Would appreciate some tips for adding more variation to my instruments throughout the song

Music Production Music Tech Discussion
1

At the moment my songs structural instruments constantly sound the same throughout the song, and I’d like to know what’s the best way to add variation automation to them so that they change over time.                                                                            

I’m assuming one way is by automating the filter cutoff, can you give me any tips so that I can use the same instrument, but it does’nt sound like a constant loop.

Thanks.

2

change the pattern of the notes, or automate something. Automate anything. Automate everything. :smiley:

3

What Howie said!



Automation is the gift from the gods. Automating filter is a simple way to start, but try a variety of things and you’ll soon find something that really works.

4

you could even automate the Oscillator mix level Phase and pan slightly so that the patch seems to slightly morph.

5

even the ADSR can make some interesting effects when automated

6

Ok thanks guy’s, so there’s no specific way set in stone I guess, more experimenting so really, that’s my problem sometimes with things like that, I get the feeling that if I’m not doing it the way everyone else is, I’m doing it wrong, but if it ends up sounding good it does’nt matter how it was done I suppose.

Cheers.

7

Yeah, that would make it a lot more interesting too, like making the sound thicker and thiner over time. I heard a lot of things like that, like opening the release just before something extra is added to the tune.

Thanks.

8

Sorry now but, Do I automate the oscilator mix in a way that each oscilator swithes back and forth at different levels very quickly?

Cheers. 

9

If that sounds good then yes, if not, then no :stuck_out_tongue:



Gradually over time would have the sound at the end being different to how it started but very subtly which is a great effect.

10

[quote]bangthedj (23/10/2010)[hr]If that sounds good then yes, if not, then no :stuck_out_tongue:

Gradually over time would have the sound at the end being different to how it started but very subtly which is a great effect.[/quote]

OK, thanks.

11

Basically in a nutshell, automation is your key.



High pass / Low pass filtering is a popular one, try that on various channels.

Let things build and progress, never give things away to early. Tease the listener.