Top 10 Sound Design Tips For Electronic Music Producers

August 10, 2023

Top 10 Sound Design Tips For Electronic Music Producers
Sound design is a crucial aspect of music production that can set your tracks apart from the rest. Here are our top 10 sound design tips to help you create unique and compelling sounds:

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  1. Understand Synthesis: Familiarise yourself with different types of synthesis, such as subtractive, additive, FM (frequency modulation), and wavetable. Understanding how synthesis works will give you more control over shaping sounds. 

  2. Layering: Combine multiple sounds to create complex and rich textures. Layering different elements like synths, samples, and real-world recordings can lead to innovative and captivating results.

  3. Experiment with Modulation: Use modulation sources like LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) and envelopes to modulate parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff, and amplitude. Modulation adds movement and evolving qualities to your sounds which will always keep your sounds constantly changing thus making them as unique as possible.

  4. Explore Unconventional Sources: Don't limit yourself to traditional instruments. Experiment with unconventional sound sources, such as field recordings, household items, or even your own voice, to create unique textures. You can further affect these recordings using various effects plugins such as EQ and distortion.

  5. Use Effects Creatively: Apply effects like reverb, delay, distortion, and modulation in unconventional ways. Try chaining effects or modulating effect parameters to achieve unexpected sonic results. This is trial and error, there's no wrong way to create sounds so experiment with placing distortion units at the end of the effects chain after reverb for example, which can really morph the sound.

  6. Learn EQ and Filters: Master the art of EQ and filtering. Precise EQ adjustments and creative filtering can transform the timbre of a sound, making it fit better in the mix or giving it a distinct character. EQ harshly on some sounds to completely change their sonic value.

  7. Resample and Manipulate: Record your sounds and then manipulate them further. This process, known as resampling, can lead to new and interesting textures that you might not achieve through direct synthesis alone. Record, affect, export, and continue this process until you have something completely new.

  8. Experiment with Micro-Timing: Adjust the timing of individual notes or elements slightly to create a more natural and dynamic feel. Subtle variations in timing can add groove and character to your sounds. This technique will help avoid that linear, "digital" sound, and create a thicker texture to your music.

  9. Use Envelopes Thoughtfully: Envelopes control how a sound evolves over time. Experiment with envelope settings to shape attack, decay, sustain, and release phases to achieve the desired impact.

  10. Experiment with presets and customise them: Presets are a fantastic starting point for any music producer, whether that be a complete beginner or a seasoned pro. These can be used as they are or go one further and customise them to create your own unique sounds to better fit your projects.

Check out our latest preset packs which are there to give you those professional sounding leads, basses, pads and more to kickstart your learning and help you better understand everything there is to know about creating release ready music.

https://mojulate.com/collections/presets

August 10, 2023

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The Top 10 VST’s For Creating Electronic Music In 2023

The Top 10 VST’s For Creating Electronic Music In 2023

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Lennar Digital Sylenth 1 Lennar Digital Sylenth 1 was one of the first VST's to become a mainstay in almost every producers arsenal when i was released back in 2007 and despite its age it has remained an extremely popular plugin today thanks to its exceptional sound quality, versatility, and intuitive user interface, making it a go-to choice for crafting a wide range of electronic music genres. Pros: Low CPU usage despite its complexities Many built in effects such as phaser, chorus & distortion Cons: Limited oscillator waveforms compared to other popular VST's Some of the built in effects like the EQ & reverb are quite basic   7. u-He Hive 2 Now this is a tasty plugin! At its core, Hive 2 is a subtractive & wavetable synthesizer that delivers warm and punchy analog-style sounds. Its streamlined user interface is designed for intuitive and efficient workflow, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. Hive 2's interface provides a clear layout with well organised sections for easy navigation and sound shaping. Pros: A wide array of modulation capabilities via the LFO, Shaper, Mod & Function tools. Many waveform options via FM, Complex, Additive, Formants & more. Cons: Despite it's simplicity it can look quite complex to get to grips to initially. No more cons! https://mojulate.com/collections/presets/products/revolution-u-he-hive-2-presets   6. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 Spectrasonics Omnisphere is a flagship virtual synthesizer plugin that has set the standard for sound design and creativity in the world of music production. Developed by Spectrasonics, Omnisphere offers an unparalleled level of sonic possibilities, combining a vast library of sounds with advanced synthesis techniques and innovative features. Pros: Perfect for epic, atmospheric pad and lead sounds  Vast sound library with over 14,000 sounds Cons: Extremely CPU heavy so use sparingly! 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Much like the previous entry Massive X houses many routing options that are easily patched to almost any section of the VST meaning you can get extremely creative, extremely fast. Pros: Use the tracker section to modulate each note individually for maximum customisation. Choose between 16 LFO shapes & random LFO's to create interesting textures. Cons: It can be quite complex to get to grips to initially with so many different aspects. No more! https://mojulate.com/collections/presets/products/ignition-massive-x-presets   3. Vital Audio Vital Top 3 here we go! Vital Audio's Vital VST is a relatively new software synthesizer that came onto the market in 2020 and it's definitely got that modern sound but best yet it is completely free! The look is slightly basic compared to previous featured VST's but the sound is what we all care about and wow it seriously delivers on that. Pros: It's FREE! And for a synth like this it's definitely worth a purchase Modulate everything in this synth. You can even patch LFO's to the modulation amounts giving you complete control of each parameter. Cons: The look. Not as appetising as some other VST's The distortion effect isn't as refined as it could be https://mojulate.com/collections/presets/products/underground-va-vital-presets 2. u-He Diva Just missing out on top spot, but a powerhouse nevertheless, introducing u-He's flagship VST Diva. A staple in many producers arsenals, Diva is arguably THE best synthesizer for producing the highest quality basslines and leads. The multiple oscillator, filter, feedback & envelope engines provide the perfect way to create unique sounds and the standard waveforms are the closest you'll get to analog. Pros: A true analog sound in a software instrument The trimmer section provides a great way to evolve any sound into something new and fresh. Cons: Limited modulation options... 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Creating An Evolving Pad

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