Incresase loudness with soft clippers Compression isn’t the only way to tame transients and increase overall perceived loudness. You can also use saturation or soft clippers. I find this technique can sound more lively and less processed if done in a subtle way. To do this, I like to add level/amount until the sound character begins to change,  back off slightly and compensate the output level. You will find that you’ve reduced dynamic range and increased perceived loudness without it sounding squashed or heavily processed. One of my favourite tools for this is FabFilter Saturn 2 with its…

Clean filters Many filter plugins can add character to a track. Whilst this can add a nice vibe you may also risk adding too much colour if all you want to do is perform a clean filter task. You can also use EQ’s with automation for more transparent results, for example. Another benefit is you can work with multiple bands and slopes. If you want really clean results you can also use plugins which enable linear phase mode to minimise distortion.

The importance of a signature sound A lot of artists tend to either follow the crowd or craft their own identity. Whilst it’s a great feeling producing music simular to your favourite artists it will only take you so far. Sure you can get short term opportunities as you provide something that already works but if you take the risk and do something unique and stick to it the potential reward is worth it. Clients pay higher fees to people who excel in their field or creative space. If you haven’t created your own space you will either…

Micro modulation If we are exposed to repetitive tones for a length of time our brain will tend to filter it out of our focus, for example an air conditioner or the sound of cars passing outside. The same effect can happen with music: if it’s too clinical and repetitive it may not keep our ears intrigued.  This doesn’t mean you have to constantly keep your music evolving however you may want try some subtle movement. One of my favourite examples of this is programming hi hats: by introducing a random sample and hold LFO on sample start,…

Mono building blocks with stereo enhancement To get a strong foundation of your track try to make the backbone elements such as bass, kick and snare in mono and then later you can add stereo layers for character and a wider sound stage. For example for a bass why not use a mono sine wave for the very lows and then a wide synth layer for the mid to high frequencies. You can also apply the same idea for drums: use a weighty analogue snare in mono and then add a wide clap for vibe and width.