Shaperbox 2: Getting Creative
Studio wiz Larry Holcombe delivers creative Cableguys Shaperbox 2 video tutorials! Watch ways to use different modules and effects found in Shaperbox 2 creatively on your tracks and productions, making them both more exciting and interesting. You also get the audio files Larry uses in the videos so you can follow along on your system. These videos are for those familiar with Shaperbox 2. If you're new to Shaperbox, checkout Shaperbox 2 Explained® here.
Videos
• Fine Tuning the Kick Drum Pt. 1 (10:28) - In this first video, we introduce the series and also use VolumeShaper to control the envelope of a sampled kick drum ensuring we create the correct amount of space in the low end for a bassline which will be added later.
• Fine Tuning the Kick Drum Pt. 2 (05:07) - We now repeat the same process, but this time MIDI Trigger is used to have the kick drum's LFO shape in VolumeShaper be triggered by MIDI. This ensures that kick drums don't conform to a strict 4/4 pattern or are off the grid.
• Extracting Hits from Loops (09:50) - See how to use VolumeShaper to extract hits from a drum loop, then take it a step further by using MIDI to switch between different grooves.
• Volume Shaper as a Compressor/Expander (07:02) - Next up we experiment with the concept of using VolumeShaper as a Compressor/Expander by compressing the low band of the drum loop, and using the LFO editor to "expand" certain elements of the drum break. Finally, gain and mix are fine tuned to blend between an unaffected and processed sound.
• Using VolumeShaper to Layer Samples (05:57) - In this video, we again use VolumeShaper to control the envelopes of 2 different kicks taking the attack of one and the tail of another to create a new layered kick sample.
• Using TimeShaper to Re-Program a Loop (07:54) - Next up we use TimeShaper to do a realtime re-programming of our vintage drum loop. We do this by shifting hits around in time to create drum variations that act as "ear candy" edits within the arrangement. We fine tune this again using VolumeShaper to further change up the feel.
• Using TimeShaper for Tape Stop & Scratch FX (07:28) - Now its time to add some Vinyl style FX with TimeShaper in the form of a Vinyl slow down and DJ scratch effect.
• Creating Half Time Effects with TimeShaper (08:32) - Watch how to use TimeShaper to create a cool half-time drum sound which we can use to add rhythmic interest to our arrangement. This sound is pushed further when we enlist the help of FilterShaper, CrushShaper and WidthShaper to manipulate the drum loop further, creating rhythmic interest.
• Basic Side-Chaining (10:25) - In this video, we look at a classic use for time based modulation effects, starting by side-chaining just the low end frequencies of the bass to the kick for extra headroom and clarity. We then continue to try out a side-chain setting for our musical elements for a groove based approach.
• Lo-Fi Keys (11:29) - Now we enlist the help of TimeShaper to create a Lo-Fi wow and flutter effect, then we add PanShaper and Volume Shaper to create an interesting auto-pan and tremolo effect for the electric piano sound in the track.
• FilterShaper to Create Interest in the Arrangement (08:20) - In this next part, we look at using FliterShaper in different ways to filter our musical section to again create sonic variations and keep our simple looping idea interesting.
• Managing the Stereo Image (04:59) - In this last video, see how to use PanShaper and WidthShaper to enhance the stereo image of our track by trying out different pan and width positions, along with some lo-fi crunch for character.