Adding Volume to Instruments without Distortion

Tips on creating instrumentals with music software

So we have all done it. You are inside of a instrumental you are making. You know it sounds great but needs more warmth or kick to it. So you TURN up the volume on all your instruments only to find extreme distortion and cloudiness. What is the solution?

First I would say this doesn’t apply to all situations. I think a lot of what I do is trial and error. With any art you have to be willing to tweak what you do until you are content.

With that disclaimer aside here are some things I have found to be useful. My number one tool to add volume to my instrumentals is the Antares Analog Tube. I ONLY use software because the cost of hardware is too much for me. This little app loads as a VST or DXI. It is an effect essentially for you Fruity Loop users. This app allows you to broaden your sounds while keeping your db under red. I think it is a great tool for background pads, leads, and even snares. It gives you the ability to expand specific instruments and not lose your overall distortion goals.

Second you can use the L2 maxamizer. L2 maxamizer is a mastering effect made by Waves. I placed this second on my list because of the cost of Waves. For the people who don’t break laws and actually buy the software you can do what you need to with Antares and save the thousands for the Wave diamond Bundle. Antares is also easier to use and the tweaks are more intuitive. I think as you buy the more expensive application they tend to lose ease of use. I think they make it more difficult to add a “high class, no one can us this” marketing feel. Almost like when you buy the same TV for $500 more because you have no what all the features are on it but it must be good because it has a longer list than the one next to it.

So there you go, try it out and let me know what you think. Also I have been doing software instruments for about 17 years and if you have any other questions about Image Line, Sonar, Dimension Pro, Native Instruments, etc, leave it in the comments and I will respond.

E from Eproductions
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