Random Production Tips Thread™

[Ldizzy]

limiting the output is often a good idea when experimenting with sounds as some people on here blew their speaker cones while resampling and shit (basic A i remember posted something horrible about this)

a tip thats remotely related to production itself... if u read digital books or pdfs... print the stuff u read and put annotations to paper... the best way to learn shit properly is to see the LINKS between the concepts... if u dont want to print, just use a pdf reader that allows u to use colors and shit o highlight.. otherwise ur often just reading words.. unless ur like reallllly motivated and highly focused

[lowpass]

If you have an analog emulation plugin / actual hardware and a plugin that is boosting the high end in the same chain.

Strongly consider placing the emulation / hardware after the eq to avoid silly amounts of noise in the signal chain.

[ChadDub]

My tip is to always use an EQ first and last in your signal chain because that's just how it goes.

[jaimelee]

EQ before compression, just seems the right thing to do.

[Sonika]

I predict that this thread will blow up into a huge billion-page thread with people giving random pieces of advice each day


Annnnndddd my random tip of the day is that I've recently found that compression is overrated, and it cam generally be created with better results through EQ.
And EQ is everything.

[ChadDub]

I predict that this thread will blow up into a huge billion-page thread with people giving random pieces of advice each day


Annnnndddd my random tip of the day is that I've recently found that compression is overrated, and it cam generally be created with better results through EQ.
And EQ is everything.

It really is tbh.

[jaimelee]

I predict that this thread will blow up into a huge billion-page thread with people giving random pieces of advice each day


Annnnndddd my random tip of the day is that I've recently found that compression is overrated, and it cam generally be created with better results through EQ.
And EQ is everything.

I imagine this would be quite closely related.
http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=26214

[Volatile Psycle]

EQ before compression, just seems the right thing to do.

not always as compression can actually bring out certain frequencies (generally lower)

plus if you change any of the eq later in the mix it can drastically change the behaviour of the compressor

[lloydy]

Always keep a spectrum analyzer on the master buss to help aid in mix decisions on the go.Also sub groups for drums,bass/mid....make mixing at the end hassle free,well for me at least.Also bounce as you go to free up processing power.

[lloydy]

Parallel processing when making bass lines is how i work,use sends then any processes you do you always have a mix of the wet/dry signal,i find this a much better way of layering a sound than long plugin chains on the channel with the dry signal,this way can get messy veryvery quickly.Also less is more when using distortion and other destructive signal processes.

[ChadDub]

For me, less is more when it comes to production. I used to go all hardcore on technical stuff when trying to make music, like sidechaining the sub to the kick or w/e and always compressing things, but if I just go at it and THEN worry about all the technical stuff, it's way better. I barely use compression or sidechaining anymore and my music is better than ever.

[lloydy]

For me, less is more when it comes to production. I used to go all hardcore on technical stuff when trying to make music, like sidechaining the sub to the kick or w/e and always compressing things, but if I just go at it and THEN worry about all the technical stuff, it's way better. I barely use compression or sidechaining anymore and my music is better than ever.

Yeah i hear you,if i want my kik to fit my sub i just pick a sample that won't clash anyway then my low end stays mud free.Although creative sidechaining is still a good process to use.Pumping pads and what not is still a very sexy sound.

[hudson]

Annnnndddd my random tip of the day is that I've recently found that compression is overrated, and it cam generally be created with better results through EQ.
And EQ is everything.

Ha. Just wait until you do something with any live instruments or vocalists.
My tip is... um... compression is awesome, learn to use it properly. It can make drums hits (especially kicks) sound massive, it can help fit things into your box, it can hold your mix together when used on tracks with inconsistent volume, it can make two layered sounds sound like one, etc. etc.
Don't underestimate compression, especially when you're a newb. It's a little conceited to claim that one of the most used studio tools is overrated when you've only been producing for, like, six months and have never mixed or recorded a full band, don't you think?

[Samuel_L_Damnson]

^what he said .

[JTMMusicuk]

Annnnndddd my random tip of the day is that I've recently found that compression is overrated, and it cam generally be created with better results through EQ.
And EQ is everything.

Ha. Just wait until you do something with any live instruments or vocalists.
My tip is... um... compression is awesome, learn to use it properly. It can make drums hits (especially kicks) sound massive, it can help fit things into your box, it can hold your mix together when used on tracks with inconsistent volume, it can make two layered sounds sound like one, etc. etc.
Don't underestimate compression, especially when you're a newb. It's a little conceited to claim that one of the most used studio tools is overrated when you've only been producing for, like, six months and have never mixed or recorded a full band, don't you think?

iv been producing for like 6 years and yeah compression is over-rated

[Lichee]

[howzer]

my tip:
EQ and compression as friends:

compression is a major part of my production. it can transform even the most piddly sounding kick drum or snare sample into a monster. and if you are using it correctly most people don't notice. .... EQ is VERY important for pulling off that effect. if you are heavily compressing a sound and it has some SERIOUSLY resonating frequencies (for example, 200hz in a snare drum), I leave them in there PRE compression and I remove them afterwards, because unless you are using a multiband, they are most likley the frequencies that are setting off the compressor the most and if you remove them pre EQ it may seriously change your compression effect....

[nowaysj]

Work fast, pay someone to fix your problems.

[Reamz]

Definitely make a DAW preset that you can use every time you start a project. Gives you a great work flow. Speeds everything up.

[Sonika]

Annnnndddd my random tip of the day is that I've recently found that compression is overrated, and it cam generally be created with better results through EQ.
And EQ is everything.

Ha. Just wait until you do something with any live instruments or vocalists.
My tip is... um... compression is awesome, learn to use it properly. It can make drums hits (especially kicks) sound massive, it can help fit things into your box, it can hold your mix together when used on tracks with inconsistent volume, it can make two layered sounds sound like one, etc. etc.
Don't underestimate compression, especially when you're a newb. It's a little conceited to claim that one of the most used studio tools is overrated when you've only been producing for, like, six months and have never mixed or recorded a full band, don't you think?

Jesus. I'm not being conceited, I'm just stating that in my very limited experience, I've found that EQ yields better results than compression.