Use a random sound generator to find unique ear candy
Problem: lack of unique sound elements
Using a plugin like ShaprBox3, which generates random sounds, can help you discover unique and unexpected sonic textures. This is a great way to add ear candy that stands out in the mix. The randomness of the plugin can…
Use low CPU mode for older systems
Problem: plugin causing CPU overload on older systems
For producers using older or less powerful computers, the low CPU mode in Degan ensures that the plugin runs smoothly without overloading the system. This is a practical consideration for maintaining workflow efficiency,…
Use Degan for free multi-band sidechain processing
Problem: cost of high-quality sidechain plugins
Degan is a free plugin that offers multi-band sidechain capabilities, making it a powerful alternative to paid tools like Soothe. It's particularly useful for vocal clarity and frequency management in mixing. The plugin…
Use a plugin like TITARSON to control low-end
Problem: uncontrolled low end, poor translation
TITARSON is a plugin that helps control the low-end by grabbing and holding the sub-bass frequencies. Setting the crossover to around 80Hz and reducing the level by 2-3dB helps keep the sub-bass under control while…
Use the FL Key MK2's encoders to control plugin parameters directly
Problem: slow or cumbersome plugin parameter adjustments
The FL Key MK2's encoders map directly to plugin parameters in FL Studio, allowing producers to make real-time adjustments to effects and instruments. This feature enhances the workflow by providing tactile control over…
Use the Novation FL KEY MK2 to control plugin parameters
Problem: lack of tactile control over plugin parameters
The Novation FL KEY MK2 can be configured to control plugin parameters, channel volume, or custom settings. This allows for hands-on control of effects, filters, and other parameters, making it easier to tweak sounds in…
Assign encoders to plugin parameters for real-time control
Problem: lack of tactile control over plugin parameters
The encoders on the Novation FL KEY MK2 can be assigned to control plugin parameters, such as filter resonance or cutoff. This allows for hands-on, tactile control of effects and sound design elements, making it easier…
Use a disperser plugin on the kick to glue it into the track
Problem: kick doesn't sit well in the mix
Applying a disperser plugin to the kick can help glue it into the track by smearing frequencies over time. This technique is used in EDM mixing to make the kick sit more naturally in the mix. It's especially useful in…
Use phase delta display to visualize phase alignment
Problem: complex phase cancellation in multi-track arrangements
Plugins like 'revision' show phase relationships between tracks. The phase delta display helps identify where cancellation occurs. This is a visual aid for precise phase correction. The tool is particularly useful for…
Use IK Multimedia Stealth limiter for clean loudness
Problem: achieving loudness without clipping
The mastering engineer recommends IK Multimedia Stealth as the best limiter for achieving high loudness without audible clipping. It's praised for its ability to maximize volume while maintaining transparency, as it's…
Stock plugins can be sufficient but limit creative options
Problem: limited creative flexibility
While stock plugins are adequate for basic mixing, relying solely on them is considered a 'trash' approach by professionals. High-end plugins offer more precise controls, unique algorithms, and better sound quality.…
Use Andry Chef's Omnichow for a radio-style vocal effect
Problem: bland or flat vocal tone
This plugin is used to add a subtle, radio-like texture to vocals. It can be applied sparingly to enhance the vocal's character without overpowering the natural tone.
