Wondering if Soothe2 is worth the hype? Read on for a real world review of the Soothe2 dynamic resonance suppressor plugin from Oeksound.

Why I Now Use Soothe2 On Everything

Soothe2 first popped up onto my radar at some point in 2020. A fellow engineer of mine asked if I had tried out the updated Soothe to which I replied, “I don’t know what that is.” 

I’m almost certain he scoffed at me and then responded with, “I can’t say enough good things about Soothe2. Using it is almost like cheating. I highly recommend you try it out.”

I confess I did not jump online to download it that day or even that week. However, when I finally pulled the trigger on it I was shown almost immediately what all the hype was about. 

What Is The Soothe2 Plugin?

Nope, it’s not the title of a new Kenny G instrumental chord book, so if that was your guess you lost this round. Soothe2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor made by Oeksound. Soothe 2 actively and automatically applies reduction in what is essentially real time to target frequencies.

It boasts the ability to do this without affecting any of the surrounding frequencies, which yields a smoother sound. To be clear, Soothe2 is not a Compressor or an EQ so keep that in mind.  

At first thought Soothe2 sounds almost too good to be true. There are a bunch of plugins and services on the market that claim to automatically do “something” to your tracks which makes them better. For example, a quick internet search will provide you with a number of websites that use an algorithm to master your songs in a matter of minutes. Many of these services and wonder plugins are, for lack of a better term, snake oil.  They don’t deliver on what they promise and aren’t worth the time or cost.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Soothe2 is one of those plugins that does exactly what it claims to do. Not only does it do its job, but it does it extremely well. Reduction kicks in based on the parameters you set and only on the target frequencies. This leaves you with a clean and balanced sound, which is transparent and does not sacrifice timbre.

The interface is simple to use and comes with a ton of great presets, making it even easier to correct trouble areas quickly and get quality sound out of your project. Soothe2 can help tame harshness, clean up low-end muddiness, soften bright sounds and wrangle tonal balance.

You can use Soothe2 on individual tracks, on a bus, or even in the mastering phase. 

Now that we’re all caught up to speed, I’d like to talk about one of the many ways I’ve successfully utilized this plugin to resolve an issue. 

That’s An Awful Sound?

While working on mixing a beat tape for a client I came across an issue I am no stranger to but often find beyond frustrating. The client provided individual stems for every instrument except the drums. In place of tracks consisting solely of kicks, snares, hi hats and the like, I was given a single wav file containing the entire drums section. Whenever I receive files like this I always ask the client if they can provide things more broken down.  If they cannot (which is often the case) then I simply treat the drums file as though it was a drum bus.

In this case I quickly discovered the drums file contained a sound I did not care for at all. After listening to it soloed a few times and then looking at it via a spectrum, I determined the issue to be somewhat within the kick itself.  More specifically, the very end of the kick sample made a sound at around 2700kHz and around 11000kHz that was basically awful. Initial instinct is to go in with an EQ, isolate those parts of the frequency range and pull down the gain until the sound becomes more manageable. 

This may have worked fine if the kick was on a track all by itself, but unfortunately it wasn’t. Doing that to this particular drum track would only slightly tamed the sound and result in making that entire section of the drums too quiet. 

Option two is of course to manually cut out and appropriately fade each and every time the kick makes that sound. I personally hate this option because it is tedious. I also hate this going this route because you can and will run into other issues you’ll need to solve, such as the noticeable difference of room tone between each clip.     

On top of that the client had a pretty small window of time in which they wanted the project finished, so I decided to put Soothe2 to the test.

Is Soothe2 Worth It?

Within literally 30 seconds of loading the plugin on the drum track, I was already hearing drastic improvement. I will point out that I used Soothe2 enough prior to this time to be at least partially familiar with it.

Having already identified some pretty specific problem frequencies, I started by setting the frequency parameters to focus on those. What’s great about this is that you can make the selection as wide or tightly focused as you need it to be.

Then I ensured the stereo mode setting near the bottom left corner was set to Mid |Side. Along with that, I set the balance more towards the Mid since the majority of the drum track was in the center with very little sound making its way to the sides.

