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The Delay Trick for Focused Mixes

In this video we're looking at a simple, but very effective technique to keep your delays or reverbs from cluttering your mix.

Credit: @Poldoore

Introduction​

  • Key idea: A mixing trick to open up space in the mix and help instruments breathe and groove by preventing delays from muddying the dry signal.
  • Process / settings: Demonstrated using a saxophone line from the album Chroma Dream with SoundToys Echo Boy delay plugin.
  • Result: The delay fills in tiny gaps between notes without overshadowing the performance.
  • Notes: This technique was used heavily in the album Chroma Dream.

00:00 → 00:15

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The Trick​

  • Key idea: Use sidechain compression to duck the delay signal when the dry instrument is playing, allowing the delay to fill only the gaps between notes.
  • Process / settings:
    • Group the delay effect into an audio effect track to use it in parallel
    • Set the delay to 100% wet (like a return track)
    • Create a new chain for the dry unaffected signal
    • Add a compressor to the delay chain, enable sidechain
    • Select the source track as input and choose the dry chain (prefix/post-effects/post-mixer options available)
    • Adjust threshold to control how much delay is heard while the instrument plays
    • Adjust release to determine how quickly the delay comes back between notes
  • Result: The dry signal causes the delay to duck out whenever a note is playing, preventing the delay from muddying the dry recording.
  • Notes: Setting the release fairly fast avoids creating a noticeable pumping effect on the echo. Prefix sends raw unprocessed audio, post-effects includes effects, post-mixer includes volume/panning/returns.

00:15 → 03:13

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Processing the Delay​

  • Key idea: Apply additional processing to the wet delay signal independently from the dry signal.
  • Process / settings:
    • Use an EQ to shape the tone of the delay
    • Add subtle vibrato to the delay for a broken tape delay vibe
    • Use a tuner to ensure the vibrato doesn't drift too far out of tune
  • Result: The delay no longer clouds the melody and the vibrato adds a subtle vintage character to the sound.
  • Notes: Audio effect tracks allow processing effects specifically on the wet signal.

03:13 → 04:25

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Other Delays​

  • Key idea: Some delay plugins include built-in ducking features that achieve the same result without manual sidechain setup.
  • Process / settings:
    • FabFilter Timeless includes advanced ducking features
    • Ableton Live's stock Echo effect also has ducking built-in
    • Set parameters to similar values as the manual sidechain setup
    • Gradually lower the threshold to find the right level while the track plays
  • Result: Achieves the same ducking effect with less manual routing.
  • Notes: Using built-in ducking can be faster and more convenient than manual sidechain compression.

04:25 → 05:12

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More Applications​

  • Key idea: This sidechain technique works well on other sources beyond instrumental melodies.
  • Process / settings:
    • Sidechain delay on rap vocals to keep clarity
    • Sidechain reverb on synth bass to maintain punch and clarity
  • Result: Delays and reverbs stay out of the way of the main signal, maintaining focus in the mix.
  • Notes: The technique can be applied to any source where space effects might cloud the main sound. Effects shown were slightly exaggerated for demonstration purposes.

05:12

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