In this week’s podcast, Russ, Dan and Julian discuss ask whether bug fixes should only be availble to current Pro Tools subscribers, they talk about the choices at the inexpensive end of the monitor market, they share community feedback, and their finds of the week. Also in this week's Podcast, there is an opportunity to get an exclusive discount of an Exponential Audio plug-in, but you have to listen to the podcast to get the discount code!

Tip From Exponential Audio - Tail Suppression

Michael Carnes from Exponential Audio has very kindly shared another tip that works in the second-generation Exponential Audio plugins (NIMBUS, R4, Stratus and Symphony) which have a set of controls at the bottom of the "Tail" page.  This is useful in many different ways, but let's take a look at what it can do with drums.  Drums, by their very nature, have strong transients.  These give a sense of presence, but they can also cause a sort of "splash" into the reverb.  Tail Suppression can tame that problem with absolutely no hint of pumping. Here's how to do it:

At the bottom center of the Tail page is a little "Key" button.  Make sure to select either "Input" or "Both".  Now dial in just a little suppression, let's say 2dB. You should see the meter at right showing some action. Set the "Tail Recovery" at minimum (or at least a very low value).  That's all you need to do.  The reverb will be natural, but those peaks will be slightly constrained.

It's fun to play with exaggerated effects as well.  Dial up the reverb time, set "Tail Suppression" to maximum and increase the "Tail Recovery" time.  You'll then get a strong "whump" from the reverb that comes in after the transient.  This is particularly noticeable with kick drum.  But where this circuit shines is its ability to lower clutter in a mix.

Deals

• This month’s featured deal is from Leapwing Audio. Until 31st October, get 20% off their CenterOne Spatial plug-in and DynOne Parallel MultiBand Dynamics Processor, making them just over £143 (inc vat) each. Also don’t miss Julian’s tutorial on how to get the best results from your DynOne plug-in.

• Don’t forget to check out the deals from our Partners on our Deals page. Highlights include iZotope offering introductory prices on RX7, Insight 2 and their new Post Production Suite 3 and Avid & Audient are both offering special discounts for students.

Talking Points Kindly Sponsored By Universal Audio

Did you know that the team at Universal audio are offering you the chance to build your own custom plug-in bundles of 3,  6 or 10 plug-ins from one low price, and save over 60%! Just pick your bundle option and then choose your plug‑ins. It’s that simple.

You can find out more from the Universal Audio website.

Talking Points

• Studio Monitors under $500 - What are the choices and what do we like?

• Are Software Subscriptions Just Another Lottery You Should Avoid?

Competitions

• This month we have partnered with our friends at IK Multimedia to offer you, three opportunities of winning a copy of IK Multimedia’s Total Studio MAX 2 music production bundle worth €1199.99.

Community Feedback Kindly Sponsored by RSPE Audio Solutions

We are starting a series of tips from our friends at RSPE Audio Solutions as unlike some suppliers they know a thing or two about the products they sell. The first tip is about adding your default inserts from your Eucon Surface.  

Did you know that you could add your favourite EQ or Dynamics plug-in with a single button push on your Eucon surface? In Pro Tools choose Setup > Preferences, then click the Mixing tab and make sure “Auto Insert Default Plug-Ins from EUCON Surfaces" is enabled. Then all you have to do is push EQ or Dynamics on your control surface. If the selected track doesn’t currently have an EQ, your default EQ will be added. Or press Dynamics to add your favourite Compressor, etc.

• Preston Smith - Asks whether the Focusrite Red8 interface would be a good choice for live recording - and shares a banjo joke…

Questions From The Community

• Dana Ferandelli - Wants to know if it’s possible to run BFD 1 under a current version of Pro Tools.

Source Connect Now

As you may know, we are spread out around the UK & Europe when we record the podcast. In the past, we have used a variety of internet-based solutions so we could hear each other.  We have settled on Source Connect Now which gives us ISDN equivalent quality audio using a Chrome browser, no software to install. You can get a free account from Source Elements.

Find Of The Week Sponsored By Synchro Arts

Synchro Arts are proud to announce the release of Revoice Pro 4 – The ultimate toolbox for timing and pitch adjustment. Containing over 70 new features and improvements to sonic output, workflow & performance, Revoice Pro 4 can save you hours of editing time in the studio, ensure high production values and help you achieve your creative vision. Get a free 14-day trial over at synchroarts.com today and take advantage of the 20% off introductory pricing on all new licences & upgrades.

Russ - Ring Front Door Camera

Dan - The Apple bargain of the year

Julian - Automatic Gainsay - Marc Doty’s youtube channel, particularly his series on polyphony.

Listen on to the Pro Tools Expert Podcast on iTunes