I'm referring to, for example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2gQSzJBA_Y and https://youtu.be/zuAo4pIap3M , but this is generally true of his sound. Any beat of most of his recent work sounds rich and fat on its own, like a story. And then the synths... pure bliss!
Recently, I purchased his Masterclass from Aulart, and for the most part, I'm using the same tools that he is. The Kick 2 plugin, a Moog Sub 37, an SH-101, etc. Even when I am using similar patches, I have no success in coming close to that sound.
I mean, there's only so much you can do with a straight kick, generated by the same plugin, so I would rule out "playing" something wrong.
I'm obviously sidechaining my bass and other relevant instruments, using EQ to separate frequencies, I use Waves Aphex and Virtualizer plugins to add excitement, but my tracks still sound thin and bland in comparison.
So, I assumed that the issue might be saturation. I'm using Decapitator, NI Drive, Ableton Saturation, some ToneBoosters stuff, but it doesn't fix it.
This leads me to believe that there is more processing, perhaps some outboard, analog gear adding more "excitement" and color, as I know that he uses some specific mix consoles and analog gear.
What do you think is the main element behind turning making his sound so rich and deep?
Why is Rodriguez Jr's sound rich and fat, while mine sound thin and bland?
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thecontrolcentre thecontrolcentre https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=76240 - KVRAF
- 35171 posts since 27 Jul, 2005 from the wilds of wanny
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- Patchmeister
- 1774 posts since 3 Nov, 2010
You would have to show what you have. If you have a drumloop or small part of a song and what part of the song you're referring to so we can understand what you mean.
It's like saying why does my steak not taste like the one cooked by the chef.
Without tasting yours or seeing how you made it it's hard to know.
It's like saying why does my steak not taste like the one cooked by the chef.
Without tasting yours or seeing how you made it it's hard to know.
CHOOSX Remakes on my Youtube Channel
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 102 posts since 23 Dec, 2010 from SK
One of the reasons why I'm asking is that Rodriguez Jr uses very minimal processing ITB, and I have a Live Project by him and the audio samples and loops are just tasty. So the magic has to happen outside, before it gets recorded.CHOOS wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:05 pm You would have to show what you have. If you have a drumloop or small part of a song and what part of the song you're referring to so we can understand what you mean.
It's like saying why does my steak not taste like the one cooked by the chef.
Without tasting yours or seeing how you made it it's hard to know.
For me, the question boils down to what gear/technique might be used in these scenarios to get close to these results. As in, if you have a kick and snare sample - what would you do to it to make it tasty like in his tracks, aside from EQ, comp & a saturation plugin, or two?
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- Patchmeister
- 1774 posts since 3 Nov, 2010
I only just now got a chance to listen to the tracks
Once you put a atmosphere/pad sound behind the groove it'll sound so much fuller.
You can hear it straight away when the track starts. Beats on their own usually sound too empty so they need some help
The 2nd haw a fuller shaker loop which helps and a full 808 under the kick going in and some added percussion.
It's minimal but you do need to fill up the minimalism somewhat
Once you put a atmosphere/pad sound behind the groove it'll sound so much fuller.
You can hear it straight away when the track starts. Beats on their own usually sound too empty so they need some help
The 2nd haw a fuller shaker loop which helps and a full 808 under the kick going in and some added percussion.
It's minimal but you do need to fill up the minimalism somewhat
CHOOSX Remakes on my Youtube Channel
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- Patchmeister
- 1774 posts since 3 Nov, 2010
By the way this is a really good video on filling up drums. Slightly different genre but you can do similar things for your own loops
https://youtu.be/S8kGdCh55QQ
https://youtu.be/S8kGdCh55QQ
CHOOSX Remakes on my Youtube Channel
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- Patchmeister
- 1774 posts since 3 Nov, 2010
No worries
If you have a loop made and want to where the stems or full loop even I'm sure people in the threads will give you some suggestions
If you have a loop made and want to where the stems or full loop even I'm sure people in the threads will give you some suggestions
CHOOSX Remakes on my Youtube Channel
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- KVRAF
- 3538 posts since 12 Jan, 2019
In first song, his pad is quiet and builds but is still behind everything. Panning helps keep things distinct. Narrowing the stereo field on some sounds--or making them mono--can help. EQ-ing the reverb with high-pass cutoff somewhere around 400-600 Hz can make for a cleaner low end. High cutting everything but the hihats and maybe snare above 7000 Hz can make them stand out. Of course you probably side-chain kick and base, but with Track Spacer or Smart:comp or something similar, you can side-chain away other clashing instruments. Automating an EQ to shift to more dry signal when a sound that covers the whole spectrum is playing by itself can preserve some of those nifty sounds (just have to be careful as it can become too noticeable a shift). Just some things to consider if you haven't already.
Doing nothing is only fun when you have something you are supposed to do.
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- KVRian
- 712 posts since 26 Jul, 2018 from Germany
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- KVRAF
- 15269 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Sprinkle on some pixie dust ofcourse!delaiah wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 3:29 pm For me, the question boils down to what gear/technique might be used in these scenarios to get close to these results. As in, if you have a kick and snare sample - what would you do to it to make it tasty like in his tracks, aside from EQ, comp & a saturation plugin, or two?
Sorry to break the news, but magic is no part of it. All there is is what you have written down:
- start with good source material
- prepare it the best way you can
If you want to learn, you need to listen critically to your own work and be able to put a finger on what may be improved. That is yet another learning process, so I think you need help from others to point that out.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 102 posts since 23 Dec, 2010 from SK
Thanks for the suggestions!Dirtgrain wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 9:39 pm In first song, his pad is quiet and builds but is still behind everything. Panning helps keep things distinct. Narrowing the stereo field on some sounds--or making them mono--can help. EQ-ing the reverb with high-pass cutoff somewhere around 400-600 Hz can make for a cleaner low end. High cutting everything but the hihats and maybe snare above 7000 Hz can make them stand out. Of course you probably side-chain kick and base, but with Track Spacer or Smart:comp or something similar, you can side-chain away other clashing instruments. Automating an EQ to shift to more dry signal when a sound that covers the whole spectrum is playing by itself can preserve some of those nifty sounds (just have to be careful as it can become too noticeable a shift). Just some things to consider if you haven't already.
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- KVRAF
- 9790 posts since 18 Aug, 2007 from NYC
Mixing and mastering. There’s going to be saturation added, compressors added and stereo widening tools used at different stages.
My advice is to worry about the content, and if the goal is to self release then start the mixing and mastering journey.
Don’t get stuck in layering. It’s important to know when it’s needed but much of what you’re hearing is not about layering. It’s starting at the mixing stage.
You’re going to be amazed at how full you can make sounds with some solid mixing skills.
My advice is to worry about the content, and if the goal is to self release then start the mixing and mastering journey.
Don’t get stuck in layering. It’s important to know when it’s needed but much of what you’re hearing is not about layering. It’s starting at the mixing stage.
You’re going to be amazed at how full you can make sounds with some solid mixing skills.
