adding "grain" and "warmth" to a mix

[dublerium]

On top of using relative plugins frequency is what you should be focusing on. I think really high frequencies detract from warmth in a track. High freqs works for certain sounds but generally I cut a lot of it out/roll it off as sounds tend to sound nicer/warmer with the highs rolled off. Saturation will perceivably re-introduce some of these frequencies without them actually being there... be subtle.

Instead of harsh eq cuts get a smooth filter, about 6db lowpass and gently roll things off in conjunction with eq and your mix will sound warmer.

[mthrfnk]

I don't wanna seem like I'm whoring my own stuff, but people seemed to agree with my post containing a list of things to make your track warmer, quite a few of which I used in this:
Soundcloud

So yeah if you like anything in that I'll go into more detail.

[didge]

On top of using relative plugins frequency is what you should be focusing on. I think really high frequencies detract from warmth in a track. High freqs works for certain sounds but generally I cut a lot of it out/roll it off as sounds tend to sound nicer/warmer with the highs rolled off. Saturation will perceivably re-introduce some of these frequencies without them actually being there... be subtle.

Instead of harsh eq cuts get a smooth filter, about 6db lowpass and gently roll things off in conjunction with eq and your mix will sound warmer.

.

http://www.endino.com/graphs/

[ehbes]

I don't wanna seem like I'm whoring my own stuff, but people seemed to agree with my post containing a list of things to make your track warmer, quite a few of which I used in this:
Soundcloud

So yeah if you like anything in that I'll go into more detail.

personally i think its a bit too clean but i like it. i would have also lp'd that higher sound

[Monowan]

I don't wanna seem like I'm whoring my own stuff, but people seemed to agree with my post containing a list of things to make your track warmer, quite a few of which I used in this:
Soundcloud

So yeah if you like anything in that I'll go into more detail.

beautiful stuff

[mthrfnk]

I don't wanna seem like I'm whoring my own stuff, but people seemed to agree with my post containing a list of things to make your track warmer, quite a few of which I used in this:
Soundcloud

So yeah if you like anything in that I'll go into more detail.

personally i think its a bit too clean but i like it. i would have also lp'd that higher sound

Yeh it's quite clean, i did have some extra vinyl layered but I took it out.
I think I know what you mean about the higher sounds.

I don't wanna seem like I'm whoring my own stuff, but people seemed to agree with my post containing a list of things to make your track warmer, quite a few of which I used in this:
Soundcloud

So yeah if you like anything in that I'll go into more detail.

beautiful stuff

[NinjaEdit]

Somewhat like some other posts:

If you want it sound sound analogue, use analogue.

Bounce down to cassette or VHS, filter (and EQ) that signal and blend it back in.

[dublerium]

Making a 4 tracker hip hop ep and going for a dusty finish. Will upload here when it's done.

[Monowan]

And here's another track I started, using these techniques, this one's kinda serious (although I'll pretend it's just a failed experiment if it sucks)
http://soundcloud.com/monowan/wayofthedodo/s-Qc4az

[_v_]

Somewhat like some other posts:

If you want it sound sound analogue, use analogue.

Bounce down to cassette or VHS, filter (and EQ) that signal and blend it back in.

Im really interested in this method.

If anyone can explain this process in more detail id appreciate it very much,





...

[ehbes]

Somewhat like some other posts:

If you want it sound sound analogue, use analogue.

Bounce down to cassette or VHS, filter (and EQ) that signal and blend it back in.

Im really interested in this method.

If anyone can explain this process in more detail id appreciate it very much,





...

http://dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.php?f ... s#p3065954

[fragments]

Waves Kramer Master Tape is on sale for 99USD at the Waves Website.

Slate Digital is also having a sale. I picked up the Virtual Console Collection for 199USD. Their tape emulation is supposed to be tits...but the Sound on Sound article on the VCC really sold me and it's 50% of right now.

[Praxisaxis]

Analogue and the associated processes are important... (and not too expensive these days).

But I'm finding more and more source material from real environments - either what you've recorded yourself or from a record - is important to get depth. E.g. reamp a synth- - run it out into an amp in a room, record that with a mic, then mix in a small amount of that signal with the original.

Or involve lots of recorded material. Or, sample from vinyl. Etc etc etc.

[fragments]

^^^^^

That's all very true. I haven't recorded something playing from my monitors and mixed it back into the signal in a while but that does work! And sampling from vinyl, cassette, vhs can all add "that sound" to your productions. Even having just a few bits and pieces makes a difference.

[ehbes]

On the master channel

LP 10 at 5k hz -> tape sat. -> limiter -> BOOM

[Ohyra]

If you are on ableton the vinyl distortion vst is killer if you're tasteful about it. I can rlly recomend musiccrow preamp emulator, it adds a really nice warmth.

[Monowan]

On the master channel

LP 10 at 5k hz -> tape sat. -> limiter -> BOOM

I thought you weren't supposed to put anything on the master channel ? I did start by saturating the master directly and I liked the results but I only apply it to a few instruments now.

[ehbes]

On the master channel

LP 10 at 5k hz -> tape sat. -> limiter -> BOOM

I thought you weren't supposed to put anything on the master channel ? I did start by saturating the master directly and I liked the results but I only apply it to a few instruments now.

Nah fuck it put anything you want on it. If your getting it mastered yeah bypass everything. But if not go right ahead

[Optimal Prime]

I've not heard of that Saturn plugin from Fabfilter. I use a couple of their existing plugs, Volcano and Pro-Q and they have both become key established plugs I use in my workflow on a regular basis. I'm gonna look into this one.

I think warmth is a combination of saturation and mangling fx and the raw source sound. If you sample or record organic material it can really work its way into the mix and help provide that extra warmth. I'm guessing most of this has been mentioned already considering the number of replies to the thread. Vintage Warmer is a good one. I also seriously underestimated (for those who use Cubase) the Datube plugin until recently when I realised how much extra hiss you gain on sounds (in a good way). I've also used very subtle bitcrushing on an entire mix in the past, but seriously small amounts. I've often wondered about recording audio directly onto traditional tape or even VHS and then mixing it with the original or just using some sounds in a mix.

[Monowan]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies, this thread definitely got me closer to the sound I'm looking for. What's amazing is that I actually find myself subtracting a lot of unecessary elements from my songs, I realized I was trying to hide instruments that didn't sound satisfying behind a busy mix. I started a new track, first minute is basically sampled elctric hum sidechained to a big subby bassdrum, people arguing in the background and a rising retro synth, nothing more and I swear this shit is banging to me (might hate it tomorrow though)