5 Quick Delay Mixing Tricks - Warren Huart: Produce Like A Pro

➡️ ➡️ Before you start using delay, make sure you download this FREE Delay Tricks cheatsheet right now: bit.ly/2Ff7b4X
Mixing with delay can add a depth to you mix in an interesting way. Short delays can be used to add distance between you instruments similarly to reverb. But unlike reverb you can add multiple repeats of the delay or echo, add interesting stereo panning and more. There is quite a lot that can be done with delays to add unique sonic textures to you mix, more than we can probably fit into one KZbin video, but here are 5 tricks to get you started!
1. Add side chain compression to your delay. 0:58
2. Distort a slap delay 5:49
3. Add filter delay to your drums 10:04
4. Use a ping pong delay 13:49
5. Add a reverb after your delay 18:55
Read more about these 5 delay mixing tricks here: bit.ly/2n0SRkx
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Friends, Mixing with delay can add a depth to you mix in a really interesting way. Short delays can be used to add distance between your instruments similarly to reverb. But unlike reverb you can add multiple repeats to the delay or echo, add interesting stereo panning and much more. There is quite a lot that can be done with delays to add unique sonic textures to your mix. Probably more than we can fit into one KZbin video, but here are 5 tricks to get you started!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

More please! Great series

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Apple!!

[@spitfiremusic3997]

Best delay video!

[@harmonystudios1182]

Great video! Thanks Warren!!

[@ElGabrielMartinez]

Thank you! This helped me a lot!

[@seanrichards9569]

Cool that you referenced Martin Terefe, an old friend and colleague. He doesn’t get near enough props for his work, but the stuff they turned out at Kensaltown was really excellent. I’m a live audio engineer primarily, but during this lockdown I’ve been reflecting on things that got me into this biz in the first place and relearning my original passion, which is studio production. This is how I came across your excellent channel. Anyway, in doing so I sometimes forget that since I’ve been working internationally 35 years now I actually know some people, and some of them have done some things LOL. Keep up the good work, all your videos are really great.

[@ernestbuckley8671]

I`m 5 years late to this video but this is a great one Warren. Thanks again for being one of the best channels on YT. Lots of useful techniques here!

[@EdwinKiddo1]

Excellent tricks! Thanks for sharing!

[@Jacob-iv7qg]

we are blessed that such a great mixer decided to open a KZbin channel and share his amazing knowledge.

[@polarbear7577]

Tried all day to to this in Tracktion with no joy but this method looks easier side chaining or ducking the verb / delay is a game changer to clean up mixes

[@noisesoundtonevibe]

Delay on drums is one of my favorite things ever! I used it on my very first mix, and it still makes me happy. Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Yes mine too!! You Rock!!

[@6Litz_]

keep the 5 quick tip series going!!!! these are gold!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Johnny!

[@sparkyapplepants8944]

Brilliant! Insanely helpful. Thank you.

[@Owl-qh2rh]

I know it's from 6 years ago but ive just spent my morning watching this over and over! Brilliant vid thank you Warren!!! Ill check out the reverb one tomorrow after i put some of these tricks to good use lol Thanks again! Bless 🙏🕊️

[@EricGPLAP]

These quick trick videos are helping so much! First reverb and now delay. Thank You Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Eric!! You Rock!

[@cuddlepasta6254]

Warren, All your videos have been great! I'm 4 weeks in to learning mixing. Spent week1 watching EQ videos, Week2 Compression, #3 Reverbs, and now Week4 - DELAYS. Of all the different sources I've been using, your Channel has been Superior. I'm a fan and want to apologize for not clicking the like button on all the videos I've viewed so far. Today I'm making sure to log in for the thumbs up!!

[@aledelrioproducciones]

Awesome. I always have a hard time with delays. This is perfect! Thanks Warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Alejandro!! So glad to be able to help!

[@Racingheartrecords]

Working in the studio is super fun and also an isolating experience. Watching your videos makes me feel like I'm connected to a community. I've learned something valuable from every video I've seen. I enjoy your pace and clarity in explaining your process. I also enjoy your musical taste. Thank you Warren!

[@paulallen6849]

Like the new intro graphics. Thanks for the delay secret weapons!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Paul!!

[@danialdevostmusic]

That drum delay is brilliant!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much! Mark Endert is a smart man!

[@mattmcqueen8231]

I loved the drum trick! thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Matt!

[@conorm2524]

Yes. Trying it today on a track. Not sure it'll make any difference to a full blast metal song!

[@int3533]

Probably one of my favourite KZbin channels. Always learn something useful and I've been mixing for years.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much Elroi The Overseer!

[@dougboyer210]

Love these tips! Never dug so deep into reaper. Thanks Warren!

