SonicScoop
Crafting psychedelic vocals with layered effects
Stuart White delves into crafting psychedelic vocals by layering and interweaving multiple effects. He combines a short delay for texture, a stereo flanger for width, and a long, psychedelic delay to create a rich, ethereal sound. By routing the long delay into a spring reverb and the widener, Stuart enhances the psychedelic atmosphere and expands the soundstage. To maintain clarity and prevent the effects from overwhelming the dry vocal, Stuart heavily compresses the effects returns, ensuring they remain controlled within the mix. This approach allows the effects to be prominent without overshadowing the vocal's presence. Additionally, he employs sidechain compression on the long delay, ducking it with the dry vocal to preserve intelligibility and keep the vocal at the forefront.
Tape Notes Podcast
Create a focal point with strategic panning
Four Tet demonstrates how simple it is to use strategic panning techniques to make an element stand out and give the mix a focal point. By keeping all other elements panned centrally in mono, the wide, stereo bass becomes the prominent and exciting feature of the track, effectively building tension and adding width. This distinct panning position draws the listener's attention when the bass comes in, making it a standout moment in the mix. This approach highlights the bass as a key element, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the overall impact of the mix.
Mix with the Masters
Building tension with subtle tempo automation
Daniel Nigro, working with Olivia Rodrigo, uses tempo automation in Pro Tools to enhance the drama and groove of a piano-driven track. The song starts at 135 BPM, drops 1 BPM for the chorus to deepen the groove, and ends at 136 BPM to create a smooth transition. The recording process involved experimenting with different pianos, ultimately settling on a Steinway at Sunset Sound Studios. Post-recording, Olivia wanted the piano slowed further, requiring Nigro to manually edit transients and extending the notes to maintain a natural sound without artifacts. The piano was captured using C12A microphones for the main sound and an M49 for the low end. Nigro chose to avoid compression, allowing the piano's dynamics to naturally build tension and drama throughout the track.
Mix with the Masters
Building intensity: From dry to slap delay vocals
Ben Baptie uses effects automation to build intensity in a vocal track by transitioning from a completely dry sound to incorporating a slap delay. Starting with no reverb or effects, the dry vocal allows the song to begin with a raw, intimate feel. As the song progresses, Baptie introduces slap delay to create a secondary rhythm, enhancing the vocal's interaction with tightly picked guitar parts. This technique not only adds depth but also creates syncopation between the vocals and instruments, enhancing the song's rhythmic cohesion and dynamic feel. By carefully timing the introduction of effects, Baptie ensures that each verse feels more intense and engaging, even if the musical elements remain similar.
Mix with the Masters
Take away a note to make the chorus pop
Tchad Blake shares a clever trick to make the chorus pop by removing a note from the bassline just before the chorus. This technique creates a moment of emptiness that makes the following section feel more impactful and dynamic. By strategically taking away a note, Blake ensures the chorus stands out, adding excitement and emphasis to the song's structure.
Tape Notes Podcast
Building tension with effects automation on the mix bus
Jack Antonoff demonstrates how to create excitement and build tension using delay and modulation effects automation directly on the mix bus. He employs Soundtoys EchoBoy for delay and Soundtoys Tremolator for tremolo, showcasing how these effects can transform a section to feel entirely different. By applying these effects to the master, Antonoff can quickly shift the sonic landscape without getting into the minutiae of individual tracks. This approach allows for dramatic changes, such as making a bridge feel distinct or adding a pulsing movement to a section, enhancing the overall dynamics and interest of the track.
Tape Notes Podcast
Building tension using a filter on the bass
Bonobo uses a Prophet 5 synthesizer to build tension in a track by gradually opening the filter on the bass. This technique enhances the breadth and energy of the music, particularly when combined with the introduction of a drum break. In the first half of the track, the hypnotic and restrained vibe is maintained by holding back the drum break, allowing listeners to settle into a tranquil, trance-like state. The energy rises significantly when the filter opens and the drum break enters, creating a dynamic shift. Bonobo reflects on the rapid creation of the track, completed in just one or two days, and describes the emotional journey of enjoying the process so much that its completion felt bittersweet. This insight into the creative process highlights the joy and spontaneity that can accompany music production.