Hope you’re doing well. My name is Jordn, and I’m a huge admirer of your work. Your mix of “Freak” is actually one of the three main reference tracks I’m using on my current project, which is what prompted me to write.
I’m reaching out because I’m incredibly curious about your specific technique with The God Particle plugin.
To explain: I have my own mix bus chain that I’ve built over time. I’ve been hearing a lot about The God Particle, but almost always in the context of replacing an entire chain. I’d never want to do that, but I did purchase the plugin and set it up on a second, parallel mix bus purely as a learning tool. It’s been interesting to A/B my mix between my chain and that one to hear where I may (or may not) be lacking.
I’ve seen that you seem to use it on your own chain set at around 23%—a very different approach than how it’s intended to be used. You’re the only mixer I’ve seen use it this way, and since you have its limiter off, I know it’s not for loudness.
I was wondering if you’d be open to sharing any insight into your philosophy here? I’m fascinated by what you’re achieving with it at that low percentage as part of your existing chain, rather than as a replacement.
I know you’re incredibly busy, but as your sound on “Freak” is something I’m actively studying, I thought I’d take a shot and ask.
I’m a long-time Tezzio follower and would be happy to answer your question if he doesn’t have time. Here’s a breakdown of the differences in workflow:
Jaycen’s workflow: Jaycen typically uses The God Particle at 100% as the sole plugin on his mix bus.
Tezzio’s workflow: In contrast, Tezzio utilizes a more comprehensive mix bus chain, including plugins or hardware like the VT7, VT5, and others. The Neve summing also introduces a distinct sonic quality.
Why the lower percentage? In Tezzio’s setup, the various mix bus processors already apply significant coloration and sonic enhancement. Therefore, he doesn’t need to push The God Particle to a high percentage. The modest 23% setting is sufficient to add the desired qualities without over-processing the mix, (and remember even 100% on the god particle is a parallel process), which would be the case if he used it at a higher percentage on top of his existing chain.
Essentially, it’s a difference in mixing philosophy and signal processing chain. The lower percentage on The God Particle is an intentional choice to complement his existing processing, not a limitation.
Hi Daniel!
Thanks for this. And you actually make a very intriguing point. It sounds like Teezio is essentially using it as a preamp on his mix bus (I use two Midland 280 PRE Vintage Germanium Preamps and also Soundtoys Radiator). But viewed as a parallel processor that brings up someninteuguing possibilities tk experiment with.)
Thanks so much!
Jordan
Hi Jordan, that might be true. My workflow is very similar to Tezzio's. I have the VT7 plugin and Ruby 2, and although I'd never seen it that way, the input to Pro Tools from my 16-channel summing mixer has a V76 preamp from UAD inserted in multimono before it reaches the mixbus. I think it does the same thing as your great 280s preamps; the 76's sound musical and add a beautiful warmth to the overall track(took this from tony maseratti, he uses the real ones!). Cheers and great music!