In this music mixing tip, Pyramind instructor Will Marshall shows us how he uses iZotope Nectar to mix a saxophone part in an electro-funk track he is currently working on in Ableton Live. With its real-time pitch correction and harmony module, Nectar is traditionally used to treat vocals – but Will shows you that it is versatile enough for treating saxophone as well.
First, he uses Nectar’s built-in EQ to cut out frequencies he doesn’t want, and emphasize the ones he likes.
He also uses the plugin’s built-in saturation to add some warmth and presence to the sound. The saxophone was recorded with a Shure SM7B right up on the instrument, so the untreated tone was very dry.
Next, he adds some heavy compression with Nectar’s built-in compressor. Since he was going for an old-school 70s vibe, he used the “vintage” character setting.
Lastly, Will adds some delay and reverb to bring the saxophone to life.
Here at our SF Campus, Will Marshall teaches Mixing & Mastering 301 for Ableton Live as well as DJ 210: Live Performance and Advanced DJing with Ableton Live. He produces music under his Coma Cartel alias and hails originally from New Zealand.
