Signal paths
Start with the job. The plug-ins follow.
Signal paths and short answers for vocals, drums, mastering, synths and a first studio. Each guide sets out the order of decisions, the catalogue products that cover each step, and a listening check so you can tell whether the chain is working.
Guides
12 starting points
Each one is a sequence, not a preset. Skip a step if it is not solving a problem.
- A vocal chain that starts with the problemA practical vocal chain in order: control sibilance, shape the tone, control dynamics, add colour, then place the voice in a space. Includes the Fat Berry DSP plug-ins that cover each step.5 steps
- A drum bus that glues without flatteningA drum-bus chain for weight, glue and controlled transients: shape the attack, control the body, add density, then decide how wide the kit should be. Built from real Fat Berry DSP plug-ins.4 steps
- A mix bus chain in the order that keeps decisions reversibleA mix-bus chain for tone, glue and loudness: correct broad balance, compress for cohesion, add colour, control peaks, then check the mono sum. Uses Fat Berry DSP bus processors.5 steps
- A mastering chain with one job per stageA straightforward mastering order: correct the balance, add one colour stage, control dynamics, then set the ceiling. Includes the Fat Berry DSP mastering plug-ins and what each one is for.4 steps
- A beat session from empty project to arranged loopA practical order for building a beat: choose the drum source, design the low end, add a harmonic part, then use delay and space to turn a loop into an arrangement. Fat Berry DSP instruments and effects.4 steps
- A sound-design pass: source, movement, spaceA three-stage sound-design workflow: choose or capture a source, add movement and degradation, then place the result in a space. Built around Fat Berry DSP granular, multi-effect and reverb tools.3 steps
- Fix harsh vocal sibilanceA short decision path for a harsh vocal: isolate the distracting consonants, use restrained de-essing and check intelligibility in the mix.3 steps
- Hit streaming loudness without crushing the mixA delivery checklist for loudness: fix balance first, compare limiting at matched playback level and measure the final export.3 steps
- Make a clean synth sound oldChoose one source of age for a synth part: softened tone, pitch movement or noise. Keep the change intentional and compare at matched output level.3 steps
- Glue a drum bus: one compressor decisionA focused drum-compression checklist: check the unprocessed balance, set timing against the groove and compare at matched output level.3 steps
- Set up plug-ins in your first home studioStart a first studio with the right host format, one instrument and one useful processor. Confirm installation before buying a larger collection.3 steps
- Installed a plug-in but cannot find it?A short installation diagnosis: check host format, scan paths, instrument/effect lists and licence state before reinstalling.3 steps
Setup
Need the host sorted first?
The DAW guides cover install paths, rescanning and latency compensation.