I probably waste so much time fretting over whether I think a part can be 'better' than actually writing.
Maybe not a negative thought totally, but it's similar. It really halts my process and it sucks.

Example A about why you should be versioning and why you always make a new project when bouncing to audio. You can always go back.

Quote from: triartmusic on January 12, 2016, 01:17:28 pm

Hey eMD,

First of all, there are two types of main reverbs; Convolution and Algorithmic. Convolution Reverbs - in this case, I assume you use VSTs to achieve reverberation - use real sound samples, recorded from live environments, known as "Impulse Responses". Since they use real sound samples, they create more "realistic tail" and feeling of reverb. Effect process of convolution reverbs basically mix your signal with filtered signals that you want to achieve. So you can think that for one sound, you basically process two sounds. Therefore, it has a huge impact on your CPU as well as your DAWs performance.

As you can guess from the name, Algorithmic Reverbs create paramaters to mock "realistic tail" to generate reverbration. All of DAWs come from one or more algorithmic reverbs. In my opinion, algorithmic reverbs sound okay when you apply on ambiance sounds, FX etc. If you apply on solo instruments or real instruments, it does not give that realistic feeling.

I'd recommend you to use convolution reverb on synths, snares etc. where you can use algorithmic reverbs to give little bit more space to additional/extra sounds on your track.

If you're an Ableton user, they do great job with their custom reverbs. If you'd like to use another VST for reverb, you can try Arts Acoustic for algorithmic reverb (I am sure that lot of producer friends in this forum use it) and Liquid Sonics Reverbrate for convolution.

Personally, I only have maximum 4 reverb (two algorithmic, two convolution) bus track to achieve reverbration in my tracks. That way, I minimize CPU usage and do not create muddy, non-realistic mix.

Thanks for the response! I was wondering where Valhalla Vintage Verb falls in this?

I do use Ableton, my follow up question would be do most people use reverb on returns or on buses? I find I have more control when using buses. What are some pros and cons?

Using a bus consumes less cpu and makes it so your soundscape doesn't have a million different reverbs.

I can't think of any cons for using buses, it's more just preference. Sometimes, I use. Sometimes, I don't. It depends on the sound I'm going for really.

I think a good question is: what should a full frequency spectrum look like?
I can look at the spectrum anlyzer, but how do I know what is lacking?

Seven Lions explained on a video once, that he bounced all the time his Supersaw and cut the tail of it. So it's super wet in the middle, but when the supersaws stops, it's dry again and there's no left over.

this guy. I use this technique and it's great especially if you're going for very dynamic switches in songs much like Seven Lions or Xilent or really any melodic dub producer. I really bounce everything to audio for final mixing/mastering. Just super helpful visually.

Don't have your supersaws play that high in the octave or detune them to make them less prominent. You could roll off a bit, but I think that would probably destroy your sound.

Edit* If you do roll off the top, you can replace with some white noise to replace the sound and still retain a lot of the notes and melody.

A key element in music production is consistency. Working 4 hours in a day and then taking a break of 2 days, is not being consistent.

Instead you want to set up a time for ever day. For instance in my case, I produce about 90 minutes a day with a break after 45 minutes. Within these 90 minutes I put up a small goal. I might start with melody & chords and a basic sound idea. This is my main goal for first 45 minutes. After the break I will arrange it into my pre-made arrangement. When the 90 minutes are over, I'm done. I don't produce longer, nor shorter. If shorter, I organize what I made to keep me busy.

After building up consistency, goals are another important subject. Before you start you should set up a goal for your session. Make it a small one. Don't do more. Sure you can do more and work longer. But you create a higher chance to fudge* everything up. With smaller and less goals per session, you'll gain more satisfaction and motivation. Simply because of the fact you accomplished something today.

I hope this helps you a little bit. It's all a mind game, which can be easily overcome with small steps.

This!

I started saying to myself: today I will work on transitions for this song and that's it. I just do that for about 2 hours and I make it really tight. (Don't underestimate transition importance in song energy.) Then when my goal is complete: I either stop or just mess around with things that maybe aren't necessary but it's all gravy from there. Spending time everyday is important to keep your skills from getting rusty.....now if only I had that same commitment with my piano lessons.