Mixing Tilian’s Synths: Kris Crummett’s Techniques for Punch & Width

Tilian’s music is a killer blend, smashing modern synth-pop vibes into dense, driving rock tracks. It’s a sound that’s instantly recognizable. But how do you make sure all those intricate synth layers, pulsing basses, and atmospheric pads not only get heard but actually work together without turning the mix into a muddy mess? We got a peek into how legendary producer Kris Crummett tackled this challenge in Tilian’s music, and he dropped some serious knowledge bombs on making synths sit perfectly.

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with a synth-heavy track, trying to carve out space and make each element pop, Kris’s approach offers some fantastic, actionable insights. It’s all about smart layering, targeted EQ, creative widening, and dynamic control. Let’s dive into how he makes Tilian’s synths shine, particularly focusing on the techniques he shared during a session available on Nail The Mix.

Layering Low-End: Bass Synths and Real Bass Working in Harmony

One of the first things Kris highlights is the intricate low-end tapestry in Tilian’s tracks. It’s not just one bass sound doing all the heavy lifting.
He points out a “double bass synth sound” – think the thrum of an upright bass played with a bow – working in tandem with low notes from an organ sound. These two elements combine to form the foundational bass in sections like the verse.

But that’s not all. There’s also a “zapper synth” adding its unique texture to the low frequencies. Crucially, Kris mentions that the real bass guitar tone was intentionally kept as Tilian had already meticulously crafted it to blend seamlessly with these synth bass layers. This pre-production foresight is huge! It means the DI bass already wants to play nice with its synthetic counterparts. Even the playing style of the real bass, with slides and articulations, contributes to making it sound like a massive, cohesive synth element when everything is brought together. It’s a perfect example of how performance and sound design can make the mixing process smoother.

Beyond Traditional Instruments: Synths as the Sonic Core

In Tilian’s music, synths aren’t just ear candy; they’re often the backbone of the sound. Kris explains how synths are so deeply interwoven with guitars that sometimes it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. This creates a unique, almost hybrid “instrument” that defines the track’s character. The aforementioned “zapper synth” pops up again, acting as a prominent rhythmic element, sometimes delivering stabbing sounds that, in other sections, might be handled by guitars. This dynamic interplay keeps the arrangement exciting and the textures constantly evolving.

Making the Main Melody Shine: Processing the “Bright Cycle ARP”

A standout element Kris focuses on is a main melody synth, dubbed the “Bright Cycle ARP” (short for arpeggiator). This synth carries a lot of melodic weight, especially in intro and chorus sections. One key characteristic of this ARP is its significant low-end content. While this adds body, it also means it can easily clash with other bass elements, underscoring the need for careful processing and, as we’ll see, sidechaining.

EQing for Cut-Through and Character

Listening to the “Bright Cycle ARP” raw, Kris notes it’s cool but can sound “a little stale” and have noticeable volume jumps. The first port of call? EQ. To make it cut through the dense instrumentation, he focuses on bringing its defining characteristics forward.

• Boosting Highs and Mids: The initial move is to give the highs and mids a bump. This helps the synth slice through without just cranking the overall volume.
• Highlighting the “Buzzy Saw Wave”: To emphasize the core texture of the synth, Kris boosts around 2kHz. This brings out that desirable “buzzy saw wave” sound, making the melody more articulate.
• Mid-Range Definition: Further refinement in the mid-range comes from boosts around 820Hz and 600Hz, adding body and presence.

These aren’t just random boosts; they’re targeted adjustments to enhance what’s already good in the sound. For more deep dives into surgical EQ, check out our EQ Strategies for Mixing Modern Metal hub.

Achieving Width: From Mono to Expansive

A common issue with some synth patches is that they can sound a bit too centered or mono. Kris wanted to open up the “Bright Cycle ARP” to give it more space in the stereo field.

Subtle Widening with Plugin Analog Mode

One clever trick involved using the “Analog mode” on an EQ plugin (like the one found on FabFilter’s Pro-Q series). He mentions that this mode tends to make things sound “bizarrely wide” in some cases, but for this synth, it was just the ticket. Switching from the more mono “Digital mode” to “Analog mode” provided a subtle but effective opening up of the sound. It’s those small, incremental improvements that add up to a big difference.

Aggressive Widening with Unlinked Limiting

For more pronounced width and control, Kris turned to a limiter, likely something powerful like FabFilter’s Pro-L (sometimes referred to by its beefy preset “The Wall”). The key here was unlinking the limiter’s channels.

• Unlinked Operation: By unlinking, the limiter essentially acts as two independent mono limiters – one for the left channel and one for the right. This means each side reacts only to its own signal.
• The Widening Effect: When one side has a peak, only that side is attenuated, leaving the other untouched. This independent action enhances the stereo separation and makes the synth sound significantly wider, as opposed to linked limiting, which tends to pull the image towards the center.
• Settings for Smoothness: Kris opted for the “Smooth” mode on the limiter. This retains some of the synth’s natural bounce and dynamics, avoiding an overly squashed sound that “Aggressive” mode might produce. He also made sure to disengage any “Flavor” or coloration options on the limiter, as the EQ was already dialed in.

Creating Space with Sidechain Compression

With so many elements, especially synths with low-end content like the “Bright Cycle ARP,” fighting for space, sidechain compression becomes your best friend. Kris employs this technique, sidechaining the synth to the kick and snare.

• The Goal: To ensure the kick and snare punch through the mix without having to make them excessively loud.
• How it Works: Every time the kick or snare hits, the synth’s volume is momentarily ducked (reduced). This creates little pockets of space for the drums to cut.
• The Benefit: This not only cleans up the low-mid clutter but also allows the synth itself to be perceived as louder and more present during the gaps between the drum hits. It’s a classic technique for a reason and crucial for achieving clarity in a dense, modern mix. If you want to explore compression further, our Metal Compression Secrets page is a great resource.

Bringing It All Together: Lessons from Kris Crummett’s Tilian Mix

Kris Crummett’s approach to mixing Tilian’s synths is a masterclass in balancing complexity with clarity. It’s about:

• Understanding Layers: Recognizing how different synth and real instrument layers (like bass) are designed to interact.
• Targeted EQ: Not just boosting or cutting, but shaping the tone to make each synth find its place and character.
• Strategic Widening: Using plugin features and advanced limiter techniques to create an expansive, immersive soundscape.
• Dynamic Control: Employing sidechain compression to manage frequency clashes and enhance rhythmic punch.

These aren’t just isolated tricks; they’re part of a holistic vision for the mix, ensuring every synth contributes effectively without overwhelming the song.

Want to see Kris Crummett break down his entire mix for Tilian’s “Dose,” track by track, explaining every plugin and decision? You can dive deep into this session and many more like it over at Nail The Mix. Get access to the raw multitracks from massive artists and watch world-class producers like Kris mix them from scratch. It’s an unparalleled way to learn the techniques that make modern metal and rock tracks hit hard.

Ready to elevate your own mixes beyond presets and tutorials? Explore how you can Unlock Your Sound with Nail The Mix and gain the skills to craft professional-sounding productions. For more on this specific Tilian session, check out the full details here.