Set tempo to 125 BPM for Boris Brejcha-style driving energy
Problem: lack of rhythmic drive in trance tracks
Sidechain alone isn't a universal fix for phase
Problem: incomplete phase resolution with sidechain
Use stem separation to isolate chord layers
Problem: difficulty isolating chord components for editing
Use 2C Audio Ether for reverb with early reflections gain at -12dB
Problem: reverb too dominant, loss of clarity
Set reverb tail time to 1.8 seconds for a balanced decay
Problem: reverb decay too short or too long
Start with a drone to create tension
Problem: lack of inspiration or direction in track structure
Avoid over-reliance on generic sample packs
Problem: uninspiring sound selection
Use quantize endpoint to prevent MIDI note overlaps
Problem: overlapping MIDI notes, messy timing
Bounce tracks instead of using delay compensation for timing fixes
Problem: timing discrepancies in audio elements
Edit hi-hat volume envelopes in drum kits for dynamic shaping
Problem: flat or uninteresting hi-hat sounds
Use a drum shaper for transient control and room sweetening
Problem: lifeless or overly reverberated drums
Group high-frequency drums into a bus for cohesive processing
Problem: disorganized high-frequency percussion
Implement call-and-response synth phrases for melodic tension
Problem: monotonous synth lines
Use filtering to build tension in melodic passages
Problem: static, unengaging melodic sections
Add delays after filter automation to create movement
Problem: Creating movement with delays in filtered sections
Use looped playback to contextualize new elements
Problem: Ensuring new elements fit into the existing context
Use vocal samples with automation to add movement to the head
Problem: Adding movement and interest to the head section
Use reverb mix percentages to control spatial placement
Problem: Placing elements spatially in the mix
Apply pitch automation to vocals for variation
Problem: Adding variation to vocal elements
Build breakdowns by introducing elements sequentially
Problem: Structuring breakdowns effectively
Group low-frequency elements for better control
Problem: Managing low frequencies effectively
Use mid-side analysis to ensure side signals don't exceed mid signals
Problem: unbalanced stereo image, phase issues
Use Tonal Balance Control for frequency reference and tonal analysis
Problem: tonal imbalance, lack of reference
Use reference tracks with analysis tools to compare tonal and rhythmic characteristics
Problem: lack of directional guidance in mixing
Group low-end elements for centralized filtering and control
Problem: inconsistent low-end control
Sync rhythmic elements (e.g., hats, claps) for tighter grooves
Problem: loose or misaligned rhythms
Preserve swing by avoiding quantization on claps
Problem: lifeless, robotic-sounding claps
Use layered claps to build tension in the arrangement
Problem: static, unchanging rhythm
Duplicate and edit claps for intro impact
Problem: muddy or weak intro
Use compression to glue drum elements together
Problem: unglued, disconnected drums
Apply transient shaping to enhance drum punch
Problem: weak, muffled drum hits
Add tape saturation for analog warmth
Problem: cold, digital-sounding track
Use call-and-response between melodic elements
Problem: static, unengaging melody
Enhance melodies with pitch modulation
Problem: flat, static melodies
Add chords to the breakdown for harmonic depth
Problem: sparse, uninteresting breakdown
Avoid overcomplicating the breakdown section
Problem: overly complex, confusing breakdown
Filter bass in breakdowns for contrast
Problem: muddy low-end in breakdowns
Use reverse effects for tension/release
Problem: lack of dynamic interest in transitions
Repurpose effects for consistency in transitions
Problem: inconsistent transition textures
Build pads with filters for dynamic transitions
Problem: jarring pad entrances
Use 16th note rhythms instead of sustained bass notes
Problem: static bass, lack of groove
Design dynamic plucks using filter envelopes
Problem: static sound lacks dynamics
Use delay and reverb to fill dead space in arrangements
Problem: dead space in arrangement
Use pedal tones to enhance chord emotion
Problem: vocal lacks emotional connection to chords
Structure songs in 4-bar increments with incremental changes
Problem: repetitive or flat arrangement
Use sidechain compression with low-cut filtering on drum bus
Problem: over-compression from kick triggering
Use convolution reverb with short room/plate settings for ambience
Problem: dry or overly muddy mix
Use sub-filter plugin for bass shaping
Problem: muddy or undefined bass