Next, I started adjusting the Depth. The higher the depth setting the more reduction is applied. I like to turn it all the way up to start with then slowly dial it back until I’m happy with what I’m hearing. This method may not work for everyone, so do not take this as a stone rule.

You can choose to work in Soft or Hard modes. While Hard can be useful, Soft will give you much more transparent results.

One of my favorite features on this thing is the Delta option. If Delta is engaged, you only hear the sound being removed. After a few other minor tweaks I selected the Delta mode and sure enough there was that pesky sound I’d been trying to eliminate. This took me less than two minutes total.

The best part of all is that it applies reduction when it is needed and only when it’s needed. In the case of my drum track issue, when the harshness at the end of the kick showed up I could clearly see and hear the corrective reduction happening. When the snare and hi hats followed, the plugin let them roll right on past like an Atlanta airport security officer on a snack break.

Final Thoughts on Soothe2

Soothe2 continues to save me a bunch of time and headache during editing and mixing, which leaves me more available to focus on other aspects of a project. Overall, Soothe2 is an incredibly useful tool. It is super user friendly, functional, quick, responsive, right at home in numerous situations and just straight up impressive.

As it turns out my friend was right: using it almost feels like cheating. Tasks and issues that could take hours of fine-tuning using other methods are resolved rapidly and leave behind amazing results.

If you’re interested in trying out Soothe2 for yourself, they offer a free trial version download here with essentially everything you’d get from the full version but tied to an expiration date.  

In my opinion, Soothe2 is worth every single penny Oeksound is asking for it and belongs in every audio engineer’s toolkit.

The post Why I Now Use Soothe2 On Everything appeared first on Soundscape Mastering.

While some argue that it allows singers to experiment with their vocal range and enhance their performance, others criticize its use, believing that it diminishes the authenticity of the singer’s voice and talent. As we delve into the topic, we will examine both the advantages and challenges this technology presents for singers and listeners alike.

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Growth of Autotune in the Music Industry

As the music industry has evolved, so has the technology behind it. One such aspect is the use of autotune, which has become increasingly prevalent in popular music.

Invented by an engineer, Dr. Andy Hildebrand, it was originally designed to correct pitch inaccuracies in vocal performances. Over time, however, the creative possibilities of autotune have expanded, and many artists now embrace its distinctive sound.

The rise of autotune can be traced back to recording studios, where it was first utilized as a tool for ensuring perfect pitch. Initially, it played a more subtle role, correcting only minor imperfections in a vocalist’s performance.

However, as artists began to experiment with more extreme settings, autotune’s signature robotic sound began to emerge. This transformation allowed musicians to manipulate their melodies in entirely new ways.

Another factor contributing to the popularization of autotune is the advanced software that has become available, such as Melodyne. With these programs, artists no longer need to rely solely on engineers to apply the effect. This ease of access has taken autotune from an insider secret to a widely-known production tool, often heard in various genres including pop, hip hop, and electronic music.

While some critics argue that autotune diminishes the authenticity of a singer’s performance, it’s important to remember that technology can be a powerful tool for expression. By providing artists with new ways to shape their sound, autotune has become an influential player in the music industry.

Autotune Usage in Pop Music

Pop Icons and Autotune Usage

In the realm of pop music, many singers have utilized autotune to enhance their vocal abilities and create a polished sound in their tracks. Some of these pop stars include Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Lil Wayne, Future, and Travis Scott.

For instance, Britney Spears is a prime example of an artist who has frequently made use of autotune throughout her career. With her iconic hit, “Toxic,” the use of this technology added a unique and catchy element to the song that captured the attention of listeners.

The Black Eyed Peas, led by will.i.am, have also incorporated autotune into their music, as demonstrated in hits like “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling.” In these songs, autotune enhances the overall sound and contributes to their distinct electronic style.

Similarly, Kesha has used autotune in some of her most famous songs, such as “Tik Tok” and “Your Love is My Drug.” The vocal effect complements her energetic and danceable pop tracks, making them memorable and infectious.

