I normally make HipHop beats and use the SP for bass most of the time. I was wondering what you guys do with SP sounds. I’m pretty much a noob when it comes to synthesis and mixing so I was wondering if you guys compress and EQ your SP sounds or leave them naked as they are?
There are entire forums dedicated to your question and might be better suited to answer your question as there are so many different aspects of mixing, it could not be answered in a single thread.
Check out this site: http://www.tapeop.com/ In their messageboard there is a forum dedicated strictly for recording techniques and computer recording. They also offer a free subscription to their magazine. I have been getting Tape Op in the mail since 2001 for free. Every issue you can pick up on little tricks and insight.
As far as mixing, treat the SP as any other instrument. Just like a guitar, it can have out of control dynamics and needs a lot of compression, or it can be overdriven (like distortion) and will need very little, if any compression. Reverb is always a must. Even just a smidge.
As far as EQing, I always start by lowering 400Hz (or 500Hz)about -3 and go from there. This helps get rid of that “boxy” sound. And if you are recording a lead, use a highpass filter to drop out all the low end. Your ears will tell you when enough is rolled out. Pretty much anything that isnt bass, roll out all of the low end. This will help tighten up a mix and get rid of that “muddy” sound. My approach to EQ is get the sound exactly right (or as close as you can) at the source pre-recording, and us as little EQ as possible.
The best advice: trust your ears. A/B your song to a groups song that you like and would like to achieve a similar sound (and make sure it’s NOT an MP3). Make lots of mixes and listen to them on various speakers.