Tips for layering VSTi's?

[AMD]

Hi,

Please tell me if I should move this to another Section in the forum.
My question is; what tips do you have when layering VSTi's? You know, to avoide potential mixing problems. I mainly use Junno VSTi, Plastic and Vanguard.

Thanks for discussing.

[ouroboros]

yes, a mod will probably move this to sound design.

I'm a bit unclear as to your question: usually one layers synths to occupy the same frequency band for one composite sound. It sounds like you are asking for mixing tips, and how to keep the individual synths in separate frequency ranges. Is this correct?

[AMD]

It sounds like you are asking for mixing tips, and how to keep the individual synths in separate frequency ranges. Is this correct?

Yes, except that it is the number of knobs that each VSTi have which made me ask the question. I thought mixing two VST instruments that have differnt kind of filters to make patches is a bit more complicated than mixing finished sound tracks. Do patches take different procedures than mixing full sound tracks as the two mixed patches are played at the exact time and stop together which doesn't necessarily happen with the normal mixing.

Thanks.

[bduffy]

Hmmm. I don't understand that...

[AMD]

Well, sorry if the above doesn't make any sense. I'll ask it with an example; is it wrong or problematic to combine two or three saw waves (layered from different synths) to make a lead/pad sound for example?

Hope this is clearer.

[deaf dunderkwac]

Well, sorry if the above doesn't make any sense. I'll ask it with an example; is it wrong or problematic to combine two or three saw waves (layered from different synths) to make a lead/pad sound for example?

Hope this is clearer.

no YMMV however. Just watch the mix levels.

yes. clearer

[AMD]

Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:26 am

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AMD wrote:
Well, sorry if the above doesn't make any sense. I'll ask it with an example; is it wrong or problematic to combine two or three saw waves (layered from different synths) to make a lead/pad sound for example?

Hope this is clearer.

no YMMV however. Just watch the mix levels.

yes. clearer

Thanks. That was useful

[bduffy]

Well, sorry if the above doesn't make any sense. I'll ask it with an example; is it wrong or problematic to combine two or three saw waves (layered from different synths) to make a lead/pad sound for example?

Hope this is clearer.

Totally fine. Typically, you use one synth with two osciallators to make a saw lead, for example, but layering sounds is perfectly normal and a good way to get big sounds. Like for basslines, you can have one synth handling the upper, wider sounds, and one doing the beefier sub parts. Really, it's just best to try.

Thanks for explaining again, I just couldn't quite get it from what you were saying.

[AMD]

AMD wrote:
Well, sorry if the above doesn't make any sense. I'll ask it with an example; is it wrong or problematic to combine two or three saw waves (layered from different synths) to make a lead/pad sound for example?

Hope this is clearer.
Totally fine. Typically, you use one synth with two osciallators to make a saw lead, for example, but layering sounds is perfectly normal and a good way to get big sounds. Like for basslines, you can have one synth handling the upper, wider sounds, and one doing the beefier sub parts. Really, it's just best to try.

Thanks alot for the information:) Any other tips for layering sustained ensable pads?

[bduffy]

AMD wrote:
Well, sorry if the above doesn't make any sense. I'll ask it with an example; is it wrong or problematic to combine two or three saw waves (layered from different synths) to make a lead/pad sound for example?

Hope this is clearer.
Totally fine. Typically, you use one synth with two osciallators to make a saw lead, for example, but layering sounds is perfectly normal and a good way to get big sounds. Like for basslines, you can have one synth handling the upper, wider sounds, and one doing the beefier sub parts. Really, it's just best to try.

Thanks alot for the information:) Any other tips for layering sustained ensable pads?

For pads? Hmmm...well, typically, I don't layer pads much, but it does happen. Personally, I'd look for one that's smooth and dull, kind of your classic "pop" pad, then mix in something sweeping and complex. But usually, I would just find or make a pad that sounds pretty close to what I imagine, then add delay, chorus or reverb to thicken it up, if needed.

[tERMoBLUe]

i like layering of shapes by fruityloops ...cya

<2°TRo²³

[AMD]

i like layering of shapes by fruityloops

I own FLs , but what do you mean by layering of shapes?

[Benedict]

Layering is one of those things that can yeild wonderful sounds but it is best to either:

- build an uber sound and compose around it or
- have a piece and then layer sounds inside

to get the mix to sound great

There are no rules that are specifically differnt to mixing in general.

Layering will naturally create chorusing, phase/frequency cancellations and summations, all the usual stuff but your ears will tell you if you have gold or mud.

[keyman_sam]

Layering naturally is what I do. i.e. playing a lead part, and then add pads...does it sound good? yes, i keep it. No, i try to tone down the reverb...perhaps EQ?...still no? then dump the patch, try leaving it just with the bass...or layer with another bass....etc. I just experiment till something sounds good then I keep it.

[AMD]

- build an uber sound and compose around it or

Do you mean a basic sound to start with?

- have a piece and then layer sounds inside

Also I didn't get what you mean by that?

Thanks everyone for the support!