Soothe2 by Oeksound has become a staple in many producers’ toolkits, and for good reason. Its ability to dynamically suppress problematic resonances while preserving the integrity of the sound is nothing short of magic. Whether you’re crafting delicate melodies or bass-heavy drops, Soothe2 offers a level of control and precision that can transform your mixes.

Let’s dive into the strengths of Soothe2 and explore specific scenarios where it can elevate your tracks.

 

What Makes Soothe2 Special?

At its core, Soothe2 is a dynamic resonance suppressor. Unlike traditional EQs, which statically cut frequencies, Soothe2 reacts in real-time, targeting only problematic resonances as they occur. This makes it perfect for treating harshness, muddiness, or overly bright frequencies without dulling your sound.

The intuitive interface, visual feedback, and customizable controls make it accessible for both beginners and seasoned pros.

 

When and How to Use Soothe2

Here are some specific scenarios where Soothe2 shines in electronic music production:

 

1. Smoothing Harsh Synths

Synth patches, especially leads and pads, can often have resonant frequencies that become piercing when layered or played at higher volumes. These resonances might not be noticeable when designing the sound but can stand out in the mix.

How to Use It:

• Place Soothe2 on your synth bus or individual tracks.
• Focus the suppression on the mid-to-high frequencies (1 kHz to 10 kHz range).
• Use a light touch—just enough to tame the harshness without losing the brightness of the sound.

 

2. Taming Vocal Processing

Vocals, particularly those processed with heavy reverb or saturation, can accumulate resonances that muddy the mix or clash with other elements.

How to Use It:

• Insert Soothe2 after your reverb or delay effects.
• Target the lower mids (200 Hz to 800 Hz) to remove muddiness, or the high mids (1 kHz to 5 kHz) for sibilance control.
• Adjust the depth slider to ensure the vocal remains clear and natural.

 

3. Cleaning Up Percussion

Percussion elements like claps, snares, or hi-hats often have sharp transients or ringing tones that can become overwhelming when stacked in a dense mix.

How to Use It:

• Apply Soothe2 to individual percussion tracks or the entire drum bus.
• For claps and snares, focus on the high mids (2 kHz to 6 kHz) to reduce sharpness.
• On hi-hats, use it sparingly to remove any overly harsh high frequencies without dulling their brightness.

 

4. Refining Bass Sounds

Bass elements can introduce problematic resonances, especially when using aggressive distortion or processing. These frequencies can interfere with other elements in the mix, making it feel crowded.

How to Use It:

• Place Soothe2 on your bass channel post-distortion or EQ.
• Focus on the low-mid range (100 Hz to 400 Hz) to clean up any muddiness.
• Be careful not to overdo it—you want to retain the power and punch of your bassline.

 

5. Enhancing Mix Clarity on the Master Bus

Soothe2 is a fantastic tool for adding polish to your mix. By gently suppressing problematic frequencies across the entire mix, it creates a cleaner, more cohesive sound.

How to Use It:

• Insert Soothe2 on your master bus at the final stage of mixing.
• Use a broad frequency range, but keep the depth slider low to avoid overprocessing.
• Pay close attention to the high frequencies (5 kHz and above) to tame any harshness from stacked elements.

 

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Soothe2

1. Use It Sparingly: Soothe2 is powerful, but overusing it can strip the life out of your mix. Always aim for subtle adjustments.
2. Combine with EQ: Soothe2 isn’t a replacement for EQ. Use it alongside traditional EQ to shape your sound and address static problem frequencies.
3. Automate for Transitions: In electronic music, transitions are key. Automate Soothe2’s parameters to adapt to different sections of your track, such as dialing it back during a breakdown or ramping it up in a busy drop.
4. Analyze Before Applying: Use the visual feedback to identify problem areas before making adjustments. This ensures you’re only targeting frequencies that need attention.

 

Why Soothe2 Stands Out in Electronic Music

Electronic music thrives on intricate sound design and rich textures, but these elements can sometimes clash, creating a chaotic mix. Soothe2 excels at maintaining the clarity and balance needed to make each element shine.

Whether you’re working on lush atmospheres or punchy drops, Soothe2 helps you fine-tune the details that make your music stand out. Its dynamic nature means you can push creative boundaries without worrying about harshness or muddiness ruining your mix.