I was wondering if anyone had any tips to help blend sounds together a bit better. When layering sounds on top of each other they blend together but for some reason it feels tad off. I know EQ is one major factor to it, but is there any other tips to make sounds blend better? Plugins, Maybe?

Panning, levels, and EQ (notch or hi-pass/lo-pass) are the obvious ones. A little modulation effect (e.g., chorus, flange, phaser) can help them blend. For some sounds, a little distortion or saturation can help smear them. Compression can also help glue sounds together.

Also, turn off any preset effects for each sound and route them to the same effect(s) (esp. with reverbs - put the sounds in the same "space").

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Get Pro-Tools and mix in mono. 97.345354% of all songs played in dance clubs were made using PT and 92.34534% of all clubs use mono systems. Oh, and don't splurge on "pro"sumer gear. Just use the stock sound-card and HP Beats headphones. Other than that, just wing it.

/Triple-Threat-Trollin'

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Now with extra singles!
my old stuff, not quite up to snuff - but I still dig it - UPDATED 9/23/2012

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker Get Pro-Tools and mix in mono. 97.345354% of all songs played in dance clubs were made using PT and 92.34534% of all clubs use mono systems. Oh, and don't splurge on "pro"sumer gear. Just use the stock sound-card and HP Beats headphones. Other than that, just wing it. /Triple-Threat-Trollin'

Cool story bro

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Panning, levels, and EQ (notch or hi-pass/lo-pass) are the obvious ones. A little modulation effect (e.g., chorus, flange, phaser) can help them blend. For some sounds, a little distortion or saturation can help smear them. Compression can also help glue sounds together. Also, turn off any preset effects for each sound and route them to the same effect(s) (esp. with reverbs - put the sounds in the same "space").

Thanks. Seems as though I'm already doing most of these. But didn't know putting sounds in the same "space" will help with the blending. Good tip.

quote:

Originally posted by Dauzy Cool story bro

Thanks, man.

___________________

Now with extra singles!
my old stuff, not quite up to snuff - but I still dig it - UPDATED 9/23/2012

you can use wavforms shapes to blend shit like saw,square and triangle for example.

http://www.mixmymusic.net/complimen...mplementary-eq/

http://www.recordingwebsite.com/rwt...hive/rw14r.html

On a serious note, Complimentary Equalization is a relatively simple process that will allow you to mix multiple instruments occupying similar spectral regions that would otherwise give you muddy masking artifacts. There is also utilizing side-chained compressors which will lower the volume on one track every time it's triggered with the track you want to emphasize in the mix.

___________________

Now with extra singles!
my old stuff, not quite up to snuff - but I still dig it - UPDATED 9/23/2012

quote:

Originally posted by EddieZilker http://www.mixmymusic.net/complimen...mplementary-eq/ http://www.recordingwebsite.com/rwt...hive/rw14r.html On a serious note, Complimentary Equalization is a relatively simple process that will allow you to mix multiple instruments occupying similar spectral regions that would otherwise give you muddy masking artifacts. There is also utilizing side-chained compressors which will lower the volume on one track every time it's triggered with the track you want to emphasize in the mix.

I am already utilizing side-chain compression but thanks for the links I will for sure give those a read.

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Originally posted by Dauzy I am already utilizing side-chain compression but thanks for the links I will for sure give those a read.

No problem. They weren't as comprehensive as I would have liked and there are also some charts that show which instruments typically occupy which frequencies and what to turn up or down when they are problematic. I'll try to find those, when I get a chance.

___________________

Now with extra singles!
my old stuff, not quite up to snuff - but I still dig it - UPDATED 9/23/2012

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Originally posted by Dauzy Thanks. Seems as though I'm already doing most of these.

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Originally posted by Dauzy I am already utilizing side-chain compression...

OK, so if I understand you, you're already using panning, levels, EQ, chorus/flanger/phaser, distortion/saturation, and compression/SC compression, and the sounds still aren't blending? I would assume that by now you've gone beyond simple blending and you've now crossed the threshold into complete annihilation of the sounds. Maybe it's time to post a sample of your sounds with a good description or example of what you're trying to accomplish. Or, maybe just start over with the fundamentals of sound design in mind???

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Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik OK, so if I understand you, you're already using panning, levels, EQ, chorus/flanger/phaser, distortion/saturation, and compression/SC compression, and the sounds still aren't blending? I would assume that by now you've gone beyond simple blending and you've now crossed the threshold into complete annihilation of the sounds. Maybe it's time to post a sample of your sounds with a good description or example of what you're trying to accomplish. Or, maybe just start over with the fundamentals of sound design in mind???

I totally understand what you're saying. I've opted to start all over with the sounds I feel don't blend.