It does seem that volume automation is becoming more and more the go to sidechain technique which is kinda cool

With melodies and harmonies, unless you have decent understanding of theory and/or are a instrumentalist of some sort, it'll come easier to you by just messing around. A lot of people come up with melodies and chords by playing in random notes, moving them around, and eventually they find something they like.

One thing you could note is what notes are in the key of your song, then messing with those notes specifically. That way, you know the notes you're playing will all sound good

Nice notes  thanks for sharing!

I treat almost all production forums like an /r/explainlikeimfive thread since I'm basically the biggest newbie you can find. I'm good at melodies and composition but my mixing/mastering skill is basically nonexistent, I don't even know all of the terminology, and when it comes to sound design I basically go open Massive, pick a random preset, modify a few knobs to get a cooler sound and then go save the patch. I really need help on how to improve past this.

For now, in regards to this thread, how do I make the synth in the drop of Grey's "Where Are U Now" remix? I know there is some percussion going on in the back to get that "hiss" effect but for the synth itself, I'm looking to make it in Massive.

https://soundcloud.com/grey/where-are-u-now-grey-remix#t=0:54

I'd refer to the Flume synth thread someone started. They both have the automated attack element so you might get some tips there.

Quote from: False 9 on January 07, 2016, 03:08:36 am

I've actually got a question thats really similar to this, when you guys make electro, bass heavy tracks, do you leave the main bass' sub region on or chop it and throw on a dedicated sub? I usually do the 2nd technique but im curious as to how other people do it.

I would chop of the bass and have a dedicated sub works for me haha

I think its really important to seperate things into all the different layers. Never try and get 'the perfect' bass sound with amazing sub as well as amazing grit. It doesnt exist. Separate things into 2/3/4 layers so that you have full control of its overall sound.

Essentially, I think Mat was focusing on the theoretical side to it. Mastering is essentially stepping away from the individual elements of the song that you've spent way too long mixing and just looking at it as one track. Shoving a load of processing on the master chain is essentially mixing, as you are still in the headspace of mixing the track and you'll likely go back and edit individual parts mid master section processing.

There's not really a right or wrong answer. If you wanna call putting a limiter on the master chain mastering, you're no more wrong then the rest of us. I'm just saying I think what I wrote above was the message Mat was trying to put across.

Inb4 I completely misinterpreted Mat.

It kinda grinds my gears when people say don't mix with headphones, only monitors. As long as you know your headphones, and constantly reference with other tracks you like, there isn't a problem.