I was going to use IK's 670 compressor, but I don't really want to compress them. So I am looking for a good, pref free, distortion that might just warm it up a bit. I used to have a license for D16 Group's Redoptor which I remember doing a good job at warming guitar strings. I wish I never sold it now. Another good example would be Sampletank's "tone" effect.
I am in the R'n'B genre by the way.
Any suggestions would be most grateful.

What exactly is the problem w/ the brass? Is it tinny? Thin? Too bright? Poorly recorded? Bad mics? Any possibility of posting a 2 second clip? I think the practical recommendations you get will have to be driven from actually hearing the source of your problem... a proper solution may (or probably will?) involve more than one process... my $.02.

Hi kbaccki, thank you for your reply.
It's not so much as a problem, they just need a little warming up.
I played the brass parts using Yellow Tools Independence Pro. They sound good but just need a little extra warmth.

Voxengo warmifier

Try Bootsie TesslaPRO

http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/the-magic-is- where-the-transient-happens/

Thanks for the reply folks!
Warmifier looks good but I just spent some cash on other things lately. I'll have a look as Tesla Pro. I do have a lot of bootsie's plugs and Im sure I've got it already, just never thought about it.

The saturation from Thrillseeker LA - turn the "range" knob to 0 and turn up the input to taste.

I see your Voxengo warmifier and raise you a TubeAmp!

Psp Mixsaturator and Vintage Warmer

http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/dynamic_processors/
Last edited by Krakatau on Sun Jun 03, 2012 12:25 pm; edited 1 time in total

Are they going to be a horn section that is slightly in the background but still present?

Some slight chorus/doubling with the dry/wet mix on the low side, a little overdrive, some reverb and stereo widening go a long way. Try something that does an overdriven tape like distortion. Try the saturation in TAL's plugins, like TAL-Tube.

I did the ska brass section in this song using only free plugins. Starting at 1:02 (2nd verse)
http://soundcloud.com/metalifuxx/ska-la-la-la-lah

I was going for an old school ska dub reggae sound. I don't know if they sound convincing or not, but that was using DSK Brass (trumpet). I just wanted some sort of horn section sound, but I had to thicken them up somehow and add some grit to make it sound less "synthy". Also playing the right chords helps, using triad 3 note chords, and simpler the better. If it is only a solo single note riff, then you might have some trouble with realism. Try to think of the limitations a real horn/brass player would have and the proper octave/note range the instrument would be played in. I also pictured this wall of horn players on a stage with the sound just punching me in the face ever so slightly from being in the audience.
Last edited by metalifuxx on Sun Jun 03, 2012 12:28 pm; edited 1 time in total

Ooops ...not free, sorry !

Rs-Met Func Shaper would be my favorite, try the saturation and tube presets.

Good call... was going to suggest that as well... nice little number for a freebie jeebie, and could be all he needs for a little warmth and saturation... like a wet diaper, 'cept not so gross...

Not a just a distortion, but I love Rough Draft EQ22 for just this job. Whack the distortion up to 3/4s ish and above and things start to crackle nicely. It's free.

Thanks everyone for their suggestions. I will look forward to trying them out.
The brass is a single note play but doubled. Luckily, for those who are not familiar with Yellow Tools's Independence Pro, the pop brass section is pretty good with variations on playing. The brass section in the track are chorus support.

I've just uploaded a demo version on soundcloud (without claps on snare):

http://soundcloud.com/michael-borealiz/michael-borealiz-fall en-angel