Use reverse textures in pads for unique atmospheric effects
Problem: pads lack uniqueness or atmosphere
Including reverse textures in pads can add a unique and atmospheric quality to the track. This technique is particularly effective in bounce trance and other genres that rely on ambient and atmospheric elements to create…
Layer different sounds from the same pack to add variety and depth
Problem: section lacks variety or depth
Layering different sounds from the same pack can add variety and depth to a section. This technique is useful for creating a more dynamic and interesting sound without overcomplicating the arrangement. It's especially…
Study and select sounds in advance to streamline the production process
Problem: production process is slow or inefficient
Taking the time to study and select sounds in advance can streamline the production process and help avoid unnecessary experimentation during the session. This technique is especially useful for producers who want to…
Use guitar melodies to add organic and melodic elements to the track
Problem: track lacks organic or melodic elements
Incorporating guitar melodies can add an organic and melodic element to the track, especially in bounce trance and funk-inspired genres. This technique helps create a more dynamic and engaging arrangement by introducing…
Use a punchy, plucky bass for the drop baseline
Problem: slappy, indistinct bass not fitting the drop
The producer selects a bass line that is more punchy and plucky rather than slappy or slap house, which is better suited for the drop in a bounce trance track. This choice ensures the bass has a more defined and…
Avoid over-widening the bass in the drop
Problem: over-widening bass may compromise clarity
The producer decides not to widen the bass line further, as it may not be ideal for the drop's base. This decision ensures the bass remains focused and doesn't lose its punch or clarity in the mix. Keeping the bass…
Process the guitar as the main element in the drop
Problem: guitar not standing out in the mix
The producer emphasizes processing the guitar, as it is the main element in the drop. This approach ensures the guitar stands out and contributes to the overall texture and energy of the track. Processing the guitar…
Use ping pong delay for stereo width
Problem: narrow stereo image
The producer mentions using ping pong delay to add stereo width to the track. This technique helps create a more immersive and spacious sound, which is especially effective in bounce trance for enhancing the stereo image…
Add a limiter to control dynamics in the drop
Problem: uneven dynamics in the drop
The producer adds a limiter to the track to control the dynamics and ensure the drop has a consistent and powerful presence. This helps maintain the energy of the track while preventing any elements from peaking too…
Use phasers before delay for added texture
Problem: delay sounds flat or static
The producer adds a phaser before the delay to create a more textured and dynamic sound. This technique adds movement and depth to the track, making the delay more interesting and less static. Phasers are a common tool…
Use minimalistic elements to create a huge, full sound
Problem: overloaded mix, lack of clarity
The speaker emphasizes that using fewer elements can still result in a huge and full sound, as long as each element is carefully placed and processed. This approach is common in bounce trance and other minimalistic…
Introduce vocals in the second half of the drop for impact
Problem: lack of vocal impact, flat arrangement
Introducing vocals in the second half of the drop helps build tension and adds a new layer to the track. This is a common technique in bounce trance and other genres where the vocal is used as a key element to drive the…
Use a bridge as a transition to the second drop rather than a full breakdown
Problem: drop feels disconnected from the previous section
In bounce trance, it's common to use a bridge as a transition to the second drop rather than a full breakdown. This keeps the energy of the track high and avoids the drop feeling too distant from the previous section.
Copy the drop to create a bridge that leads into the second drop
Problem: lack of continuity between sections
Copying the drop and modifying it slightly can be an effective way to create a bridge that leads into the second drop. This maintains continuity in the track while still providing a sense of progression and development.
Use a continuous melody with changing chords and bass to avoid repetition
Problem: repetitive melody, lack of progression
Instead of repeating the same melody, keep the melody consistent while varying the underlying chords and basslines. This creates a sense of movement and progression, making the track feel dynamic rather than repetitive.…
Add claps and ear candy to enhance rhythmic interest
Problem: lack of rhythmic interest, flat sections
Claps and other rhythmic elements (like 'ear candy') add percussive texture and interest to the track. They help fill the rhythmic space and keep the listener engaged, especially during transitions or breaks. This is a…
Use fake drops and automation to build tension
Problem: lack of tension, predictable drops
Creating a 'fake drop' with automation helps build anticipation and tension before the real drop. This technique is useful in trance and bounce trance to keep the listener engaged and create a sense of release when the…
Use crushes to build tension and create dynamic movement
Problem: lack of dynamic movement, flat sections
Crushes (like audio processing or effects) can be used to create a sense of tension and movement in the track. They add a gritty or distorted texture that can be used to build up to a drop or transition. This is a common…
Tease melodies with open cut-off and fade-ins for smooth transitions
Problem: jarring melody entrances, abrupt transitions
Using open cut-off and fade-ins when introducing a melody helps it blend smoothly into the track. This technique is useful for creating seamless transitions and ensuring that the melody doesn't feel jarring or abrupt.…
Automate side chain to control when it's active
Problem: side chain active when not needed, unnecessary processing
Automating the side chain allows you to control when it's active, such as only during kick hits. This helps maintain clarity and prevents unnecessary processing during sections where it's not needed. This is a useful…
Add a riser to enhance transitions and build energy
Problem: flat transitions, lack of energy
A riser is a short, high-pitched sound that helps transition between sections and build energy. It's commonly used in trance and bounce trance to create a sense of movement and anticipation. Adding a riser can make…