Use Transgate plugin for gated pad transitions
Problem: Overlapping pad elements conflicting with vocal
Applying the Killer LFO's Transgate plugin to pads allows dynamic gating during transitions. Automating the plugin's bypass creates a seamless fade between pads and the vocal line, avoiding abrupt changes. This technique…
Use a chroma plugin to pitch atmospheres into key
Problem: atmospheres sound dissonant or messy
Using a chroma plugin to pitch atmosphere samples into the key of the track ensures they sound harmonious and cohesive. This is especially useful when layering multiple samples that may not be perfectly in tune. It adds…
Use Clear plugin to remove vocal reverb and ambience
Problem: vocal reverb and ambience muddying the mix
The Clear plugin by Supertone is used to clean up the raw vocal recordings by removing unwanted reverb, ambience, and room artifacts. This makes the vocals sound more present and clear in the mix without needing heavy…
Use Fresh Air plugin to add high-end sparkle to vocals
Problem: vocals lacking high-end clarity
The Fresh Air plugin by Slate Digital is used to add a subtle high-end sparkle to the vocals, making them sound brighter and more present. This is a free plugin that can be used to enhance the clarity and character of…
Use Vahala Vintage Rub for vocal character
Problem: vocals sounding too digital or lifeless
The Vahala Vintage Rub plugin is used to add character and warmth to the vocals. This plugin emulates the sound of vintage tape machines and can be used to give vocals a more organic and textured feel. It's a great tool…
Use Wingman plugin to generate chord progressions and bass lines
Problem: time-consuming chord creation, lack of harmonic ideas
Wingman analyzes recorded audio and instantly generates chord formulas that complement vocals or melodies. It offers multiple variations for selection and supports stamp separation to create instrument tracks, bass, and…
Use stereo auto-pan and plate reverb for spatial depth
Problem: dry or overly muddy sound lacking spatial context
Apply auto-pan for dynamic stereo movement, then use Ableton's medium dark plate reverb at 25% wet. Cut low frequencies in the reverb to avoid muddiness. Route the reverb through a return channel for precise control over…
Use Transgate for vocal stutter effects
Problem: bland vocal performance
The Transgate plugin (free from Killer Hearts) allows precise control over vocal stutter effects by triggering gates on specific notes. This adds rhythmic interest to vocal lines and can be used creatively in the drop or…
Adjust the 'maintaining' parameter to 50% for a pronounced knock attack sound
Problem: insufficient attack definition in bass
Setting the 'maintaining' parameter to 50% enhances the attack characteristics of the bass, creating a more defined 'knock' sound. This adjustment adds punch and clarity to the bass without over-processing. The parameter…
Use a 'kickstart' plugin to enhance the kick's attack as a final touch
Problem: kick lacks presence in the mix
Applying a 'kickstart' plugin adds transient energy to the kick drum, making it more present in the mix. This technique is often used to 'punch through' the low end by emphasizing the initial attack of the kick. The…
Use default settings as a starting point for plugins
Problem: plugin settings are overwhelming or unclear
Starting with the default settings of a plugin can be a great way to quickly get a sound that works, and then making small adjustments from there. This avoids overcomplicating the process early on and helps maintain a…
Use a 'roll the dice' feature for randomization in sound design
Problem: stuck in a creative rut or need new ideas
Some plugins and DAWs offer a 'roll the dice' or randomization feature that can be used to generate new sounds or variations quickly. This is a useful tool for producers who want to experiment with different sounds…
Use Mixed in Key 11's Pro tab for rapid Meshep idea generation
Problem: time-consuming Meshep idea generation
The Mixed in Key 11 plugin's Pro tab automatically generates Meshep ideas by analyzing cue points in the first deck. This workflow tool helps DJs quickly test mashup compatibility in the second player. It streamlines the…
Use 'Mix Checker Pro' to simulate different playback environments
Problem: poor translation to other systems
This plugin allows you to hear how your mix will sound on phones, car speakers, and clubs. It's a time-saving tool for mastering engineers and producers who want to ensure their tracks translate well without physical…
Use stereo imager to analyze and adjust sound width
Problem: inadequate stereo imaging awareness
Tools like Ozone Imager visually represent stereo width, helping producers ensure sounds are properly panned and avoiding mono issues. This is especially important for pads and leads in electronic music where stereo…
Utilize a chord visualization plugin for melody creation
Problem: difficulty identifying harmonic relationships
The speaker references a plugin (likely a MIDI visualization tool) that displays played notes in real-time. This helps identify which notes belong to the current key or chord, ensuring melodic accuracy. While the…
Use OTT plugin to add power to the lead
Problem: Lack of presence or power in the lead
OTT (Overdrive Tool) can be used to inject energy and presence into the lead, making it cut through the mix more effectively.
