Production skills, tips, tricks and techniques

[AlexRanerro]

Hey everyone

Quick question about compression. How do you guys determine what the attack and release should be at?

I usually go by the sound but I want to know if there is proper way of doing it. Is there a general rule of thumb when it comes to these settings based on the type of sound like stabs, pads, synth lines, etc..

Hope this makes sense

All depends on the sound you are after.
let's say the snare, you want it more attack then use a fast attack, but if you want it more subtle you take a slower attack.
no real rules you just compress by how you want it to sound

Q-co is right, although its important in my opinion to always have a default setting for each component. Just to make it easier when opening a new compressor

and what would those default settings be ?

[Robomb]

Hey guys! Does anyone have any good tips for the mastering process? I know compression and limiting is key, but not sure exactly how to set it up on the master chain. Any tips or suggestions? Also for plugins, etc?

[gellow]

If you're using FL studio this could help you get started!

http://howtomakeelectronicmusic.com/how ... -fl-studio

[Robomb]

If you're using FL studio this could help you get started!

http://howtomakeelectronicmusic.com/how ... -fl-studio

I use ableton, but thank you this is still very helpful! The bit on multiband compression is very useful, and something that I think I will practice. Thank you again!

[MoodfireOfficial]

hey guys,
i need your help regarding a mastering question. i mix and master in the same project as a few other people do it. i once read that Luke is doing the same and since then it kinda make sense 'cause you already know how your end result will sound like!

now my problem, my first fx on my master bus is a Linear Phase Multiband by Waves with the following settings:
http://www4.zippyshare.com/i/49586816/225806/mastering.jpg

the problem is, if it is enabled in the project and i just listen to the kick it sounds like that!
http://www10.zippyshare.com/v/35753593/file.html
The Kickdrum until 00:04 is just the regular one without any FX on it, the Kick from 00:05 is the one with the Multiband on it. Something is wrong, cause there is this weird, strange, rolling click everytime the kick hits.
What could cause the problem?
thx guys

p.s it is not the LL3 limiter, the problem is still there even if that plugin is deactivated!

[tanapfen]

Hello

I've been wondering how Gregori Klosman does the man lead in Minibar, the one that kinda sound like the one from rattle but much much more amazing ...If anyone could help with it , that would be much appreciated.

[DennieMeister]

Hey guys! Does anyone have any good tips for the mastering process? I know compression and limiting is key, but not sure exactly how to set it up on the master chain. Any tips or suggestions? Also for plugins, etc?

This is my basic masterchain set-up usually (sometimes more plug-in's depending on the project).

1. Logic's Gain
For checking the track in mono.

2. Logic's Multimeter
This is a simple meter in Logic which makes it visable if there are strange peaks in certain areas.
For more detailed analyzing I sometimes using the T-Rack's Metering Tool.
But since I'm not an expert in all these detailed meters I tend to use the Multimeter by Logic. Quick and easy.

3. EQ - Logic's Channel EQ
For the last subtle cuts and boosts. I always cut 40Hz in the low-end en sometimes a bit of top end also.
No extreme settings here because I EQ every track and bus also.

4. EQ - T-Racks Pultec EQ Emulation
I use the Pulltec emulation by T-Racks for some subtle boost in the high-end,
I saw Thomas Gold using the emulation by UAD in his In The Studio clip, and it also works for me.
Really good sounds, sweetens the track a bit!

5. Compression - (Multiband) Compression
If I use Multiband Compression I use the Waves Linear Multiband Compressor,
If that's not the case I use one of T-Racks compressors or Cytomic's The Glue.
Which are all great in my opinion.

6. Limiter - T-Racks Brickwall Limiter
Normally using the T-Racks Brickwall Limiter with the 4db Clean Preset.
I think it sounds better then Logic's Adaptive Limiter or Waves L2.
I also have the Sonnox Oxford Limiter which sounded great but it made my Mac unstable, lot of crashes.

[tjmidge]

Hey guys! Does anyone have any good tips for the mastering process? I know compression and limiting is key, but not sure exactly how to set it up on the master chain. Any tips or suggestions? Also for plugins, etc?

been covered many many times mate just have a search or read!! u can search my posts as i have previously gave an example of a master chain...not my exact one now as it differes slightly but good starting point. and i know some of the other guys here have gave really in depth replies about this! maybe search some of mauricios stuff as i recall him going into some detail about this also.

[Hrelja]

Wouldn't you want your metering plugin as the last one in your chain? So that you can get the idea how something sounds with or without a part of your chain?

my chain at the moment is: linear phase eq - bit of saturation - bit of compression - compressor with output gain - eq - limiter.

[marcnoir]

Default settings for each instrument is up to you. Just find a compressor like cytomic glue and use the presets as reference points, this way u can work from there.

As for master chain, Usually I use the following:

Gain (Mono Compatibility)
EQ (HP and LP)
Compressor (Control peaks, max 5db compression)
Saturation Plugin (For some analog feel)
Limiter
Metering + Spectrum Analyzer (check RMS levels + Frequencies)

[ASAD]

I've recently been using the Ozone 5 for my mastering. Is actually pretty impressive. I was a little reluctant at first because I didn't like the idea of having all in one mastering suite but all the components are pretty spot on.

[meyersondub]

If you're using FL studio this could help you get started!

http://howtomakeelectronicmusic.com/how ... -fl-studio

I use ableton, but thank you this is still very helpful! The bit on multiband compression is very useful, and something that I think I will practice. Thank you again!

No offense intended, but that is some of the worst mastering advice I've ever seen. As a general rule, I'd distrust anyone who gives away specific settings for compressors, ESPECIALLY multiband compressors. Reporting multiband comp settings as if they'd be useful to anyone else is a completely absurd and inherently flawed thing to do, as every track is sonically different and thus requires different treatment of each frequency region (or sometimes no treatment at all). And to be honest, if you're starting out and doing all your mastering yourself, the best master is usually the simplest one. Don't fiddle with plugins you don't understand. That kind of experimentation should be done during the mixdown, if at all.

This is a better place to start: http://tarekith.com/assets/mastering.html

[MoodfireOfficial]

did somebody find anything regarding my question a few posts ahead on this page?

here is the picture again, due to the other link seems to be broken: http://www39.zippyshare.com/v/36589839/file.html

[jec1521]

Hey guys,

I've been trying to make the Nicky Romero type of basses lately and have been having some trouble. I know a lot of his recent tracks use "Modern Talking" in Massive, but I need more help than that. I just can't seem to get the same type of groove that he has out of the bass sounds that I make. Toulouse is obviously the most popular example of this, but I have been looking at his Sia remix lately as well. Could anybody guide me in the right direction to make the bass sounds like these two?

[JoshBrown]

Hi guys. Sorry if this is a silly question, but I've been having trouble getting my head around the key of a track. Say a track is in the key of C Minor, does that mean all notes in that track are from the C Minor scale? Or if your writing a track in F minor, only notes from the F minor scale can be played, etc. Also how does everyone decide what key to write their track in? I'm guessing if it's a remix then use the key of the vocal/original track, but what if it's an original production?

Thanks in advance