Anyone who grew up in the 80’s will recognize a few of the sounds that defined the sound of euro-pop and new wave. One of them is a 16th note Gated Synth sound. Watch this video and find out how to create it in Pro Tools.
There’s a few different ways to create this type of synth part. But in my opinion, it always sounds best when created using a Gate plug-in with a 16th note trigger going into the SideChain input. The Gate envelope controls (attack, release, hold) allow you to perfectly control the ’shape’ of the sound.
In this example, I’ll be using Pro Tools 7.4 on a Mac.
Create a Classic Gated Synth Using SideChain 6:30
The tutorial shows you a technique. You don’t have to use it on a synth (like I do in the video). You can apply this to electric guitar with amazing results. But as always – experiment.
If you combine this technique with a bit of automation (see this video), you’ve got a whole new set of production tools that will easily add excitement and energy to your productions. Enjoy!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Fantastic !!! This reminds me , more or less, the old and huge Obx-a Oberheim , and above all the typical 80′ s fat sound.
Many thanks and best regards
Paul
Very good! Congratulations, great tutorial! Thank you!
Paul ~ Yeah – the OBX is one of my favorites, too! Glad you like the video. You’re very welcome.
Alexsander ~ Thank you! You’re welcome.
I just started learning pro tools and this is one great trick. Thanks for sharing.
Corvuslab ~ Thanks. You’re very welcome.