Get Pro-Sounding Guitars: bx_shredspread Tips and Techniques
Achieving that massive, modern guitar sound—the kind that feels like it’s wrapping around the listener—often requires more than just standard panning. If you are struggling with thin guitars or mixes that feel cluttered in the center, Plugin Alliance’s bx_shredspread is an essential tool designed to fix this.
Shredspread isn’t just a panner; it’s a specialized utility that adds width, presence, and polish to electric and acoustic guitars alike. Here are some top tips and techniques to get pro-sounding guitars using this plugin. 1. Harnessing the “Shred” for Presence
The “Shred” parameter in bx_shredspread is not a simple volume knob; it is a specialized EQ aimed at boosting high frequencies to give your guitars that modern bite.
Technique: Use this on heavily distorted guitars that feel like they are getting buried by the kick drum or bass. Increasing the Shred value will bring the guitar forward in the mix, adding a “sparkle” or “sheen” that cuts through without needing to aggressively EQ the high end. 2. Mastering the “Spread” for Ultra-Wide Sound
The “Spread” control increases the stereo width of your guitar tracks beyond simple hard-panning. It is excellent for double-tracked electric guitars or acoustic guitar recordings.
Technique: If your double-tracked guitars still feel a bit “central,” bring up the Spread control. This will take the left-panned guitar and make it sound wider on the left, and conversely on the right, instantly increasing the sonic footprint of the instrument without creating phase issues. 3. Using the Mono-Maker for Punch
One of the most important professional techniques for creating huge guitars is ensuring the low end stays centered. If the low end is spread too wide, the mix feels amateurish and loses punch.
Technique: Use the Mono-Maker parameter to define a frequency below which the guitar becomes completely mono. A good starting point is around 100-150 Hz. This keeps your guitar’s “heaviness” right in the center (ideal for palm-muted riffs) while making the upper frequencies wide and spacious. 4. Ideal Use Cases for Shredspread While designed for heavy metal, this plugin is versatile:
Layered Electric Guitars: If you have four or more tracks of guitars, use Shredspread on different layers to create a “wall of sound” effect.
Acoustic Width: Use this on stereo acoustic guitars to make them sound larger than life, especially in folk-rock or pop-rock mixes.
Clean/Background Vocals: Don’t limit it to guitars; it works wonderfully to add presence to background vocals. 5. Combine with Proper Panning
Pro sound comes from combining good technique with good tools. Ensure you have your double-tracks panned hard-left and hard-right before engaging the plugin to maximize its impact. The key to that ultra-wide sound is not just the plugin, but the sonic difference between the two takes—use different guitars or pickups for the best result.
By mastering these simple “shred” and “spread” techniques, you can turn thin, digital-sounding DI recordings into massive, professional-sounding mixes.
If you’re interested in learning more about recording and mixing techniques, I can also provide information on: How to use EQ to remove mud from your mix Tips for recording vocals to make them sound professional Different types of microphones and their uses in recording Let me know if any of these topics would be helpful!
The Secret to Studio-Quality Guitar Mixes: Pro Tips Revealed!