Welcome to the Hidden Frequency — your go-to source for the latest news on synths, sounds, and production techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, we provide the best tools to help you level up your music. If you were forwarded this email, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a thing!

What’s included this week:

• SPOTLIGHT: Arturia Pigments 6

• WHATS MOVING THE NEEDLE: Branding - Beyond The Music

• SHAPING THE SOUND: Vocal Layering

NEW MUSIC

Every week, we bring you gems from indie labels and unsigned artists that deserve to be heard.

UndeFined PT - Zulu Nights (Original Mix)[MUSTACHE CREW RECORDS]

AJSE & Edwin Reiman – Hold Tight [Ensis Records]

VEEXIE - Synthesis Of Revenge [HellCat Media]

Got a track that you want shared with the community?

Email a link to your track to [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT

Arturia Pigments 6

Price: $199 (Free upgrade for existing users)

Pigments 6 is here, and it’s easily one of the most impressive soft synths on the market. With a new modal engine, two new filters, and enhanced modulation, it’s got everything you need to take your sound to the next level.

🔹 Ease of Use: 8/10 – Great layout, but a bit overwhelming for beginners.

🔹 Features & Modulation: 10/10 – Packed with modulation options, flexible routing, and cutting-edge synthesis engines.

🔹 Presets & Sound Design Potential: 9/10 – Massive preset library with deep sound customization options.

🔹 CPU Efficiency: 7/10 – Powerful but heavy on resources.

🔹 Value for Money: 9.5/10 –Great price for what you get.

Pros & Cons

✅ New modal engine creates beautiful organic sounds.
✅ Free upgrade for Pigments 5 users.
✅ Cluster and Lo-Fi filters add warmth and grit.
✅ Deep modulation and layering tools.
❌ High CPU usage on slower systems.
❌ Slight learning curve for beginners.

Final Verdict: 9.2/10

Whether you're designing cinematic atmospheres, intricate soundscapes, or club-ready synths, this tool worth adding to your arsenal. It blends classic synthesis with innovative features for a well-rounded sound design tool. Ideal for creating cinematic textures, electronic sounds, and analog-style patches it has deep sound-shaping capabilities, and at its price point, a must-have.

Since this week’s spotlight is on Pigments why not include a preset pact for them as well.

Mercurial Tones - Obsidian: Pigments Peak-Time Techno

Price: $46.25

Need cutting-edge techno sounds? Obsidian pulls from the Beatport Top 100 to give you the chart-ready sounds dominating today’s techno scene. With 100 presets, you’ll find deep basslines and crisp leads — a solid addition to any techno project.

WHAT’S MOVING THE NEEDLE

Branding Beyond the Music — Why Merch, Content, and Personality Are Essential for Producers

In 2025, just dropping tracks isn’t enough to stand out. With thousands of electronic producers releasing music daily, building a personal brand can be the difference between blending in and breaking out. Your sound may get people to listen — but your brand is what keeps them coming back.

Merch: Turning Fans into Advocates

Merch isn’t just about selling T-shirts; it’s about giving your audience something tangible to connect with. When fan wear your logo to festivals, they turn into walking billboards for your music. Plus, exclusive merch drops and limited-edition gear build hype, sell fast, and create a deeper bond with your audience.

Keep it authentic — design merch that reflects your vibe, not just a logo slapped on a tee. Collaborate with designers or print shops to create unique, high-quality items your fans will actually want to wear.

Content: More Than Just the Music

Social media isn’t just a place to post your latest track — it’s where fans get to know you. Sharing behind-the-scenes clips, studio sessions, and personal stories humanizes you and builds loyalty. People don’t just want to hear your music; they want to feel like they’re part of your journey.

You can post quick tips on sound design, remix challenges, or even your favorite plugins. Show your personality — not just your polished final product.

Personality: The Secret Sauce

In an industry where everyone is chasing the same trends, your personality is your unfair advantage. Whether you're sarcastic, laid-back, or full of chaotic studio energy, leaning into who you are sets you apart. Fans are more likely to support producers they feel connected to. Engage with your community in a way that feels natural — even if it’s just replying to comments or sharing fan content.

Bottom Line

Music might get you noticed, but your brand is what makes you memorable. Merch turns fans into superfans. Content keeps you on their radar. And personality is what makes them stick around. The best producers today aren’t just making music; they’re building a culture.

SHAPING THE SOUND

Layering Vocals for a Professional Sound

Great vocal mixes are all about layers. Whether you’re working with sung vocals, rap, or chopped samples, proper layering can take your track from average to professional. Here’s how to nail it:

1. Start with a Solid Lead
   Clean, well-recorded vocals are key. Edit out breaths, pops, and background noise.

2. Double Up for Thickness
   Record a second take or duplicate the track with subtle pitch/formant tweaks to create a thicker sound.

3. Widen with Panning
   Pan backing vocals slightly left and right to create width without overpowering the lead.

4. Use Harmonies for Depth
   Adding harmonies (thirds, fifths) brings emotion to your track. Keep it subtle.

5. Blend with Effects

• EQ: Cut lows (below 120Hz) for clarity.

• Compression: Light compression blends layers smoothly.

• Reverb & Delay: Use reverb for space, delay for depth.

• Saturation: Adds warmth and presence.

6. Timing & Pitch Adjustments
   Even slight timing or pitch issues can ruin the mix. Use tools like Melodyne or Auto-Tune to tighten it up.

7. Get Creative with Vocal Chops
   For electronic genres, try chopping and resampling vocals for unique textures. Pitch shifting and granular synthesis can add something fresh.

Final Thought:
Less is more. Each layer should add something unique — don’t stack just for the sake of it.

WHATS BUZZING THIS WEEK

• THR VoxGuru: Vocal processing plugin

• Native Instruments Scene Lotus: Cinematic sounds for Kontakt

• DWP-16: Multi Channel Sampler

• Fuse Audio Labs OCELOT Clipper: Peak Shaper

• Rainbow of Emotions by JiLLi: Vocal Sample pack

THE ESSENTIALS

Must have tools to add to your collection

• Xfer Serum 2

• Xfer OTT

• Ableton Live 12

• Valhalla VintageVerb

• FabFilter Pro-Q 4

• Splice

• Kickstart 2

• Voxengo SPAN

• Native Instruments Komplete 15

• FabFilter Pro L-2

• Fabfilter Pro C-2

• oeksound soothe 2

• LANDR

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