Best ways to add depth to a mix

[eLawnMust]

Double it up then add flange then add phaser, EQ the hell then tell everyone that is exactly what you were going for>>>

[mjolnir]

There was once some kind of scientific study about something similar... I learned about it while in college. It was something like, combining several types of recordings and several varieties of mic placments together creates the most deep and interesting mixes. Of course I don't really use mics much yet, but it still works out... have lots of varieties of panning, autopanning, different stereo widths, and different bandpassed and non bandpassed audio at different center frequencies. Have some stuff unfiltered, have some low pass some high pass etctera. Basically keep it varied.

I recently was remembering this article because some of my source audio was plain mono and combined with wide stereo yielded a wierd contrast. But after several overdubs of other material with other settings, it blended together okay.

And of course, during the 1990s and 80s and 70s a lot of source material was mono. Stereophonics was added later.
And people who mix drums know this... you can get super powerful drums from a combo of mono and stereo sources.
And there's tons of mic placement tricks.

Personally, I find that it's good to have some stuff that's somewhat out of phase. Don't be a purist about having everything in phase unless you just like mono.

Also, i find that like high pass and low pass filtering, sometimes it's good to boost the bass of treble instruments to get their fullness back. It's hard to describe though.

I also try to avoid reverb and delay and effects on synths. When the raw oscillators and filters sound good, they are at their peak power. But it's still good to have some effected sounds just for contrast.

Generally, I find that depth comes from contrast.

[Ah_Dziz]

Volume and EQ are the biggest factors for pushing something "back". I generally use a reverb with a natural room response (way more bass than you'd expect) on those sounds I want to push back.

[BlackOctopusSteve]

Contrast.

You want things that are different happening together, ie:

Something upfront in the mix? Push something to the back.

Something harsh or edgy? Have something soft and smooth.

Have something loud? Have other things quiet.

Have something mono and centered in the mix? Have other elements that are wide only.

Having layers of things that are characteristically different is what creates depth.

[BlackOctopus_Slade]

Another important aspect in mixing with depth is the way you set the soundstage between parts. You can actually tug on the emotional feel of a song with how different the depth is between sections. An example is with pop I tend to keep verses more narrow and as prechorus into chorus hit the width and depth opens up. Using fx on backings, automation of image on the mixbus, extra layers of melodic elements and pannings that become wider on the bigger parts (chorus), can open up the chorus vs the verses. Another cool thing about this is when you get to the second verse or bridge and you (often) happen to have another layer or element to work with, you can give this one a bit more nuanced depth vs the other verse giving a touch more emotion or creative space vs the first one. Great to help progress a song musically and keep the listener invested until the end.

[BlackOctopusSteve]

Fire answer above right here

[ohsomiggz]

I did just release a plugin today that has the main purpose of adding depth. It’s Marco and it’s got an xy grid and uses a chain, IR modeling and some other stuff to simulate soundstage placement. I haven’t gotten any outside feedback on it yet so I’d love if you gave the demo a try and let me know if it’s what you’re looking for.

[ohsomiggz]

the demo can be downloaded from http://brucejames.studio it’s only windows vst3 right now while I ensure the MacOS side works but I hope to get those and Clap with extra features out ASAP

[BlackOctopus_Slade]

Keen to check that plugin out! Thanks

[andivax]

First of all, the arrangement + mixing tricks.
Pan, filter and reverb are your best friends.
Then "fake" stereo wideners on the Master Bus like GHZ MidSide or StageOne.

[SybilSztorm]

Are you talking about space and stereo or 3dness, bloom and analog realism?

Depth can mean two things and the ways to achieve them are completely different.

[apan]

In addition to what has already been said, I found this concept pretty interesting:

[HAL76]

Layering, double tracking, delays ...

[steven961302]

One often overlooked tool for depth is Transient Shaping. Sharp, snappy transients feel like they are 'in your face' (front), while softer, tucked-away transients feel further back.

Also, try using Early Reflections instead of long reverb tails. It defines the size of the room without washing out the mix. If everything is drenched in reverb, you lose the contrast needed to perceive depth. Keeping your lead vocal or kick dry is what makes the distant pads actually feel deep!

[HAL76]

Learn prompting and ask MS Copilot. Really!