How to get a more dense lead, pad and/or bass sound

[dennis1710]

Hi,

After working with many different synths (digital and analog), of course the character of a synth itself plays a big role on how to make a dense and punchy sounding lead, pad or bass, but I'm wondering what techniques you're using to fatten up your sounds in case of they seem to thin for you.

Regards,
Dennis

[cprompt]

Distortion. Distortion and/or clipping, but mainly distortion. And compression. Distortion, clipping and compression. But mainly distortion.

Find yourself a nice saturation plugin, there are loads out there, and crank it until you can just hear the distortion in the full mix, then back it off a bit. This increases the RMS of the track as well as adding harmonics, all of which make it cut through and fatten it up.

[Robmobius]

You should always add parallel FX. Such as distortion, phasers, flangers, etc.

[pixel85]

If synth sounds thin by itself - I'm changing it to another which sound powerful without need for additional processing It's the most effective, fastest and best way to do it BUT it's not always the case so:

For bass I like to add Pultec type of EQ, not to boost low end but to change character (I like free Acustica Basstard plugin for that). Of course saturation is the next option. Saturation is good for everything I like to add Vertigo VSM-3 which can add more or less subtle saturation and bring bass upfront in busy arrangement without making it a proper distorted bass sound.

For Lead/Pad I like to add depth by enhancing Side of M/S. Once again VSM-3 is my goto plugin for that. Then some kind of reverb like Plate/Hall but preferred is Plate because it doesn't simulate any room (don't push the sound to the back of the sound stage). EQ to boost highs - I like to abuse high end Also a bit of boost for low end + HPF everything with gentle slopes. I like emulations like Acustica Pink EQ, Waves Cla MixHub or BX 2098 EQ.
For Lead from time to time I'm using parallel mixing with heavy compression/saturation and chorus/flanger/stereo enhancer.

I remember first VST instruments. Times where it was a real pain and a lot of effort to beef up those tiny sounding synths. I'm so glad that today we have synths which require bare minimum EQ (or nothing at all) to sound fat/powerful. When possible I will always recommend investment in great sounding synth to minimize the work of beefing up thin sounding synths.

[crimsonwarlock]

Just a few tips, at the basic sound level:

- Leads: very slightly de-tuned oscillators make a lead slide through a mix. The characteristic 3 oscillator MiniMoog lead sound is a prime example (and one of the reasons for it's success in prog rock).

- Pads: a little bit more detuned oscillators, combined with wave modulation (like pulse width mod). Of course chorus, delay and reverb do a lot for pads.

- Bass: If you use de-tuning (it's a possibility) then keep it tight. The most important thing is octaved oscillators (like sub-bas osc). Also use something to keep the low end mono (like the free A1StereoControl by Alex Hilton).

[Distorted Horizon]

Saturation, chorus, layering...

[dennis1710]

Thanks everyone for all the recommendations.

When designing sounds I'm usually making use of detuning oscillators, so I guess I need to play around more with distortion, saturation and compression. When it comes to compression, do you have any VST plugins and/or settings that you would recommend the most for the purpose of sound design (rather than mastering)?

[NeonNightflyer]

Thanks everyone for all the recommendations.

When designing sounds I'm usually making use of detuning oscillators, so I guess I need to play around more with distortion, saturation and compression. When it comes to compression, do you have any VST plugins and/or settings that you would recommend the most for the purpose of sound design (rather than mastering)?

Xfer's OTT is one of the best and it's free. I like using MJUC as well for compression, saturation, and overall density. I also use Spectre for multiband saturation. It works wonders on everything and easily adds thickness and clarity.

[dennis1710]

Thanks everyone for all the recommendations.

When designing sounds I'm usually making use of detuning oscillators, so I guess I need to play around more with distortion, saturation and compression. When it comes to compression, do you have any VST plugins and/or settings that you would recommend the most for the purpose of sound design (rather than mastering)?

Xfer's OTT is one of the best and it's free. I like using MJUC as well for compression, saturation, and overall density. I also use Spectre for multiband saturation. It works wonders on everything and easily adds thickness and clarity.

Oh nice, it's even freeware. I'll give it a try. Thanks!