• Enable Pre-Fader sends, so that the volume of the signal sent to the reverb is independent of the volume that the fader is set to.

Mussar, that makes so much sense, you explained it really nice and simply. I think another option I've heard if have another send but with a much more dramatic reverb. Now the question is when would one send two instruments or + to that dramatic send to live in the same space vs applying inserts. I guess the question is, when should instruments live in the same send VS applying inserts. I realize this is a matter of taste ultimately, but still interested to get your thoughts on that.

Also - What do you mean by what I quoted, "Enable Pre-Fader sends". How do you enable that typically and why would that be important? When would someone want reverb for an instrument that isn't quite loud enough yet.

Thanks for your input!

I know it's best to send EVERYTHING to your room reverb to "glue" all elements together.

BUT

If i want a sound to be drowned in verb, I struggle with understanding if i should send more of the element to the room OR adding an insert to it to effect the sound itself.

Thoughts?

you guys rock, thanks. Really like the idea of exploring cabinet use cases.. I havent really thought about using that.

its interesting how we shouldn't aim to have  everything sounding super high res/ stereo..

you know.. like in some cases super compresses/mono and vintage can be good..

The question is, how do you find the right balance? How is your dish best presented?

Think you're right.

First - awesome music ! I've just listened to it twice and for my ear everything is correct

Thanks! Cool, I feel like I have a decent understanding of mixdown concepts, time for mastering.

In efforts of trying to better understand song story telling and song arrangement I've broken down one of my favorite Odesza tracks.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2qrnw2qj0jork44/Odesza%20Bloom%20Arrangement%20Project.zip?dl=0

 I love doing this because I feel like everytime I do this I walk away with that much more of an intuitive understanding of arrangement. On the flipside, I also hate it because I've not only listened to the track so many times but followed each element through the track, the result is a little less magic when I hear the song.

All in all - I've noticed Odesza does a great job arranging, I think that's one of the reasons they are so mainstream, their arrangements "make sense" and feel right. They do a good job clarifying when you as a listener can expect something to happen.

They also do a great job of raising raising the energy during the chorus, in this track a body synth comes in (If anyone can guess what that is btw please do tell me how you think they made it). They have a vocal that runs only during the chorus, that vocal is higher in pitch than the other vocals.

The chord progression is really, really simple, that's one reason I love this track, they do a great job of keeping you interested in simple chords. Less is more, yet it's still complex with detail.

It sounds like they sampled some sort of strings as it's heard in some of the transitional sections and emphasized in the 4th chorus.

One note, they introduce a new lead (Marimba/Twinkle) sounds towards the end of the song. I can hear SoundToys crystallizer being used with that twinkle sound (echo reverse setting) I guess it keeps the mood interesting while retaining original sounds/progressions.

Enjoy! If anyone has done something similar please share your maps.

Hey New Patrol,

I appreciate the kind words! I like that idea. Going to think about that some when I work on this this weekend.

Thanks,
Alan

I really like this track.
I'd say at some point around 1:35, drop the percussion and put in something flowing and melodic.
Maybe piano? I feel like it holds together well, but could use a more defined theme, which you could
implement effectively by adding a non-chopped or bent section. Just to remind listeners what they're
listening to. Otherwise it's fantastic.

~NewPatrol