ADSR Bigger Drops Tips and Tricks

Before I get into the actual topic's guide here's a little introduction -

In generally I take notes on every tutorial I watch, and have compiled a pretty lengthy Word document containing all my notes. Over time, I will try and make threads with these notes.

Broad list of contents included:

Sylenth Masterclass
Massive Masterclass
Sound Design (Sylenth & Massive)
Sound Engineering
Mixing
Mastering
Compression (all forms)
Music Theory
Relevant Information, Tips, Tricks ...
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Now on to ADSR Tips to 'Bigger Drops'

This ADSR course is actually available for free on YouTube rather than via their website monthly subscription. I highly suggest watching the video, and only use my notes as a supplement. The video is extremely informative and shows you how everything is done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlX5zt1aGms&index=3&list=PLlsEknwQnAoTBNMJ2SUJAocUpXa05bE9d

PRE-DROP

1. If you do not have a good transition into your drop, the drop will not sound big
      a.   The ear is pretty stupid, it does not have a memory
      b.   Using wisps and white noise risers will get the ear ready for change and forget

2. Cut out the last 2-4 bars of bass frequency right before the drop, but still play the melody
      a.   Add drum loop in the 1-2 bars right before the drop

3. The average listener can discern between a decibel change (4dB is a lot of change)
      a.   The use of space is extremely important

BIGGER DROPS

1. Layering (*)
        a. You do not want to choose a layer sound that sounds very similar to your main lead
                  i. A layer is not a double, it is supposed to be an orchestra (bass, viola, cello)
                 ii. Do not choose a sound that is too dissimilar
2. Mid-Side EQing (*)
        a. One EQ -> mid only
                  i. This allows you to take out the low frequencies of the mid-range, as well as some highs
        b. One EQ -> side only
                  i. Boost 3,250 Hz range (human ear can hear this mid-range)
                 ii. Boost 6,700 to 30% less than “annoying” level
3. LFO Tool (*)
       a. Use it on an “Aux Send”
                  i. Bus 1 -> send to each layer
                 ii. Use sidechain compression
4. Tempo-Synced Reverb w/ Sidechain Compression (*)
        a. Vengeance V-Verb
                  i. Sync pre-delay to 1/8th note (or pick whichever you’d like)
                 ii. Mix -> 100%
        b. LFO Tool
                  i. Sidechain-compress tempo-synced reverb (low rate of Sidechain-compression)
5. Stereo Delay
        a. Helps fill out your mix