Layering Sounds?

[CoreyJayzMusic]

hey guys i know this is probably a trial and error process, but any advice would help, maybe some "theories" on how some of you guys work with layering synths and sounds.

ive made a couple synths like this, but basically i got lucky, just kinda happened...

maybe some advice on eqing or something, im working on a synth now and i really want it have a "big/full" sound, even a little dirty, get some of those harmonics working

[Garry Knight]

While you're waiting for the experts, do you know about this free ebook for programming synth patches?

[JoshG567]

My ears aren't yet amazing with frequency discrimination, so I like to use Spectrum to help me get a sense of what frequencies make up different parts of my sounds' timbres. Then I do some "jigsaw" EQ where you cut/boost the same frequencies in opposing instruments to emphasize one over the other within particular ranges; add to one what you take from another and vice-versa.

Aside from that there's the envelopes to play with, whether by tweaking them up front in a synth or multing the signal through separate parallel chains in an audio effect rack dedicated to specific parts of that sound's envelope. In this vein one could also consider creative side-chaining to make some instruments command others' dynamics throughout the mix dependent on their envelope dynamics.

Speaking of frequency discrimination - I'm going to devote some time early next year to training, first at full octaves, then 2/3 and then maybe 1/3 if I can find a site/program that goes that fine. http://www.audiocheck.net/engineertrain ... octave.php

[Valiumdupeuple]

i got lucky, just kinda happened...

Try to maintain this kind of magic or happy "lucky" moments. Those things that "just kinda happen" are invaluable and better than any theory.

[ANONRSS]

stay in key, that's the most important thing. Unless you're doing some off kilter style of music.

I generally have 6 basic layers

drums (all over frequencies)
bass (low frequencies)
pad tones (low mid frequencies)
chords (mid frequencies)
leads (mid high frequencies)
vocals (mid high frequencies but never interfering with leads)
one shots (all over frequencies)

that being said there are ways to get the frequencies where you want them to go by analyzing the signals then using filters/EQ/compression-- the whole slew of audio effects that come with ableton can help immensely. You want to avoid overlapping of frequencies from different sources so that you don't muddle up your mix.

i can't go into how to do all of this now, but there are a TON of resources out there on youtube and in magazines and whatnot. GIYF

[JoshG567]

I know that I can only fit so much amplitude of any frequency at a time in the panorama, and as the density of the mix increases I'll cut less crucial but not unnecessary frequencies in a band on one track to make another higher priority track shine through in that band. Solo the cut instrument and it may not sound right, but in the full context of the mix the cut frequencies don't seem missing, they just seem BEHIND the other instrument.

Never tweak mix devices on solo tracks. Effects and tonal tweaking, sure, but otherwise learn to EQ and compress individual tracks by listening for their effect on EVERYTHING

[Winterpark]

Things to consider when layering sounds:
Frequency response, Phase alignment, Stereo Field, Spacial depth.

Each of these will have more or less importance depending on what material you are layering.

eg: For Synths/Pads: think about band-passing at different frequencies, giving each layer it's own space in the stereo field.