Hip-hop artists like Lil Wayne, Future, Nicky Minaj and Travis Scott have embraced autotune in their work, too. For example, Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” and Travis Scott’s “Stargazing” showcase how autotune can be used effectively within the genre, creating a distinct sound that resonates with their fans.

Moreover, other popular artists and talented singers like Jason Derulo, Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton, and Selena Gomez have also experimented with autotune, though to varying degrees. Some may use it more subtly to perfect their vocals, while others employ it more extensively for a stylized effect.

Autotune has become an essential tool for many pop music artists, providing a means to enhance their vocals and create a unique sound that sets them apart from others in the industry. Though some may argue that it diminishes the authenticity of an artist’s voice, it’s clear that this technology has played a key role in shaping pop music as we know it today.

Usage in Hip-Hop and Rap Music

Autotune Significance in Rap

In hip-hop and rap music, autotune has become an essential tool, transforming the way we perceive and understand the genre. Many artists like Kanye West, T-Pain, and Jay-Z have experimented with autotune, shaping their unique sound and influencing countless others.

When T-Pain first introduced a heavy use of auto-tune, the technology gained rapid popularity in both hip-hop and rap music. Our ability to control pitch and manipulate the human voice enabled us to create an entirely distinctive and futuristic sound.

Kanye West’s “808s & Heartbreak” album, for example, played a significant role in popularizing autotune, making it an integral part of rap music. The use of autotune in rap has now become so widespread that artists such as Drake have incorporated it into their signature sound.

Electronic Sounds and Autotune

The incorporation of electronic music elements, such as synthesizers and vocoders, into hip-hop and rap music has further popularized and solidified the use of autotune. These technologies enable us to generate robotic sounds, creating a unique blend of electronic and organic elements in our music.

In hip-hop and rap music, the combination of electronic sounds, robotic voices, and autotune allows us to experiment with new textures and sonics, pushing the boundaries of the genre.

The widespread use of autotune in hip-hop and rap demonstrates our continued evolution and innovation within the music industry. By embracing these technological advancements, we continue to redefine what it means to create compelling and memorable music.

Vocal Enhancements With Autotune

In the music industry, we often come across singers who use autotune to enhance their vocal abilities. Autotune is a digital audio processing tool that adjusts the pitch of a singer’s natural voice, allowing them to hit high notes and perfect their vocals while recording or performing live.

While some may argue that relying on autotune undermines a singer’s natural talent, we must acknowledge that the use of this technology has become increasingly common. The effect that autotune has on a singer’s voice can vary, depending on the settings and desired result.

• Subtle adjustments: Many singers use autotune in a mild manner during a vocal performance, making slight changes to their voices to fix minor errors in pitch. In this case, the natural voice remains dominant, and the listener may not even notice the presence of the autotune effect.
• Moderate alterations: Sometimes, singers may use autotune at a more noticeable level to experiment with their vocals or create a unique sound. This can change their voice significantly but still retain the essence of their natural talent.
• Heavy modifications: On certain occasions, singers might opt for dramatic autotune effects to manipulate their voices completely. This could dramatically alter their vocals and diminish the presence of their natural voice.

It’s important to note that autotune doesn’t necessarily compensate for a lack of vocal talent. Many skilled singers also use autotune to polish their performances and create a seamless experience for their listeners. With advancements in audio technology, the judicious use of autotune has become an essential element in the creative process of contemporary music.

In conclusion, while autotune can modify and enhance a singer’s voice to varying degrees, it remains critical to appreciate individual vocal abilities and natural talent. As music enthusiasts, we should strive to support and celebrate the unique voices that contribute to the diverse landscape of the industry.

Auto-Tune Versus Natural Talent

Controversy Surrounding Autotune

In the music industry, there has always been a debate regarding the use of auto-tune and how it affects a singer’s vocal abilities. While some argue that it’s a valuable tool for enhancing a singer’s performance, others believe it undermines the natural talent and authenticity of musicians.

Auto-tune is particularly controversial when it comes to reality singing competitions such as American Idol. These shows often focus on discovering unique voices and exceptional singer-songwriters, making the use of auto-tune seem like cheating. Many fans and industry insiders argue that it takes away from the raw talent and skill that should be at the forefront of such contests.

