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Power App – MOTU Digital Performer 8

1/14/2013

OBJECTIVE
Use DP’s bundled plug-ins to create truly rich amp sim tones.

BACKGROUND
Since Version 7, DP has included some exceptional guitar-oriented plug-ins. Version 8 offers several more (the spring reverb is great), but it also has a de-esser; while not considered “guitar effects,” de-essers can create a smoother, creamier tone with distorted sounds.

 
TIPS
Step 1: As with all amp sims, make sure you’re not overloading your interface’s input.
Step 2: If you have more than one distortion effect (e.g., fuzz stompbox and distorting amp), experiment with placing the De- Esser before each one.
 

 
Step 1 Go to Setup > Configure
Audio System > Input Monitoring
Mode and make sure that
“Monitor Record-Enabled Tracks
through Effects” is checked.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Step 2 Assemble your “rack” of
processors in the mixer channel
inserts; place the De-Esser
after any clean effects ( e.g.,
compression) but before any
distortion effects.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Step 3 To start, adjust the De-Esser settings as shown. As you play, vary Freq for the smoothest sound (typically around 2–3kHz).
 
 
 
 Step 4 To further tweak the Freq, click Key Listen to hear
only the material triggering the De-Esser. Adjust Freq
above the fundamentals of the guitar’s notes; try to
“catch” the range with the greatest amount of resonant,
“whistling” sounds.
 
 
 
Step 5 De-Essing will make the signal a little less bright, so
compensate with post-distortion modules (e.g., Live Room
G, as shown). Note that you’ll be adding brightness to a
richer distortion, not emphasizing unwanted artifacts.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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