quote:

Originally posted by The Drow NEVER EVER EVER Compress: a master channel, bass+kick, supersaw pad with supersaw lead (ouch), leads in general.

You're joking, right?

Master channels are almost ALWAYS compressed. Bass+kick is usually compressed. For leads in general, compression settings will depend on the instrument itself, but a very common thing to do is use two copies of the channel, compress one, and put reverb on the other so you only hear the reverb when it gets loud (which is exactly how it works in real life).

As for supersaws, my only advice for that would be never to use them, ever, because they suck donkey balls.

___________________
My party schedule:
2009-02-21 - DJ Attention @ I'm So Popular
2009-06-18 - DJ Annoying @ People Need To Know Where I'll Be
2012-11-32 - DJ Insufferable ɸ Or At Least the Stalkers I Complain About
2048-06-66 - Spastic & Whocares ¶ Although I'm Actually Flattered
9999-45-81 - Tweaker Gimp ☼ I Probably Won't Even Go To This But I Have To Make Sure I Fill Up All The Available Space Here

quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut a very common thing to do is use two copies of the channel, compress one, and put reverb on the other so you only hear the reverb when it gets loud (which is exactly how it works in real life).

Can you please elaborate on this technique? I'm not clear on this, but it might be interesting!thanks.

BB

quote:

Originally posted by The Drow NEVER EVER EVER Compress: a master channel, bass+kick, supersaw pad with supersaw lead (ouch), leads in general.

It's cool that you're helping out, props for that. I just want to point that you can compress a master channel (usually 1.5 ratio) to clean up some peaks, or even limit it. Bass+Kick can also be compressed together if done properly. And settings for leads are pretty much open-ended depending on the lead. Certain supersaw that seem to hit you really hard and fast are sometimes compressed.

As for this guy's question, here's what you should do...

Add a spectrum analyzer to your master channel's FX (like the fruity spectrometer or inspector) and silence every instrument except one. Play it and watch the spectral graph.. note mentally what ranges it uses.

Next, silence all but another instrument and then watch the spectral graph again. Note what frequency ranges it plays in. Does it overlap a lot with your other instrument? Then EQ it.

If it is too similar and clashing too much, you will sometimes need to use a different sound altogether. Play with the volumes subtely, since EQ can really ruin a good instrument.

The less you have to EQ your leads and pads, the better. Pick good sounds to begin with if possible. Dynamics are key.

theres only so much you can EQ and compress though.

ill compress my kicks and bass to hell and back. alot of the time i find myself compressing my kicks multiple times, compressing the bass, then limiting and compressing both again. i always have kick and bass monophonic and centred. both will occupy pretty much every audible frequency.

next bit is stereo width. every other instrument beyond kick and bass i usually have (to varying degrees) off centre or panspread. i dont add reverb to anything at this point. its just a rough sketch. what goes where and how loud it is. for example ill stack 3 off hats together, 1 with a sibilant hiss, EQed the low end out and panned to the right with the level fairly low. 1 with more of a mid range klang, centred and compressed lightly. and a closed hat with a clicking/slapping kind of sound which i pan slightly to the left. if you get the balance right it should sound like 1 off hat. but you get the dynamic of more than 1. and because parts of it are panspread in opposite directions you can make the overall sound louder than if you just clunked a readymade hihat into you track and normalized it.

quote:

Originally posted by DigiNut [FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=#99CCEE]You're joking, right? Master channels are almost ALWAYS compressed.

They are compressed when you master.... on the mixing level never ever do that.

___________________
My tracks:
The Darkone - You Come With Power
The Darkone - Falling Stars Part 1 (Original Mix) *NEW*

quote:

Originally posted by The Drow NEVER EVER EVER Compress: a master channel, bass+kick, supersaw pad with supersaw lead (ouch), leads in general.

Oh my bob... You've taken enough beating allready, but I want to slap you a little bit too. After I talked to you on MSN you gave me a really bad impression, you're as old as my little brother, and act that way too.
You're always stating something without backing it up. In my opinion you obviously haven't got enough knowledge to either critize or debatate production techniques. I've heard some of your production, and they aren't that good.
You might just be trying to help out on this forum, but then again you might just want to show off your "skillz".
I'm sorry if this seem like a harsh attack, but I mean it well. Stop giving "tips" when you can't prove that it's a good one. Start reading "how to mix" guides and etc. You'll learn that compressing is alpha and omega.
Actually, a pro. producer would most likely use a compressor on every single channel just to make sure everything has the right level. When recording vocals and accustic instruments, levels always change, therefore a compressor is essential. And just to have it said... Compressing BASS and KICK together is a very very very good and pro. technique!
The "How to make the perfect kick"-thread on this forums is great.