Debate Over Artistic Authenticity

The use of auto-tune raises questions about artistic authenticity in the music industry, especially within genres like jazz and country music, which have traditionally prided themselves on the raw, unfiltered nature of their performances. Some artists claim that without auto-tune, it’s harder for singers to showcase their unique voice, forcing them to rely on their genuine vocal abilities.

However, we must consider that many singers, regardless of their favored music genre, use auto-tune as a creative tool to experiment and explore different sounds. In this context, the debate over authenticity becomes more complex, as it’s not just a question of staying true to a singer’s natural voice, but also acknowledging the potential creative opportunities that technology can provide.

In conclusion, the use of auto-tune in the music industry has been a source of ongoing debate and controversy. While some argue that it detracts from the authenticity of a vocalist’s performance, others believe that it can be a useful and valid tool for artistic exploration. Ultimately, finding the balance between natural talent and technological innovation remains a challenge for the industry.

Using Autotune in Recording Studios

Technology Behind Autotune

Autotune has become an essential tool in modern music production. Developed by Dr. Andy Hildebrand, it is a pitch correction software that helps singers achieve a more polished vocal sound.

The primary function of autotune is to correct pitch issues in vocal performances, ensuring that the singer’s voice is in tune with the music. But it’s not just for singers; autotune can also be applied to instruments like the guitar, enhancing the overall sound of a recording.

The technology behind autotune is a combination of a pitch corrector, a vocoder, and a synthesizer. The pitch corrector identifies any off-key notes and adjusts them to the nearest correct pitch.

This algorithm analyzes the singer’s voice and compares it to the desired key, making adjustments to achieve a harmonious balance. The vocoder and synthesizer components produce the characteristic robotic, digital sound often associated with autotuned vocals.

Buying Autotune and Beats

Investing in autotune software is a crucial step for singers and music producers who want to elevate their recordings. There are various options available, ranging from high-end professional tools to more affordable solutions for home studios. It is essential to choose a suitable product that meets your needs and budget.

To get the most out of your autotune software, you’ll also need quality beats to work with. Buying beats can be an easy and convenient process with many online platforms offering them for purchase. It’s essential to prioritize buying from legal copyright owners, ensuring that you have the necessary rights to use their work.

When purchasing beats, payment methods such as PayPal and credit cards are widely accepted, offering secure transactions that protect your personal information. Many beat sellers provide different licensing options, allowing you to select a license that suits your project’s needs and budget.

It’s also crucial to consider the ‘trackout’ feature when buying beats. This option provides individual instrument tracks of the beat, giving you more control and flexibility during the mixing and mastering process. With greater control over each sound element, you can refine and enhance the overall quality of your recording, making it more professional and polished.

In summary, autotune is a powerful tool that has become a staple of modern music production, helping both singers and instrumentalists achieve a refined sound. Investing in the right autotune software and quality beats will elevate your recordings and enhance your creative potential within the music industry.

Impact of Autotune on Music Streaming

As we know, autotune has become a prominent feature in modern music production, especially in genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Its influence is evident in various aspects of the music industry, including streaming platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, social media, record labels, bloggers, and influencers.

In terms of music streaming, autotune has played a role in shaping the contents of popular playlists on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. As it’s become a standard tool for many artists to perfect their vocal performances, these platforms often feature tracks that heavily utilize autotune to appeal to a broader audience. This trend can create a demand for more autotune-enhanced tracks, reinforcing its position in today’s musical landscape.

The use of autotune has also had an impact on social media, where upcoming artists and influencers showcase their work. It is common to see musicians employing autotune in their covers, snippets, or original creations on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. The ease of access to autotune technology has leveled the playing field, allowing those with less natural vocal talent to create content that can resonate with their audience.

Within the industry, record labels have been quick to recognize the popularity of autotune-enhanced songs. They may encourage their artists to use this technology to bolster their music’s commercial appeal. However, this reliance on autotune can also lead some listeners to criticize the overuse of this effect, claiming it can detract from the originality and authenticity of an artist’s sound.

