels as you go along to make sure that they are appropriate and all sounds can be heard.

You may also wish to add effects. For example:

• Compression can be used effectively with vocals, bass guitars and live percussion sounds to make the parts sound more even.
• Adjusting the equalisation (EQ) on certain instruments can improve the quality of the mix. For example, a drum kit can have its bass frequencies amplified.
• Vocals will usually benefit from having some reverb added. It is worth also trying just a little reverb with most acoustic instruments.
• Other effects such as flange and chorus can add interest to an acoustic or synthesised sound.

Clarity is important. Make sure that the sounds balance well and that the texture is not too dense. Varying the texture between sections can add interest to a track.

Watch this clip to see how a professional producer builds a multitrack recording. By starting with the beat, he reveals how each instrument plays its part and demonstrates how everything, from the bass drum to the guitar riff, contributes to giving the track its identity. He shows us how carefully listening to these different elements is the key to building the perfect sound.