Processing synth keyboards can be tricky. While initially, presets sound great with all the usual onboard soft synth effects processing, ironically, they can become bland when several of them are layered together. I am working on an arrangement where three synths are layered together for a more complex thicker sound. The part itself is not particularly interesting; it plays a supporting role underneath a busy-ish bass and a vocal melody on top. But I do want it to have some personality and character. 

After some experimentation, I came up with an exciting parallel processing plug-in chain that adds movement and width to the part. When blended in with the static original, the resulting movement and shifting timbres grab the listener's attention.

Follow along in this video as I show the chain and how I set it up. Compression, driven by a side-chained kick drum, creates rhythmic swells. EQ helps focus the frequency range post-compression. The hidden "mono maker" function in Logic's Direction Mixer is put to work splitting the signal and then adjusting the imaging. Logic's chorus plug-in adds Dimension style modulation. And finally, the Tremolo plug-in is called on to shift the signal around the stereo field subtly. 

A supporting keyboard part like this is easy to overlook in a big arrangement, as it is eclipsed by other more compelling aspects of the song. But with a bit of thought and imagination, even simple supporting parts can come to life and enhance an arrangement.