[@preciseaudioblog]

First plugin sounds sweet! Thank you!

[@willb3698]

Your enthusiasm is fantastic. Your tips are excellent. Your subjects are not based on software, but technique. There's not much else to say when presented with these gems. Thank you vey much.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow!! Thanks ever so much for the extremely kind words! I feel blessed that we have such an amazing community of people here!

[@revol40]

Just when I was thinking about some delay effects on a mix you come out with this. Thanks man.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Jin J aw shucks thanks for the marvellous comment! Glad to be able to help!

[@josephvalo]

Another amazing video Warren!! Also the video production is getting extremely better! I never thought about using delays like that. I cannot wait for the next one. Also I cannot wait for the next one! I hope you have a wonderful day as well!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic! Marvellous Joseph, glad to be able to help!

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Warren is such a great asset to our community!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind Darlene!

[@SXTransmission]

Great techniques. Especially liked the drum one. Couldn't perceive it as an echo that strongly but it added a lot.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Punk Duck! Yes, it's a wonderful trick that Mark Endert uses! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video!

[@k4vms]

Thank You Warren and Team

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Ricky! I really appreciate it! We all do!

[@danielgoldstein150]

It's so rewarding when I can watch a video and immediately implement some techniques!

[@nomadcharter3691]

Great vid, really simply delivered and very helpful stuff

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@denvy21]

Lots of insight .You are our saviour in mixing journey .I luv your short tutorial so much . Great work sir..

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Blue World!! So glad to be able to help!

[@denvy21]

Produce Like A Pro you are always welcome .I do also want to know how to do EQ the vocals with instrument .Say lead,chord piano ,pluck with vocals ,its basic EQ tips to cut off certain frequency of instrument track with vocals .

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Blue World that’s video will be coming out very soon!

[@BlackenedNL]

Thanks Warren! I've been using the sidechain delay trick for years now

[@Producelikeapro]

HI Morris, indeed, it's a wonderful trick!

[@AMB666]

I hope that 5 quick tips goes on😍

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks AMB! Yes, fun series to do!

[@davidbaadermixing]

Love that format!

[@paololuvie8755]

Wow , great and very well explained tricks !!!!!! 👍👍😘

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@paololuvie8755]

@@Producelikeapro first time I watch your videos , and well , these are very helpful. You rock !!!!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Amazing love this series of videos Warren!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Apple! You Rock!

[@DigiMixAudio]

So informative; many thanks Warren!

[@aarondoerr2260]

Gotta say, what is really encouraging is that you're cranking out great work using RTAS and TDM plugins. As someone who couldn't fund upgrades to the new AAX/HDX world, I feel like I'm missing out on stuff that I 'need' to make records, when in reality, I have plenty of great tools. I need to get over my fear and get to work!

[@myroomstudios]

really love the distortion trick... I've always hear that effect in some song but never realize how it was properly done. Thank you :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks myroomstudios! I am so glad to be able to help!

[@levisarts]

Awesome as always! I really needed help on delays and this is perfect. Thanks, Have a wonderful Day.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Levisarts! I hope you have a marvellous day as well!

[@jimmyjoefine]

Awesome Sauce! Very cool delay tricks! I will forever after refer to these as the "polishing a turd" delay tricks :) Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha thanks Jimmy!!

[@PhillyWatts]

Excellent! Thanks Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you very much Philly Watts!

[@davidallenhammond2777]

Wonderful set of 'tricks' Those are some amazingly useful techniques. Thank you sooooo much.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much David! You Rock!!

[@StanJohanson1973]

You defiantly help my mixing. Plenty of useful experience shared. May not be able to use all the tips but thanks. Have a great day.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Stan, I am so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous day yourself!

[@markm5193]

That made a huge difference with little effort amazing!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Mark!!

[@xperiencerecordz]

Side mono delays are also great in rap vocals, seasoned very lightly. Sometimes without any reverb on the Vox, just to get some room around the vox without geting any "reverb feeling". Thank you for that video, great tricks.

[@merlynscave]

Well done. Excellent little video

[@CloudKnife]

Going to have to start taking notes to make sure I test these all out. The drum one is going to happen first though. Thanks for the tips :)

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Kyle! Glad to be able to help!! Yes, I love the drum one!

[@MatthewDiamante]

Again, the right info, just when I'm needing it! haha

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Matthew, thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help!

[@J-MLindeMusic]

Great series Warren, thank you so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much J-M!

[@m.k.9058]

Good stuff, Warren! Thanks for sharing.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Marcus! I really appreciate it!

[@dpelley]

Thanks again Warren! Always learn something extremely useful from your videos!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Dean Pelley very glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous day!!

