That one sound/patch that you shamelessly use over and over..

[Alex Fraser]

First up, a history lesson you didn't ask for.
This is the ES1 synth included in Logic, resplendent in its vintage lime green glory:



It was released around 20 years ago(!) but is still a part of new Logic installations. Included is a patch called "deep bass" (see above) which I have used on literally hundreds of tracks. It's not a fancy sound. It's just an easy, solid bass that fits everywhere.

(I've been sent emails in the past asking where I "got that phat bass from.")

What's your goto sound, patch or sample? The one you use all the time with a sense of guilt - yet you can't help yourself. Confess your secret at the V.I Control Altar of Shame for our collective judgment.

Click to read more...

 

[chillbot]

Sometimes you're just in a rush and you know you've used the sound way, way too many times but it's perfect for this spot and you don't want to take the time to dig for anything else and so you say "ok I'm going to use it just this ONE last time and then next time I will find something different for sure...." Sound familiar?

"Anvil Chimes" is one for me, stock Omni patch. Shit, it's actually from Atmosphere. I've been over-using it for that long.

 

[MartinH.]

Doesn't in theory "over"using the same kinds of patches that you know very well make your music better because you can spend more of your "time budget" on composing and mixing than flipping through different synth presets etc.? Realistically, who except you ever hears all your music to even notice that you overuse the same dozen or so patches? Do you feel as guilty when using the same Piano library compared to synth patches?
I don't do this professionally, so I might just be asking naive questions here. Please enlighten me.

 

[Ashermusic]

Omnisphere OOHS-AHS

 

[Michaelt]

Yeah I've got one of these, but it's something I made myself, so I feel like it's ok.

 

[Nathanael Iversen]

Why have shame? Violins are a bit overused by that definition.... Timbral novelty isn't the only measure of a composer despite recent emphasis on being a sound designer AND a composer...

 

[Nils Neumann]

Low Booms from HZ Perc, only Instrument I use from this library. But it’s worth it.

 

[Nick Batzdorf]

I've been gravitating to an echo delay setting that I like just a little bit too much.

 

[Saxer]

About two decades ago I made a stack sound of high tremolo strings, random single harp and piano notes (different octaves) and triangle tremolo. Works in a single octave only. Its an instant flurry sunrise athmo and I use it over and over again.

 

[xguitaristx]

There's a scrape type of effect in True Strike 2 that I overuse, but it just works so well, and is barely recognizable when layered with other elements.

 

[Alex Fraser]

Doesn't in theory "over"using the same kinds of patches that you know very well make your music better because you can spend more of your "time budget" on composing and mixing than flipping through different synth presets etc.? Realistically, who except you ever hears all your music to even notice that you overuse the same dozen or so patches? Do you feel as guilty when using the same Piano library compared to synth patches?
I don't do this professionally, so I might just be asking naive questions here. Please enlighten me.

Well, the language of my OP is deliberately exaggerated for “comic” effect but it’s a good question.

I think when you start working under time restraints or for some sort of “delivery”, one gets into the habit of using familiar sounds. FWIW, I know that my heart sinks at the prospect of browsing for a new sound when working under pressure.

 

[Dex]

I often use libraries like shreddage and Superior drummer with the same amps and settings. Now if I could just find some amp settings I'm really happy with...

 

[davidson]

The sine wave in exs24.

 

[Alex Fraser]

The sine wave in exs24.

YES!!!

 

[Nico Schuele]

Probably the timpani soft rolls in HZ Perc... followed by a tamtam hit from the same lib. Everyfuckinwhere.

 

[erica-grace]

Low Booms from HZ Perc, only Instrument I use from this library. But it’s worth it.

The only patch from the entire library? Man, you are missing so much!

 

[erica-grace]

Is Hans still active here? I would love for him to chime in to this discussion!

 

[Scalms]

Cymbals from GPO4. They go in everything, and for a cheaper library are surprisingly good.

 

[Stringtree]

Half-section high strings in Albion ii Loegria. Probably because I couldn’t afford the Spitfire Chamber Strings. Gorgeous and delicate starting point for anything.

 

[zimm83]

Insolidus 4 syllables arcs...from 8Dio.
Fantastic. Everywhere.