Emu XL-7 & MP-7 User's Group

I think this goes back to the patch editing discussions last month. The 
sound engine in the xl-7 is aimed at people who already have some 
production gear, rather than the bedroom DJ set.

>>>Hmm, gotta disgree here to an extent.  While I believe you're right 
that the sound engine in the XL-7 is definitely pro-spec, the point of a 
box such as the XX-7's, is to be all inclusive.  IF Emu thought only 
people with other sequencer gear were going to use the XX-7's, they could 
have stuck to just sound modules, and not even put effects in the boxes. 
<<<<

WOW that was a lot of work. 

>>>Actaully that's pretty typical of how I do my songs.  I used to churn 
out a song a week, if not more, but I find the more time I spend on a 
tune, the better it sounds (to a point, you still have to keep moving 
forward while writing). <<<

I am very impressed how clean that track sounds considering the amount of 
processing you did. I may have to rethink some plugin purchases. There is 
still more dynamic range than most techno and the usual compression 
muddiness is ... well.. clear.

>>>Honestly it's this aspect of recording and producing that interests me 
the most.  Getting nice big, clean sounds is very important to me, and 
largely comes down many times to a less is more aspect.  I used to go 
crazy with my plug ins, and while it can be fun, it often leads to a 
muddied mix, or loss of depth and space in the song.  Subtle effects used 
sparingly can be more attention grabbing that off the wall stuff happening 
though out the entire tune. Other tips?

1. Always record at 24 bit or 32 if you can, it gives you much more head 
room when it's time to mix.
2. Record your tracks as loud as possible initially without clipping.
3. Use EQ (cut, don't boost) and panning to give each sound it's own sonic 
space, panning in particular is one thing most people don't take enough 
advantage of.
4. Use effects sparingly, and try to keep delay times and reverb tails 
short.  Less chance of clutter later on. <<<

rEalm