Tools, Techniques, and Strategies for Creating 'Skinny' and 'Wide' Sounds

The practice of music production often includes the pursuit of unique and striking soundscapes. Two commonly used descriptors for sounds are "skinny" and "wide".

Skinny sounds are typically characterized as being thin, narrow, or lacking in breadth. This sound usually contains less stereo information and may be more centrally focused within the stereo field. Often lacking in low frequency content, the perception of a skinny sound is one of narrowness or thinness. If it seems as though a sound is originating from a single point or has a lack of depth and dimension, it can be categorized as "skinny".

On the contrary, a "wide" sound seems to originate from a larger area within the stereo field. This sound has a larger perceived spatial dimension, potentially giving the listener the impression of being surrounded by the sound. "Wide" is often achieved through stereo enhancement tools, panning, and other techniques that increase the amount of stereo information in a mix. When a sound appears to be spread across the stereo field, seemingly enveloping the listener, it can be considered "wide".

Visual tools, like a stereo imaging plugin or a spectrum analyzer, can assist in determining if a sound is skinny or wide. These tools can provide a visual representation of the stereo field or the frequency content of a sound, respectively. However, your own ears are the most crucial tool in identifying whether a sound is skinny or wide. By listening critically to a mix in a well-treated space, or on good quality headphones, you can identify these characteristics, which can greatly improve your mixing and production skills.

When we speak of "voices of unison" in music production, we're referring to the simultaneous playing of the same note or melody by different instruments or voices, either at the same pitch or at octaves apart. The term "voice" in this context is used to describe a single musical line or melody. Unison in synthesizers describes two or more oscillators that are slightly detuned in relation to each other, resulting in a fatter, richer sound. Voices of unison contribute to the process of layering in several ways:

1. Creating a Richer Sound: When multiple voices play the same note or melody in unison, it creates a fuller, more sonorous sound. This is due to the slight differences in timbre and pitch that naturally occur when different instruments or voices produce the same note.
2. Increasing Perceived Loudness: Playing in unison can increase the perceived loudness of a sound without actually increasing the volume.
3. Adding Depth and Texture: In layering, voices of unison can add depth and texture to a sound, especially effective when layering synthesizer sounds.
4. Creating a Singular Instrument Sound: In sound layering, multiple sound sources can be combined to create a singular, more complex and unique sound.

But remember, too much unison can result in a muddy or overly dense mix. It's about finding the right balance to achieve the desired sound.

The use of equalization (EQ), filter automation and modulation, layering tools, and various arrangement techniques can help in filtering and arranging layers in music production. The key to success in this domain is to listen carefully and make adjustments based on what serves the song best, which can involve a lot of experimentation and fine-tuning.

Determining the optimal balance and space within a mix in music production involves several factors and techniques, such as understanding mix depth, considering the genre of the song, using tools like panning and subtractive EQ, creating a three-dimensional mix, and being mindful of the overall mix level.

Fine-tuning in the final touches of a music mix involves making small adjustments to various elements of the mix to improve the overall sound and balance. This process can include listening on different systems, checking the mix in mono, balancing levels, adjusting EQ and compression, adding effects, and using reference tracks.

Several software tools, plugins, and techniques can be utilized to achieve these sounds. Supermodal by Polyverse, The Weaponizer by Krotos Audio, Cryostasis by JMG Sound, Krotos Concept, and Saturation techniques can all be utilized to create unique sonic textures. Comprehensive software packages like Native Instruments Komplete 13 or iZotope Music Production Suite 4 offer a wide range of digital instruments, sounds, and processors for producing and mixing music. Each of these tools and techniques can be used to manipulate the sound in different ways to achieve the desired "skinny" or "wide" effect.

Ultimately, the key to achieving a specific sound lies in understanding the tools and techniques at your disposal and using them creatively. Always remember, these terms are subjective and can vary based on individual perception and context. What sounds "wide" or "skinny" can also depend on the genre of music and the specific production techniques used.