Production & Mixing Tips & Tricks

If you're looking for ways to improve your productions and mixes overall, we have just the thing. In this production and mixing course, veteran Groove3 instructor Thomas Cochran will show you many ways to do just that without having to buy any new software. In fact, all the plugins Thomas uses in this course are completely free. You'll learn tips on building and using virtual instruments in effective ways, processing them with various effects, adding air to your mix with harmonic exciters, and much more. These production and mixing videos are designed for those with a basic understanding of producing and mixing a track.

Instruments

• LABS (15:37) - This video introduces the series and outlines the basic interface of Spitfire Audio LABS. We also discuss how the plugin can be used to add texture and layers to a production.

• Vital Synth (13:12) - Next up, we use Vital to create a digital synth pluck sound from scratch. This video shows off the unique feature set of this synth and what makes it a great addition to your plugin library.

• BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover (14:27) - Shows how to build up a simple orchestration around some piano chords. Thomas also covers how the automation features can be used to make the string parts more dynamic.

Effects

• Valhalla Super Massive (13:18) - Learn how the plugin can be used for complex reverb and washy delay sounds. This video also shows how to make several different styles of effects for your productions.

• Softube Saturation Knob (11:35) - Next, we take a look at using the Softube saturation knob to add thickness to a whole mix. This not only adds distortion but makes the whole production feel fuller.

• OTT (10:54) - Thomas shows how OTT compression can be used to quickly mix synth patches in your songs. This multi-band compressor enables you to control dynamics and shape the tone of your sounds.

• Fresh Air (08:31) - Discover how to make crispy vocals using the Slate Digital Fresh Air plugin. This harmonic exciter lets you add top end without making the frequencies sound harsh.

• Caelum Audio Tape Cassette 2 (11:08) - See how adding lo-fi saturation to sounds can help shape a mix. This can be great for a wide verity of styles, from indie rock to pop.

• Ozone Imager V2 (11:05) - Thomas shows how to adjust and manage stereo width with the Izotope Ozone Imager. Learn how to create mono-compatible stereo while still adding width.

• iZotope Vocal Doubler (09:27) - In the final video of the course, we take a look at the iZotope Vocal Doubler and see how it's used. This video also shows how this device can be creatively applied to a drum loop for an interesting stereo-widening effect.