{"time":1743365102185,"blocks":[{"id":"-88Qumr4KP","type":"header","data":{"text":"Introduction: My Journey into Music Production","level":2}},{"id":"o4u9q9tMWf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Growing up in a school orchestra, playing guitar, learning percussion, and taking piano lessons fueled my passion for music. My parents exposed me to a diverse selection of rock, metal, hip-hop, jazz, and disco, broadening my musical horizons. Over time, my curiosity led me beyond music theory into advanced sound design and synthesis. I wanted to explore not just how to play music but how to create and manipulate sound itself."}},{"id":"nj5n4zR-k3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"As I progressed, I realized that refining my workflow was just as important as learning music theory. One of my biggest challenges was mixing while producing, or “mix as I go”. I used to think, \"I’ll fix it at the end,\" but that approach cost me a lot of time. Eventually, I picked up on techniques that helped me work faster and get better results. Below are some of the most effective effect chains I use in my production workflow that have completely transformed my process."}},{"id":"3B5kBknYXa","type":"header","data":{"text":"1. Mid/Side EQ: Controlling the Stereo Space","level":2}},{"id":"GuuX1qhIA4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What is Mid/Side EQ?

The purpose of Mid/Side EQ is to provide independent control over the mid (center) and side (left and right) frequencies of a sound. This technique allows for precise adjustments to the stereo image, making it possible to shape the tonal balance and spatial placement of an audio signal. By boosting or cutting frequencies in specific areas of the stereo field, Mid/Side EQ helps a sound blend seamlessly with others in a mix while maintaining clarity and depth."}},{"id":"13inMqn7Um","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"How You Can Use it to Improve Your Mix
"}},{"id":"bWzA3VViKa","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Keep the low-end centered for a tighter or (mono) bass response.  "]}},{"id":"shrHOelsJm","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Widen pads, vocals, or high-frequency elements without affecting clarity.  "]}},{"id":"Gr7eUoPUU0","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Reduces muddiness by cleaning up unnecessary frequencies on the sides.  "]}},{"id":"D5WpdZlCw5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Quick Tips: "}},{"id":"tY58pJCUkv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"- Use Mid/Side EQ to enhance stereo width while keeping key elements in focus. For example, clean up the low-end by cutting unnecessary frequencies from the sides, ensuring a punchy and clear mix.- Depending on where you expect your music to be played, understanding mono compatibility and stereo imaging can really make or break how your music is played on a professional sound system."}},{"id":"D-jyy2yyqZ","type":"header","data":{"text":" 2. Creating an Effect Rack for a Starting Point","level":2}},{"id":"7LUvIZCttN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Why an Effect Rack Speeds Up Creativity:
One of my favorite techniques for resampling any audio source is running it through my Atmosphere Rack. This custom effects chain allows me to instantly transform sounds into lush, ambient textures. Instead of searching for the perfect way to start a track, I use this method to generate an instant atmosphere, setting the mood and energy for my songs effortlessly."}},{"id":"tT1f-Ma1WC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Elements of a great Atmosphere rack:"}},{"id":"b8rZQw-pZm","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Filtering to control when lows or highs come in, shaping the movement of the sound.","Reverb to create space and depth, making the sound feel more expansive.","Delay to add movement and rhythm by extending the tails of the source.","Texture layers such as granular synthesis or noise for additional depth and complexity."]}},{"id":"IZ2fCnRKsZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"How to Set It Up:
Start by creating an effect chain in your DAW with a filter, reverb, and delay as the core elements. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance, but be mindful of excessive width—use ping pong delay or echo sparingly to prevent an overly washed-out sound."}},{"id":"GauVsSz-qh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"To add extra character, consider placing saturation somewhere in the chain. Applied sparingly, it can enhance reverb tails and bring out unique harmonics in the sound. A well-balanced combination of filtering, saturation, and spatial effects can create an evolving, feedback-like texture, adding depth and movement to your audio."}},{"id":"PctzTHE5fI","type":"header","data":{"text":" 3. Learning Your Reverbs: Picking the Right Space","level":2}},{"id":"26sj2j6miB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Why Understanding Reverbs Matters  "}},{"id":"p0VI3_0ohu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Not all reverbs are the same. Whether you want your audio to sound like it's close, or super far; knowing how plate, hall, room, and spring, and convolution reverbs effect your sound helps you create the right depth and atmosphere. "}},{"id":"AlBrDNwC2d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"When to Choose the Right Reverb:"}},{"id":"D509Lf0lvy","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Plate: Great for vocals and snares—adds brightness and character.  "]}},{"id":"im0jewMv6u","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Hall: Perfect for creating a massive, cinematic feel.  "]}},{"id":"BRJB78qzJj","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Room: Ideal for a natural, intimate sound.  "]}},{"id":"merNSEpPlZ","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Spring: Adds a vintage, bouncy texture, often used in guitar effects.  "]}},{"id":"pe2Du5G5a1","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Convolution: A reverb that uses Impulse Response to simulate a real world space or audio source.
