Random Production Tips Thread™

[cryptic]

Any thing with massive peaks sticking out....i tend to limit/compress softly first to grab the peaks then compress for body. The Limiter brings down the big peaks while the compressor add smooth and deeper compression


My chain for bus groups
eq
sat/dist
width processor
Waves 1176 (for peaks)
waves la2a to (smooth compression)
eq

I found using two compressors gives me more control as i dont like having more than 4db gain deduction on one compressor. Having two gently compressors it twice.

[Today]

i like how you said it "gently compressors it twice" heheh

but when i do it i like to equalizer the signal after compressoring it first, and then compressor it again after equalizering it

[therapist]

i like how you said it "gently compressors it twice" heheh

but when i do it i like to equalizer the signal after compressoring it first, and then compressor it again after equalizering it

Undoing the EQ work that you've just done?

[e-motion]

If your bass is too mudy or lacks brightness try this (in Ableton, but can be adapted to any DAW):

1) Create a new Audio Rack as an insert to the bass.
2) Create 2 new Chains, name one "Dry" and the other "Wet".
3) Add the following effects in order to the "Wet" chain: EQ8, Saturator, EQ8, Reverb (optional), Stereo Enchancer.

First EQ8: Highpass that beast (I mean a lot)! Some boosting on the high end might work here but before you do it, make sure you complete the chain.
Saturator: Push the drive up, tweak the Dry/Wet, try all the distortion plugins.
Second EQ8: Mostly to fix artifacts of the distortion... most likely an highpass is enough.
Reverb: Short tail, low wet.
Stereo Enchancer: Push it to the max.

You got yourself a highly tweakable harmonic exciter Play arround with both of the chain volumes, the highpass frequencies and the drive to get to it. A/B with the original signal by turning the Audio Rack on and off and make sure the levels stay the same when A/B'ing (chain volumes).

[Today]

i like how you said it "gently compressors it twice" heheh

but when i do it i like to equalizer the signal after compressoring it first, and then compressor it again after equalizering it

Undoing the EQ work that you've just done?

naw... the only way to undo it would be to bypass the fucker
pre-EQ higher ratio, post-EQ very mild if any at all

[therapist]

i like how you said it "gently compressors it twice" heheh

but when i do it i like to equalizer the signal after compressoring it first, and then compressor it again after equalizering it

Undoing the EQ work that you've just done?

naw... the only way to undo it would be to bypass the fucker
pre-EQ higher ratio, post-EQ very mild if any at all

Not literally 'undoing' the EQ, but counteracting it. Compression will change the balance of frequencies after you've (presumably) got them right. Why would the EQ affect the dynamics so much as to need another compressor on top?

[Earjax]

To use reverb to thicken the sound (rather than for a deliberate, creative, overt effect), turn the wet signal up until you can hear the reverb, then pull it back a little.
Use different reverb setting on different instruments. This has a psychological effect that sounds like everything is in a different room, which is impossible.

If you're going to EQ out subbass and/or bass, do it before compressing. The larger soundwaves will more greatly affect the compressor - Then EQ the sound after.


My stock processing on each instrument is
EQ out subbass/bass (optional)
compress (6:1 ratio)
EQ to taste
hint of reverb

I do this while listening in context, and not with the signal on solo.

It actually depends, the bass will affect compression, however in a lot of instances it affects it in a good way, I recommend trying both to see which sounds better.

[nowaysj]

Compressors are triggered by audio energy, most of that energy is in the lows, removing that energy w an eq pre comp will change how the comp works/sounds. Try it for yourself maybe we're pulling an Internet practical joke on u... It's been known to happen.

[Today]

i like how you said it "gently compressors it twice" heheh

but when i do it i like to equalizer the signal after compressoring it first, and then compressor it again after equalizering it

Undoing the EQ work that you've just done?

naw... the only way to undo it would be to bypass the fucker
pre-EQ higher ratio, post-EQ very mild if any at all

Not literally 'undoing' the EQ, but counteracting it. Compression will change the balance of frequencies after you've (presumably) got them right. Why would the EQ affect the dynamics so much as to need another compressor on top?

either to catch a resonant peak or colour the sound further.. usually just to limit

[OfficialDAPT]

Work fast, pay someone to fix your problems.

This is going in my quotes!

[skanky beats]

put reverb on it

[nowaysj]

[skanky beats]

this ones better

[JTMMusicuk]

id say its a bit worse

[skanky beats]

id say its a bit worse

subjective

[JTMMusicuk]

[skanky beats]

ok, you were right... this one is better!

[antipode]

not compressing is the new compression

Gosh guys keep up eh

[Climax]

when using multiband compression, sidechain the lows to the kick and the mids to the snare, really makes a difference in getting both the kick and the snare to come out

thats is, if you are into the whole sidechaining thing, which most people arent it seems lol

just a random tip

[Earjax]

cut your lows AFTER compressing, on your bass/mids, makes the sound fatter and the compression less obvious.