Use Ample Space Delay to mask synthetic guitar sounds
Problem: synthetic-sounding guitar
Applying a delay effect like Ample Space Delay adds spatial depth and warmth to MIDI-generated guitar parts, masking their artificial character. This is particularly useful for creating a more organic feel in electronic…
Use LFO tools to shape stutter vocal modulation
Problem: stutter vocal lacks energy
Applying an LFO-style curve (e.g., with Shaperbox 3 or Nicker Mary's Kickstart) to stutter vocals creates rhythmic and dynamic variation. This technique adds energy and complexity to the stutter effect, making it more…
Use third-party plugins for vocal harmony
To create a vocal harmony quickly, the producer uses WavesTune to force the vocal to a single note. This bypasses the need for manual pitch correction of individual sections, saving time while achieving a cohesive…
Adjust LFO modulation speed for dynamic panning
Problem: static or mismatched panning motion
Pancake's LFO section allows changing modulation speed between synced beat (linked to tempo) and unsynced Hertz modes (fixed frequency). Synced beat mode creates rhythmic panning patterns that match the track's tempo,…
Use mix knob to control pan strength
Problem: over-panning causing instability
The mix knob reduces the intensity of panning modulation. Lowering it makes the stereo movement subtler, preventing over-panning that could destabilize the mix. This is crucial for maintaining balance between width and…
Draw custom LFO shapes for unique panning patterns
Problem: limited panning motion options
The LFO editor lets users create custom waveforms by adding points and adjusting curves. Starting with triangle/sine shapes and modifying them with soft/hard points enables precise control over panning motion.…
MIDI-triggered panning for rhythmic automation
Problem: static panning not synced to performance
Switching to beat/Hertz retrigger modes allows MIDI notes to trigger LFO cycles. This creates syncopated panning effects that respond to musical events, ideal for adding movement to synths or percussion without manual…
Use Pan Shaper for multi-band stereo panning
Problem: limited stereo control over frequency ranges
Pan Shaper (the advanced version) allows separate panning of bass, mids, and treble frequencies. Each band has independent LFO and envelope followers, enabling surgical control like widening highs while keeping lows…
Constraints create creativity
Problem: analysis paralysis, unfinished tracks
Limiting oneself to 3 plugins or a specific workflow can prevent analysis paralysis and force productive decisions. This mindset is especially valuable for beginners overwhelmed by plugin options. The speaker uses this…
Use Harmony Maker for instant vocal harmonies
Problem: time-consuming vocal layering
The Harmony Maker plugin allows instant vocal stacking with stereo imaging and preset harmonies. By selecting a vocal and clicking 'Harmony,' it generates layered vocal textures with stereo width. This is particularly…
Enhance reverb/delay presence with OTT plugin
Problem: weak ambient effects
Using the free OTT plugin increases the presence of reverb and delay in the gaps between notes, making the effects more audible and impactful. This is particularly useful for ensuring that ambient effects contribute…
Use OTT multi-band dynamics before compressor
OTT (a multi-band dynamics plugin) is used before the compressor on the bass track to shape the sound. This adds punch and intensity, which can be balanced by adjusting the mid and high bands. It helps the bass sit…
Add rhythm and pluck articulation for high-energy chords
Problem: static, lifeless chords
Transform pads into energetic chords by adding rhythmic articulation. Use a pluck-like envelope on a deep electro pad, apply reverb, and use a dotted eighth-note rhythm. The RC20 plugin adds width, while passing notes…
Use Isotope RX for AI-based stem separation
Problem: difficulty isolating stems from existing tracks
The speaker demonstrates using Isotope RX's 'Music Rebalance' feature to separate vocals, percussion, bass, and other instruments from a track. This is useful for remixing, mashups, or isolating elements for editing. The…
Use the Anteries Mutator plugin for vocal processing
Problem: vocals lack character or uniqueness
The Anteries Mutator plugin can add unique and creative effects to vocals, such as a creepy or distorted sound. This is useful for adding character to vocals in Tech House and other electronic genres. It's a more…
Use audio trigger mode in sidechain plugins
Problem: inaccurate ducking timing
Switching to audio trigger mode in the sidechain plugin allows the plugin to detect transients from the kick and snare directly. This eliminates the need for MIDI triggers and ensures ducking occurs precisely on the…
Use the 'Unfold device parameters' button to access plugin controls for MIDI mapping
Problem: Plugin controls not visible for MIDI mapping
To map a plugin's internal parameter, click the 'Unfold device parameters' button in the plugin's device box. This reveals all available controls, making it easier to assign them to MIDI Shaper via Live's MIDI Mapping…
Assign MIDI CCs to plugin parameters using MIDI Learn
Problem: Difficulty mapping MIDI controls to plugin parameters
MIDI Shaper makes it easy to assign MIDI CCs to any plugin that supports MIDI Learn. On the plugin, select 'Show MIDI Learn' to activate MIDI Learn mode and click a knob to ready it for assignment. This is a quick and…
Deactivate MIDI Learn function after making assignments
Problem: Unintended changes to plugin parameters after assignment
Once you've made your MIDI assignments, remember to deactivate the instrument's MIDI Learn function. This prevents unintended changes to the plugin parameters and ensures that the assignments remain stable.