C1-Compressor/Gate

Using the "bass compressor" preset in Waves' C1-Compressor/Gate plug-in, I was able to rescue a thinly-recorded bass line. Mid-level compression (indicated by the yellow curve in the full screen image) allows the loudness and density of a soundfile to be increased - without compression of the peak dynamics.

see a larger image

L1-Ultramaximizer Limiter

This time a poorly-recorded solo acoustic guitar is rescued using L1-Ultramaximizer. The "16-bit heavier limiting" preset was used to fatten the track, add some brilliance, and increase the guitar's overall volume without distorting it.

see a larger image

Q10-Paragraphic EQ

The singer on this track wanted something between a dynamic wah and flanging effect, so I manipulated Q10's 6-band master EQ preset to create some frequency notches in the mid and low-end. I then selected all six EQ bands' frequency controls and performed a manual EQ band sweep, recording the moves via automation in Cubase VST.

see a larger image

TrueVerb Reverb

Using the same vocal take as with the Q10-Paragraphic EQ audio sample, I used TrueVerb's "Studio A" preset to put the vocal into a short, bright room. Note the dip in the frequency response graph (beneath the reverb/early reflection time display) indicating where the reverb damping begins (around 250 Hz).

see a larger image

UltraPitch Pitch Corrector

The same vocal take as with the Q10-Paragraphic EQ and TrueVerb audio samples, this time using UltraPitch to transition smoothly from a more boyish voicing of the track to the original pitch, then ending with a deeper, huskier voicing.

see a larger image

SuperTap Multi-Tap Delay

I used SuperTap's way-cool interface to add some interesting rhythmic variations to a simple ReBirth kick/snare pattern. Each of up to six multi-taps can be toggled on and off and feature individual control over delay time, gain, panning and EQ filter, frequency and gain. Note the nifty TapPad button for manually entering a tap tempo.

see a larger image