Altering MIDI instruments to add 'sparkle'

[ojan327]

I am trying to get more sparkle out of some of my melodic instruments and would like to get some tips on ways/plug-ins to do it other than boosting the high shelf filter... Of course this is a good method, but I would like to try some other methods to alter sounds in interesting ways, emphasizing highs, to give them more glitter and shine. Thanks!

[David Nahmani]

It really, really depends on why you're doing this or what the end result is and what the other instruments in the mix sound like.

 

I often prefer to cut low end or low midrange then boost the overall volume rather than boost the high-end. Or sometimes a combination of both, emphasizing the cut over the boost.

 

Then there's also distortion, which adds high end harmonic content. Exciter can also be used for that goal. Enveloper is a transient shaper that works in the time domain but ends up adding high frequency content to the attack of a sound.

[Eriksimon]

What I use to add sparkle is an Amp simulator, or, more subtle, Logic's own Vintage Tube EQ.

[ojan327]

Thanks David. This is really, really good advice My friend and I read your reply and he said wow, this guy is really knowledgeable, and I told him I was thinking the same thing!

 

I figured the same about cutting rather than boosting.

 

I'm gonna experiment with the other techniques and get back to this thread.

 

Eriksimon, Thanks. Amp simulator...You're talking 3rd party plug-ins, right?

[robinloops]

You don’t need third party plugins, Logic’s own amp simulator is pretty good.

[David Nahmani]

Thanks David. This is really, really good advice My friend and I read your reply and he said wow, this guy is really knowledgeable, and I told him I was thinking the same thing!

 

I figured the same about cutting rather than boosting.

 

I'm gonna experiment with the other techniques and get back to this thread.

 

Eriksimon, Thanks. Amp simulator...You're talking 3rd party plug-ins, right?

Great, good to hear, yes, definitely experiment and let us know what works!!

[ojan327]

Thanks, David. You really helped get me get going in the right direction.

 

As you know, all those plug-ins are great for creative experimenting, and all worked for me already in various combinations depending on the instrument. What I especially like is their simplicity, compared to other plug-ins with so many bells and whistles. The presets are great too.

 

robin loops, Thanks. By amp simulator I assume you mean amp designer, and I'm digging it! There are just endless presets.