Using Modulation To Create Sonic Interest

Although many hardware and software instruments have plenty of decent-sounding presets, its often the case that a synth lead can sound a bit lifeless. However, there are plenty of ways to create extra movement in your sounds…

Modulate in Moderation

eq modulation
Effects such as Phasers, Flangers and Tremolo are obvious candidates for adding some flow to a sound; however, using more subtle settings – and several effects in conjunction – can create a better overall feel (rather than just cranking everything up to the max on one particular effect).

Very slow variations over time, which overlap and intertwine, can be very effective. Try using a filter/filtergate with its slowest setting – probably around one cycle every ten seconds for typical filters – and adding other similarly slow modulations on top (or behind).

For Full Effect

For more obvious pulsing effects, you can sync the modulation to the BPM of your DAW session. To complement this movement, you can also draw in volume/pan automation – which can be used to produce envelope control that is beyond the scope of, for example, a sidechain compression unit.

Audiotus have a good tutorial on using a tremolo effect to liven up a track…



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