Fav budget comps for synths?
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Fav budget comps for synths?
What do you guys like to use for mixing synths, particularly digital ones? I'm having trouble fitting a k5000s into a mix with analog drums and whatnot - it just kind of gets overwhelmed. Currently recording 100% digitally so perhaps a color compressor could help.
Depends on the type of sound and arrangement more than the actual model of the synth....I generally reach for Waves C4 (I know, not the answer you're looking for) and aggressively pull out what isn't necessary and maybe bring up the "good stuff." That's assuming I'm working the synth into an already dense mix. In slimmer sections I might automate the bands so that I can add weight back into the synth when it's actually going to be heard by itself. I also extensively will probably side chain the synth against the drums and/or the vocals, so that the synth ducks into the background when it's not needed as well.
Again though, all depends on the sound and arrangements.
Again though, all depends on the sound and arrangements.
- I'm Painting Again
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if you're certain you don't want the timbre of the synth to be changed is compression really going to be the thing that makes it stand out? is there that much dynamics in the part? Would it not just be essentially raising the fader?
Changing the timbre of the synth would be one of the most effective ways to fit it in.
adding volume and or distortion might get you there..maybe not..
you could try changing the timbre and cutting out the sound from the other instruments that are making it not as prominent as you would like..
Changing the timbre of the synth would be one of the most effective ways to fit it in.
adding volume and or distortion might get you there..maybe not..
you could try changing the timbre and cutting out the sound from the other instruments that are making it not as prominent as you would like..
- Nick Sevilla
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When a synth is competing for space in a dense mix, usually I filter out a LOT of it's bottom end, UNLESS it IS the bottom end.
Also, gently tucking a few dB from the vocal range helps.
But compressing it? Only if the synth is popping all over the place in levels, which most don't.
Cheers
Also, gently tucking a few dB from the vocal range helps.
But compressing it? Only if the synth is popping all over the place in levels, which most don't.
Cheers
Howling at the neighbors. Hoping they have more mic cables.
- joninc
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airy pad or punchy arpeggio? searing mono synth leads? squelchy? subtle?
hard to help without knowing more...
a compressor might help some types of synths but they tent to be based on samples and often already pretty processed...
might be more of a textural thing than a dynamics issue...
hard to help without knowing more...
a compressor might help some types of synths but they tent to be based on samples and often already pretty processed...
might be more of a textural thing than a dynamics issue...
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Fair enough. More info- it's being used for pads and fx sounds. The K5000s is not sample based- it's an additive synth. It has a detailed sound with a lot of dynamic range and movement but with sort of a metallic, very digital tone that is somewhat lacking in presence in the way that a korg wavestation or other 90's digital synth can lack it. I'm trying to make the detail more audible in a busy mix and give it some more presence. Seems to me that limiting the dynamic range could help, plus some outboard color could make it sound more organic. But i sense some skepticism of that idea...joninc wrote:airy pad or punchy arpeggio? searing mono synth leads? squelchy? subtle?
hard to help without knowing more...
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tape echo works wonders if you have access to one
since it is dynamic yea by all means try a comp
something that can add harmonic distortions like a distressor or over-driven tube piece might work for you..
a little bit of everything mentioned..
even a very tight delay could be the thing, SPL transient designer, etc.
anything that enhances presence is a candidate..
but nothing makes things "fit" like altering the timbre correctly for the part..
since it is dynamic yea by all means try a comp
something that can add harmonic distortions like a distressor or over-driven tube piece might work for you..
a little bit of everything mentioned..
even a very tight delay could be the thing, SPL transient designer, etc.
anything that enhances presence is a candidate..
but nothing makes things "fit" like altering the timbre correctly for the part..
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