"]}},{"id":"hUlOvtxfqK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"But... there are no strict rules for reverb so have fun!
Test them out and learn to appreciate the uniqueness of each one."}},{"id":"qAxfbhRaEh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Avoiding Muddy Mixes"}},{"id":"a22SHhh6Cq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A key technique for maintaining clarity in a mix is using parallel processing with EQ. Before applying reverb, I cut the low frequencies to prevent unwanted rumble in the wet signal. This keeps the mix clean and prevents excessive buildup in the low end."}},{"id":"R1MZ05h8X7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This approach works well across various effect chains. Ideally, you should filter out unwanted frequencies before they hit the effects; this ensures that only the desired frequencies are processed."}},{"id":"AUkJcJVd7v","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For example, if you want to add reverb to your drums but don’t want it affecting the kick, applying a high-pass filter will remove the low end before the signal reaches the reverb. This way, the wet signal stays free of unnecessary low-end frequencies, keeping the mix tight and focused."}},{"id":"_M263M__6R","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"[More in depth…]"}},{"id":"G42q5u30zp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Drum Reverb"}},{"id":"8vQSYU_jZ0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If your drums feel like they’re missing energy or vibe, it might be due to a lack of space. Applying reverb creatively can add depth, character, and cohesion to your drum mix. Don’t just limit it to the snare—subtly blending reverb on the entire drum bus can help glue everything together and create a more atmospheric, moody feel."}},{"id":"i-W7ETOEzW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"One of my favorite tricks for keeping drum reverb tight and controlled is using sidechain compression after the reverb. By sidechaining the reverb to the original drum source, the reverb dips whenever the dry signal plays, allowing the transient to cut through clearly. This creates a natural-sounding tail without overwhelming the mix or muddying the original sound."}},{"id":"3ybw8YQQPz","type":"header","data":{"text":" Conclusion: How These Techniques Speed Up Workflow","level":2}},{"id":"4Y1a4HR3-J","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Mid/Side EQ helped me mix as I go, keeping my sounds clear and well-placed in the stereo field.  "]}},{"id":"kuqEOtSw4T","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["The atmosphere rack became a go-to tool for instant inspiration, allowing me to build energy to start a song quickly.  "]}},{"id":"OShQgesjQV","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":["Mastering reverb selection gave my tracks a polished, professional depth without muddying the mix.  "]}},{"id":"Iq1EFACsZ6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"I adopted these techniques because they fit naturally into my workflow and allowed me to work more efficiently. Over time, I noticed patterns in my production process, so I streamlined them by creating effect chains I could rely on. I really enjoyed talking about effect chains in the previous and this article. There is so many different ways to go about it, and it’s also smart to save these effect chains as presets so you can use them again. As you build more and more, you will realize what difference it makes to order them effectively and how to shape your sound creatively."}},{"id":"X0zHaROiNY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"What are some go-to effect chains that have changed your workflow?
Share your experiences or favorite effect racks!"}}],"version":"2.30.7"}