Completly new to hardware processing need some advice.

[hazium]

I feel like I have reached a wall as far my production is concerned and I feel like I may need to add some hardware to the situation. My set up is all software. Logic 8, firewire 410(akkk), Behringer Truth Monitors, Native Instruments, and a few Gmedia plugs.

I've been involved in the process of production and writing dance music for about 7 years now. I'm going to link a few clips of some stuff I've done so anyone who is reading and listening might be able to get an idea of what kind of hardware could add to my sound. http://alpha.themuffins.com/Music/IAYM.aif I did this track about 4 years ago and even got it pressed to vinyl. To my ears now it seems kinda muddy. Some of the bass probably needs to be cut out of a few of the samples.

I feel like my sound has generally improved over the last few years. http://alpha.themuffins.com/Music/Glass%20Clown.aif This is a clip of something I have finished recently. I feel like it could sound bigger. It just seems like it exists in a small space Maybe by adding some hardware compression to some of the elements? I don't really know where to start so I'm hoping someone can drop some hardware knowledge on me.

A quick thanks to the posters who have already filled this forum up with a wealth of information.

[Strobian]

I listened to one of your samples, and I don't think hardware is what you are looking for quite yet. I personally think your sound is clean and laid out decently, but it lacks some artistic flavor for me. Keep in mind I am from the midwest, so detroit techno and chicago house are my influences. Yeah a few hardware treatments could color your sound, but keep in mind there are lots of guys using logic 8 right now doing quite well, Steve Angello is one. I just listened to it on my computer speakers and the overall sound was clear, maybe a bit lacking in low mid, tonality, slightly bright, but I think you just need a few more sequences that portray some more depth, and are deeper. This type of music is something I hear on presets or video game type material, doesn't feel clubby etc. I am not sure what genre you are trying to hit so taek what you would like out of this. Maybe check out different artists like Eric Prydz, Axwell, Carl Craig, Chris Lake, Adam Beyer, Martin Buttrich and see how you sound next to an array of popular producers, could give you some ideas. $.02

[Popbott]

When you said dance music, I expected to hear what I hear going to the clubs these days. Nice tracks, IMO it sounds more like electronica soundtrack type music. Your drums sound good, but a little stale for my taste, I dunno if you use apple loops or whatever, they sound...nice.

For production, if you want to go hardware, IMO, I would first get my hands on a decent hardware sampler and start experimenting with sampling drum sounds from various different sources and processing them through a mixer with some nice class A pre's. I think you will feel way different about your drums then. I recently got into Vengeance-Sound samples for some of my dance drums, although these sounds are already processed, they sound fantastic on my ASR-10. When I put these samples in Reason, I was very surprised to hear that they sounded so different from the ASR, almost muddy, probably because of the way I have my processors set up in Reason, but much to my distaste. It just seemed to reafirm my take on using hardware for getting a bigger sound.

Next, get some real synthesizers, all kinds. I really enjoy finding different ways to combine digital, analog, virtual analog and sampled signals to form my own sound. I guess it would be up to you to decide what hardware synthesizers fit your music. Again, processing or tracking with a good converter, somed class a pre's and possibly using a nice outboard mixer will get you a bigger sound. Audition your tracks in this way to a studio with an SSL, TAC or NEVE, you won't be disapointed.

You mentioned compression, hmmmm...I dunno. It depends on what kind of sound you are trying to get. I know a lot of dance producers like to side chain compress their bass sound to the usual 909 for that pumping effect, but if you have a thin sound to begin with, I dunno if this will help. If you have friends with preamps, start pulling some favors and borrowing them to see what you think. My Nordlead turns into an analog beast when I run it through a Summit Pre.

Just one more thing, you get what you pay for when it comes to harware gear. I am a firm believer in that. Nice pre's, the best synths, high dollar converters all cost more for a reason, just make sure and do your research before a purchase. No one says the "B" word around here much anymore. You may get torched if you are not careful.

Anyhow, hazium, hope this helps. Happy Holidays.

[explorer]

Doesn't sound like you need equipment to me. I think you should use more in the way of distortion and try to make everything a bit more aggressive. Also, a little more in the way of side chain pumping would make things jump out a bit more. You may then need to change some of your sounds a little to make sure its chunky but it sounds good so far...

[explorer]

... oh another thing. I often find it helps to put a track that I like the sound of into my DAW, match the volume and then I can hear what my mix is lacking in comparison. Finally, if you really want to buy something then you might want to consider upgrading your monitors and studio acoustics perhaps?

[hazium]

Hey guys thanks for the replies. I appreciate your time and information. I think I'm going to start by adding a few bass traps to my room. I have access to a shop where I can make them so it seems like that would be the next logical(cheep) step.

I'm off to the synth recommendation thread.

[sexxy]

limiter
+6dB