Music bloggers and influencers play a significant role in shaping public opinion on music trends and tastes. Some have praised the use of autotune as a way to push the boundaries of music production, creating new sounds and styles previously unheard. On the other hand, there are critics who argue that it dilutes the value of true vocal talent and can lead to a homogenization of music culture.

In conclusion, autotune’s influence on music streaming is multifaceted, affecting consumer preferences, industry practices, and discourse surrounding music production. As technology continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the use of autotune and other digital tools will shape the music streaming landscape in the years to come.

Earning Royalties with Autotune

As singers and musicians, we all know the value of using the latest technology to enhance our performances. Autotune is one such tool that has taken the music industry by storm. Not only does it help create pitch-perfect tracks, but it also has the potential to earn musicians royalties.

In today’s competitive music industry, using autotune can elevate our work, giving us an edge over others. With its help, we can produce professional-quality tracks that can be streamed, sold, and licensed worldwide. This leads to earning royalties from various sources like streaming platforms, digital downloads, and licensing deals.

To collect these royalties, you must first register your music on royalty collection societies. Many platforms help us in this process, such as Gemtracks, a valuable resource for freelancers and independent artists who want to manage their songs’ rights efficiently. By working with Gemtracks, we significantly simplify and streamline royalty payments.

Once our music is registered, the royalties start flowing in from multiple sources. Here’s an overview of the types of royalties we receive when using autotune:

• Performance Royalties: These come from live performances, streaming services, and radio plays. Autotune can improve the quality of our live performances, potentially leading to more bookings and, thus, royalties.
• Mechanical Royalties: Generated from the physical or digital sale of the music, these royalties are earned each time our autotuned tracks are sold or downloaded.
• Synchronization Royalties: When our music is used in movies, TV shows, or commercials, we can receive these royalties. The professional-quality tracks we create using autotune make our music more competitive in this licensing realm.

With the help of autotune and platforms like Gemtracks, we can navigate the complex world of royalties and ensure we’re correctly remunerated for our work. By staying on top of industry trends and technological developments, we can ensure our music earns a sustainable income and continues to reach new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which singers use Auto-Tune in their songs?

Many singers have utilized Auto-Tune in their songs as both a creative tool or to correct pitch inaccuracies. Some well-known examples include T-Pain, Cher, Kanye West, Future, and Daft Punk. While some artists openly embrace Auto-Tune, others may use it more subtly.

How do singers use Auto-Tune during live performances?

During live performances, some singers use Auto-Tune to ensure they stay in tune while singing. Auto-Tune can be applied as an effect through microphones or mixing consoles in real-time. Additionally, some singers may use in-ear monitoring systems to assist them in staying on pitch.

Who made Auto-Tune popular among musicians?

Auto-Tune was introduced in 1997 by Antares Audio Technologies, but it was Cher’s 1998 hit single “Believe” that truly brought it into the musical mainstream. Since then, many artists have adopted the auto-tune effect as part of their sound.

Why do some singers choose to use Auto-Tune?

Singers may choose to use Auto-Tune for a variety of reasons. It can help correct minor pitch inaccuracies in a performance or recording, allowing for a cleaner and more polished sound. Additionally, it can be used as a creative effect to create a distinctive sound or vocal style, as heard in songs by artists like T-Pain or Daft Punk.

Do professional singers rely on Auto-Tune?

It’s important to note that not all professional singers and big artists rely on Auto-Tune, and many talented vocalists perform without any pitch correction. However, some singers may use it to correct occasional errors or to enhance their vocal sound in the recording studio. Ultimately, the use of autotune by a professional singer is a personal choice based on their individual technique, style, and preferences.

Are there any famous bands that use Auto-Tune?

Famous bands such as Daft Punk, Imogen Heap, and Bon Iver are known for incorporating Auto-Tune and vocoder effects into their music. While not every band member may use these tools, they can contribute to the unique sound and style of these groups.

The post Singers Who Use Autotune: Uncovering the Truth Behind Modern Vocals appeared first on Soundscape Mastering.