___________________
- Just be who you are...

KORG KARMA Music Workstation
Roland JP-8000
SONY MDR-7506
ECHO MIA MIDI
STK VX-804FX console mixer
THX Audio ST-90 Studio monitors
It's a real bedroom studio!

quote:

Originally posted by The Drow Why? It sounds shit when I do that

well, if you can't do it properly then it will sound shit.. and example!? listen to almost every released tune out there, almost every channel is compressed... and it will sound a lot more pro then without compression. especially with softsynths it has to be done else it sounds always like software and can't compete with hardware..

quote:

Originally posted by Corteoz Oh my bob... You've taken enough beating allready, but I want to slap you a little bit too. After I talked to you on MSN you gave me a really bad impression, you're as old as my little brother, and act that way too. You're always stating something without backing it up. In my opinion you obviously haven't got enough knowledge to either critize or debatate production techniques. I've heard some of your production, and they aren't that good. You might just be trying to help out on this forum, but then again you might just want to show off your "skillz". I'm sorry if this seem like a harsh attack, but I mean it well. Stop giving "tips" when you can't prove that it's a good one. Start reading "how to mix" guides and etc. You'll learn that compressing is alpha and omega.

Look: At that age, most producers (including you, I assume) probably still pissed their pants. At least they had no idea about music production at all. I think he has got a pretty impressive knowledge for a guy of his age. As far as I remember he managed to get played on a pretty popular trance web radio so his stuff can't be THAT bad. I listened to his music (even remixed one of his tracks) and I must say that he got a lot of potential.
He also gave me a lot of advice on my music and helped me when I got stuck with a track. He always tried to help when I needed help - and that's what he wanted to do here as well.
Some of the stuff he suggests is based upon his personal experience and it might be wrong. But you should prove you know better and you shouldnt make him look like a fool, sir.

I state: Too much compression kills. Much so called professional trance releases are hopelessly overcompressed. Just listen to "the misted muppet - from the legend". A great album musically, but it's just DEAD. No dynamics so I can't really enjoy it. Compression is great if you know where to use it, but dont use it *everywhere*...

___________________
Cybernetika albums (free DL): Atropos (2009) | Nanospheric (2008) | Neural Network Expansion (2007) | Promo #1 (2006) | Paralysis (2005)

homepage: http://www.cybernetika.de

Dont compress the master or the kick/bass??






I use up to 9 compressors on individual channels when needed (thats hardware by the way)- and then I run the stereo mix through a stereo compressor and through a graphic too. When compressing the master I normally stick to to roughly 1:5 ratio, unless im doing something drastically different.

I will ring up all the cutting houses and mastering houses I know and tell them they have been doing it wrong for years.

Advice is all well and good- when its not 100% bullshit.

quote:

Originally posted by Chronosis Hmm. Well I was actually working on a track just a moment ago... Wait and I'll post a clip. Though remember, it's not fully finished. EDIT: Clip

Dude, you HAVE to finish that track...it trips the hell out of me. I love it's techy, proggy sound.

quote:

Originally posted by thecYrus well, if you can't do it properly then it will sound shit.. and example!? listen to almost every released tune out there, almost every channel is compressed... and it will sound a lot more pro then without compression. especially with softsynths it has to be done else it sounds always like software and can't compete with hardware..

I thought I was the only one that noticed that. Only a few pro tracks that are not overly compressed sound great. I cannot remember right now, but anyway, Holden's Balance 005 sounds weird because the music in that production doesn't sound squashed, so to me it has amateurish sound. I am just saying that when you export a song without compression, it doesn't sound as alive as when you post-process it.

quote:

Originally posted by Freak Dont compress the master or the kick/bass?? I use up to 9 compressors on individual channels when needed (thats hardware by the way)- and then I run the stereo mix through a stereo compressor and through a graphic too. When compressing the master I normally stick to to roughly 1:5 ratio, unless im doing something drastically different. I will ring up all the cutting houses and mastering houses I know and tell them they have been doing it wrong for years. Advice is all well and good- when its not 100% bullshit.

What you actually mean is:
OMG he was wrong let's flame him...

___________________
My tracks:
The Darkone - You Come With Power
The Darkone - Falling Stars Part 1 (Original Mix) *NEW*