Author Topic: Mixing an arp on top of a drop synth  (Read 7295 times)

bioh.trevor

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Mixing an arp on top of a drop synth
« on: June 12, 2016, 09:01:27 pm »
So I'm working on a track that has a lead arp over a saw synth, and was just curious what methods you guys used to make the Arp sit on top without losing too much of the main synth. I was assuming for sidechain you'd want a quick attack and short release, since the arp will be playing a lot of notes. I'll leave some references and the WIP below, in general it's the same idea as mixing a lead on top of a chord/synth but there's a lot going on which is stumping me.

Ref #1: Time 1:14
https://soundcloud.com/just-a-gent/loaded-feat-melissa-ramsay

Ref #2: 2nd drop 3:10
https://soundcloud.com/dontloveme/hurry-rmx?in=officialjupe/sets/hurry-remixes

WIP:
https://soundcloud.com/biohmusic/bioh-x-blank-new-collabo-new-direction-save/s-X0L5D



Scribit

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Re: Mixing an arp on top of a drop synth
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2016, 11:43:23 pm »
Before I start I want to make the point that there are LOADS of ways of mixing two synths together that may hit similar frequency areas. This is simply using the examples you gave me and saying how they mixed their arp.

The three main things I would bring up are firstly your arp is a lot wetter than the other examples you gave. The supersaw is also very wet, meaning they both sit back a little to the same degree. Maybe consider drying your arp so that it hits harder to the listener. Secondly, you can consider panning. Now, I wouldn't say hard panning, but just push it slightly to the left or right. Alternatively, duplicate the arp so that you have two of the same, and hard pan one to the left and one to the right, see how that sounds. Thirdly, and potentially your best choice, would be to make your arp more 'pluck-y'. This seems to be an effect used by both examples you gave. All it entails is using the mod env on the oscillator(s) pitch, then adding a slight decay (by slight I mean <150ms). Experiment with this, and you'll find you get a nice sharp attack to the synth that can make it cut through the mix nicely. One thing to be wary of with this is if you have heavy compression on the synth, as that can destructively alter the effect. Try experimenting with no compression on your effects chain if you have some, as it will give you a more accurate idea of whether the effect is working.

Hope this helps :)
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Arktopolis

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Re: Mixing an arp on top of a drop synth
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2016, 07:05:18 am »
Also, just turn it up in volume. In both examples you gave, the arps are much louder than the other synths.

yellowliar

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Re: Mixing an arp on top of a drop synth
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2016, 06:19:55 am »
most times i slap on an eq (to get rid of unnecessary frequencies) and then a compressor on the arp, lower the threshhold and turn up the makeup gain so that it sounds louder than the drop synth. and that's pretty much it actually.

Kinetiik

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Re: Mixing an arp on top of a drop synth
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2016, 01:23:28 pm »
honestly it's all about using the right frequencies and some reverb. I always used to try and mash sounds together whether it be samples or varying pads but I realized that making cohesive works is more about choosing sounds that fit together from the get go rather than trying to EQ the shit out of both sounds to "make" them work.

Play with the stereo field. I like to use dry pads and reverby ARPs. Also, try using sine waves or triangles for the arps if you have super saw type pads. They may sound a bit boring on their own but can honestly fit like a glove with the right drop synth.

Hope this helps ^>^
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