There’s a certain computer musician who will tell you that, if used correctly, a decent effect plugin can be more creative than any instrument or ‘sound maker’. With any argument like this, I always think, “Why do I need to use one over the other; can’t I use both?”. But it did get me thinking, as for years I’ve been focussing on the perfect synth: one that does everything and essentially writes my ‘unique electronic’ compositions for me. And I haven’t really found it, although one or two do come close. So maybe I should start exploring creative effects more and you know what? Since doing so – as in shoving everything through a random selection of Baby Audio, NI, and (this month) Moogerfooger plugs – I’ve finally woken up to the fact that effects, especially when used in their extremes, can be easily as creative as anything out there. With that in mind, and armed with the Computer Music Plugin Suite, I thought ‘there’s a cover feature right there’. And doing what any self-respecting (aka lazy) editor would do, I asked someone else – CM Suite expert Jon Musgrave – to write it. And that feature is right here, and as it turns out, it’s not just about getting an extreme sound but how using plugins in a certain way can perfect your sound. And ultimately, how applying extreme settings can help your productions from start to finish. So we’re all learning a thing or two this issue. Next month Jon’s dealing with other things I find baffling, with a tutorial on tax returns and Love Island. Until then!
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“it’s not just about getting an extreme sound”