Add a perfect fifth interval to the bass for harmonic richness
Problem: bass lacks harmonic depth
Adding a second square wave that plays a perfect fifth interval (seven semitones plus an octave) above the main bass note can add harmonic richness and depth to the bass sound. This technique helps the bass sit better in…
Use OTT to add harmonic content and character
Problem: flat or lifeless sections
OTT (Overdrive Tool) can be used to add harmonic content and character to a sound. It introduces subtle distortion and saturation, which can enhance the presence and warmth of a melody or lead. This is particularly…
Changing harmonic content can significantly alter a sound's character
Problem: indistinct or flat sounds
Modifying the harmonic content of a sound can drastically change its character and mood. This is a powerful technique for shaping the identity of a melody or lead. It allows for creative expression and can help a sound…
Use odd harmonics for a pleasant sound
Problem: track feels too dark or jarring
Odd harmonics tend to sound more pleasant and bright compared to even harmonics, which can sound jarring or darker. This is useful for creating a more positive and uplifting emotional tone in a track. Odd harmonics are…
Apply saturation to multiple instruments for harmonic cohesion
Problem: disconnected instrument timbres
Using a saturation plugin on the kick, bass, and lead with similar settings (e.g., 3-6dB drive) creates a shared harmonic character. This makes the elements feel like they belong to the same 'family' of sounds. The…
Boost second harmonic (G2) in key for tonal cohesion
Problem: disconnected, atonal low-end
Enhancing the second harmonic (G2) in the key strengthens the rumble's tonal relationship with the track's melody. This creates a more unified and musically pleasing low-end, aligning the rumble with the harmonic…
Use saturation for harmonic enhancement in mastering
Problem: lifeless, flat mix
Apply FabFilter Saturn II with 3-4 bands: 70Hz (drive 6-8dB), 200Hz (drive 4-6dB), and 3-4kHz (drive 2-4dB). Use dynamics module to reduce transients slightly. This adds warmth and character without muddying the mix.…
Add bitcrusher for harmonic character without distortion
Problem: sound lacks character
Using a bitcrusher introduces subtle harmonic distortion and aliasing, adding warmth and character to a sound. This technique is effective for enhancing timbre without aggressive saturation, particularly useful for…
Boost mid-range or add harmonics to enhance bass intelligibility
Problem: bass lacks clarity, buried in mix
Bass that lacks mid-range presence (200-500Hz) can sound 'supportive' but not 'cutting.' Boosting this range or using harmonic excitation plugins adds definition, making the bass more audible in the mix. This is…
Modify first harmonic of bass to match kick's key
Problem: inharmonic bass conflicting with kick
Adjusting the bass's first harmonic (octave above root) to match the kick's key improves phase coherence. This is an advanced technique requiring waveform editing. It's used in genres where harmonic alignment is critical…
Use wavetable editor to adjust harmonics
Problem: muddy or undefined synth tones
Edit the wavetable in a synth to sculpt the harmonic content of the chord. The speaker adjusts the waveform to emphasize the 5th harmonic for a brighter, more defined sound. This is particularly useful for creating…
Set oscillator mode to 'harmonics' for precise harmonic control
Problem: inability to shape specific harmonics
Switching to the 'harmonics' mode in Serum allows precise shaping of overtones. Sam sets octave two to 100% to emphasize specific harmonics. This technique is useful for creating unique timbres that match the harmonic…
Saturation adds harmonic overtones that enhance emotional impact
Problem: lack of emotional depth or contrast in mixes
Saturation introduces harmonic distortion that creates pleasing overtones interacting with the fundamental frequencies. This can make a track feel warmer, more aggressive, or emotionally charged depending on the context.…
Use harmonic series for rich, natural harmonics
Problem: thin or lifeless sound
Selecting harmonic series in an oscillator generates rich, natural harmonics based on the fundamental frequency. This technique adds depth and warmth to sounds, avoiding thin or lifeless tones. It's particularly useful…
Remove the fundamental frequency from a waveform to thin it out
Select specific wave tables from Serum's analog section for unique harmonic tones
Problem: time-consuming sound design process
The 'BS to Filthy' wave table in Serum's analog section contains a naturally harmonic tone that closely matches the target bass sound. This approach leverages pre-designed wave tables rather than starting from scratch,…
Layer saws with detuned octaves for harmonic richness
Problem: Creating a rich, harmonic lead sound
Building a layered saw sound by detuning oscillators across multiple octaves (e.g., +1, +2, +3 octaves) creates a fuller, more complex harmonic structure. Adjusting levels and detuning amounts ensures balance between…
Apply disperser at 330Hz for harmonic richness
Problem: lack of harmonic presence in kick
Using a disperser plugin at 330Hz adds harmonic content to the kick, enhancing its presence without harshness. This frequency range is critical for the kick's 'punch' in the mix. The disperser's modulation creates subtle…
Use saturation to add harmonic richness and fatten bass
Problem: Thin or lifeless bass tones
A saturator with a medium curve adds subtle harmonic distortion that thickens the sound without overdriving it. This enhances the bass's presence in the mix while maintaining clarity. The effect is particularly effective…
Use unison for thickness but balance with harmonic content
Problem: overly loud or thin pad
High unison settings increase density but can make a pad too loud. The creator notes that the second wavetable is naturally quieter due to its harmonic content, requiring careful level balancing. This demonstrates the…
Apply Valhalla Shimmer for harmonic enhancement
Problem: thin pads, lack of harmonic richness
Valhalla Shimmer adds harmonic overtones to pads and ambient textures. The speaker uses it after granular processing to enhance depth. This is a staple in ambient and cinematic music for creating expansive, ethereal…
Balance sounds with harmonic excitation
Problem: thin or disconnected vocal/instrument balance
The Gold Force plugin uses harmonic excitation to enhance the presence of vocals and real instruments. This adds subtle warmth and cohesion without over-saturation. The speaker recommends it for genres like pop and R&B…
Use bitcrushing to add harmonic texture to shakers
Problem: thin, sterile percussion layers
Applying a bitcrusher (Redux in Ableton) to shaker layers introduces gritty, analog-style distortion that adds harmonic richness. This technique works well for percussive elements that need more character without…
Use EQ to reduce excessive harmonics when they cause ringing
Problem: excessive ringing from harmonics
Harmonics can add character but become problematic when they create unwanted ringing or harshness. The speaker demonstrates listening for this issue and using EQ to reduce the problematic frequencies. The key is to make…
Avoid over-processing resonating frequencies unless necessary
Problem: over-EQing leading to unnatural sound
The speaker advises against cutting resonating frequencies (like harmonic spikes in vocals) unless they cause audible ringing or unwanted resonance. They compare it to the sound of a glass vibrating when touched,…
Use OTT to make the track sound huge
Problem: track lacks presence or impact
OTT (Overdrive Tool) can be used to add saturation and harmonic content to a track, making it sound bigger and more powerful. This is a common technique in tech house and other genres to enhance the overall presence and…