When introducing creative vocal techniques, using mid-side processing can be used to isolate temporal processing to the side image - causing a unique sound. Additionally, if combined, processing such as binaural imaging, transient and tone EQ, and others are great for creative vocal mixing techniques.
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To make a mix sound 3D, use level faders and panning to bring a signal closer or farther away, and to the left and right. Reverb can make a signal sound closer or farther away depending on the settings, and binaural processing is needed to emulate varying elevations.
When mixing for car speakers, the mid frequencies need to be full and complex, and the low frequencies need to be centered, driving, and primarily mono. Use a mid-side EQ to isolate the lows to the mid image, and use saturation or parallel processing to affect the mids.
Whether you’re trying to widen your image or want to introduce a unique form of processing to your mix, mid-side is a crucial element. Mid-side processing can be introduced with the right EQs and can be included in your routing to allow for mid-side saturation, compression, and more.
When making a loud master be sure not to push not into a limiter aggressively - instead, boost a little of 3kHz and dip 250Hz to emphasize important frequencies. Also, when masking a loud master that’s not squashed, pick saturation that amplifies high frequencies, but leaves lows unchanged.
Setting Up RoutingSaturation on Mid & SideSplit EQ on Mid & SideHigh-Frequency ExciterNeeded Mid De-essingParallel Compression & OverdriveIndependent Left/Right CompressionLeft/Right Identical LimitingEQ on Master OutputFinal Limiting Stage
You can time your effects like a pro by dividing 60000 by your sessions BPM to get a quarter note in milliseconds. If you want a half-note, multiply this value by 2, or divide by 2 for an eighth note - then enter this value into time-based functions.
When mixing with harmonics, it’s best to know how the saturator you use introduces various harmonic formations - this way you can use certain types to brighter or warmer sound. Additionally, when mixing with harmonics, try running saturation into a subsequent processor to enhance their effect.
If you want to make your kick sound huge, start with additive equalization and then introduce clipping - ideally to the transient of the kick or 808. From there distortion, compression, air EQ, and some form of maximization and limiting will help your kick sound huge.
When using the FabFilter Pro-Q 3, be sure to check out some of the advanced functions like collision detection, EQ matching, and Spectrum Grab. If you use the effect in parallel try the linear phase option, and if you want to affect the stereo image, try mid-side processing.
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When creating vocal harmonies with plugins, you can use basic pitch shifting to change the root note to something in-key with the original vocal. Or if the plugin allows for it, you can snap the note to a specific in-key frequency, creating a vocal harmony.
