We now have free recording apps[1] and low-cost programs that can turn almost any laptop or tablet into a virtual home studio. While that doesn’t do anything to focus on the quality of the equipment and surroundings (microphones, rooms, and engineering, for example), it has opened up a plethora of possibilities for every striving artist. Computer technology has put virtual instruments, loops, effects, and a host of other features at everyone’s fingertips. For more ardent recording professionals, these tools are essential to have on hand and at all times. For the average home recording artist, though, many effects and other plugins become cost-prohibitive to own outright. That leads to a boost in pirated plugins and effects that do a disservice to not only the musicians, but also the developers of those plugins. The solution is to find something that helps both sides (manufacturer and recording artist) find common ground and a good balance. Rent-on-demand provides an alternative solution.
Get Your Head in the Cloud
If you’re not quite sure what ‘rent-on-demand’ software is, you need to think about the ‘cloud.’ The ‘cloud’ is this arbitrary medium that has taken the world by storm, whereas developers and programmers are able to offer their programs and apps for use on a per month or per use basis. Users no longer need to fork over hundreds of dollars for a program they only need for a brief amount of time. They can pay a flat rate for a month, for example. Once the month’s over, they can choose to rent it for another month or stop using it altogether. Office 365 and any Adobe products are prime examples of these. Users rent these programs on a monthly basis and can use them as often and whenever they want or need during that month. They can cancel at any time as well, but would no longer have access to the programs. The concept is now beginning to influence the music industry, but not necessarily as a way to maximize projects (and reach a larger potential audience), but to limit theft of some of these programs and services.
Plugin Effects
One of the major hurdles home recording artists face is having access to the type of effects they want or need. When recording and then mixing down, effects are the lifeblood of the recording artist. They provide ‘color,’ ‘depth,’ and ‘character’ to the recordings. They add texture to the mix. They can even offer options such as drum loops and keyboard sequencing for those who don’t have the talent or ability to play those instruments or who may not have the instruments themselves. Some recording programs have limited effects while others, especially the ‘free’ or low cost apps, don’t have any. That means the discerning, serious recording artist must look elsewhere to find effects they can ‘plug in’ to their recording programs. These ‘plugins’ can be costly, especially when you’re looking to incorporate 10 or more into a mix.
Some have turned to pirated programs
Pirating is a multi-billion criminal enterprise and while using copied or stolen effects and other programs might seem reasonable to the ‘starving artist,’ there could be a number of programs with the mix in the future.
That’s Where Rent-On-Demand Comes In
Rent-on-demand plugins for effects and other programs have begun making headway in the music recording industry. These plugins allow music artists the opportunity to have access to full programs and effects without concerns over copyright, trademark, or other laws. Musicians trying to make a name for themselves should understand the importance of copyright protection and how much they personally stand to lose should someone start selling their pirated music without giving them a dime. This type of service, which Rent-a-Plugin is a part of, helps connect musicians with the effects, loops, virtual instruments, and other features they crave when getting serious about their craft. Any serious musician who is focused on building their own home recording studio for their own use, for a limited time, should look into these rent-on-demand services. If other industries are any indication, it truly is the wave of the future for home recording … and it’s already here. Featured photo credit: https://andreamarie22.wordpress.com/ via andreamarie22.files.wordpress.com