[@marin4311]

Your tips are always very precise and come with a lot of style. Thank you.

[@fitdogStudios]

Thanks Warren, great tips as usual.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@lordha-ha4242]

Great tutorial on Echoboy!

[@GoldenProductions2019]

I just added these 5 delay mixing tricks to my mixing template and I also added the 5 reverb mixing tricks to my mixing template also Im so happy I added them because now when I use them in my mix they really help

[@jimdavignon]

I use the Ping Pong delay trick on every synth or guitar arpeggios during a chorus. Set the feedback to sync with the open spaces in the notes on the dry track. The delayed notes "fill in" the spaces to make a continuous groove that glues in with the bass/drums

[@Producelikeapro]

Marvellous Jim! Yes, that's an amazing idea! Thanks for the tip!

[@ozono3videos]

Really interesting! Love your Echoplex tracks!

[@ProDoucher]

Cool little series. I'd love to see some quick microphone tips or something like that.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!! Yes, that's a great idea!!

[@chrisdunnettmusic]

Another great video Warren! I am definitely going to try some these :). Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Chris, thanks ever so much!! Really glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Susanfaery]

These tips are great for mixing in the box. But I like to use the TC Electronics 2290 and D-Two dynamic delays to do all of these things. Can you show us some out of the box tricks too? Thanks Warren. Your vids are absolutely marvelous! 😊

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Susan, definitely will do! Great idea!

[@chrispinelli]

Ahh, here it is! Thank you for this

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Chris! Glad to be able to help!

[@chrispinelli]

I'm recording a hymn album right now, so I will be referencing this in a month or so when it's time to mix

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Chris Spinelli that’s marvelous to hear!! Let us know how it goes

[@chrispinelli]

Produce Like A Pro I definitely will!

[@jurgenpfeiffer7456]

Thank you for echo boy it change my glue🎉

[@harmonystudios1182]

Great delay tricks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Harmony!!

[@GSunNo]

Love delays :) Great tips. Thanks!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi GSunNo! Thanks ever so much!

[@rivervishmusicchannel1024]

You make a good job!!!You a great Mixer!Keep on!

[@RancidDragonProductions]

Warren!! Keep up the awesome work! Love everything you're teaching. One quick question ... could you explain how to/what is side chaining in a little more detail in a future video? You use them a lot and I'm not sure I completely understand how that works. Thanks! Keep it up!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Kick Toy! Definitely! Thanks for the great comment!

[@mychinabean]

mate...thanks much you bloody legend

[@sergiobanos5031]

Amazing! Very helpful

[@stacyOyo]

amazing video again, thanks for sharing men !

[@geniustracks9213]

I will always show love to this channel. Its just a good vibe.... to seem so excited to share some knowledge like this

[@bwm5150]

Thanks again Warren!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@tooofart]

I am seriously hooked to your videos and am learning so much about mixing and editing. Thank you!

[@floridojuan]

fabuloso!!!!!! gracias warren

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Juan florido gracias!

[@lefrash]

That drum trick was lovely, cheers sexy chops!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Fraser!

[@ling6701]

Thanks, it helps me a lot.

[@kos.studio9304]

way too marvelous Sir...thanks for the great work how about strings and synths mixing trick or how to record strings? Songs like " I don't wanna miss a thing" orchestra rock ballad kinda, thanks again.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes!! Marvellous point! Yes, blending real strings and synth strings together is very popular! My friend Dave Jerden has done that many times!

[@emmapablo7321]

Thanks a lot for the great tips sir.. i learnt using reverb to polishing my delays using them as a send fx on vocals then i saw this tip from you on using distortion fx on reverb which actually sound great then my question is will it be good add distortion on a delay that has reverb in it?

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Emmanuel! Marvellous question! Definitely! I honestly LOVE adding saturation in the digital world, I really feels it adds a huge of 'glue' to the mix, plus frankly makes sounds seem fatter still!

[@emmapablo7321]

Produce Like A Pro thanks a lot

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome Emmanuel!

[@Shuzies]

Always Great stuff in you videos.....Thanks so Much.......rc

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks Shuzies! You Rock!

[@papa_da_engineer]

Thank you Warren I will be trying these 🔥🔥✊✊🎧🎧🎼🎼

[@wowerman]

Hello Warren,thank you for tips.Would you do some video on how to arrange volume automation throughout whole track and give tips how to maintain volume so it does not get too loud and too quiet ??

[@360takka]

Great vid Warren

[@tobiastesti]

Hi Warren! First I just want to say that you are a true inspiration when it comes to all things mixing and producing, but I also really appreciate you're positive vibe and willingness to help others. Thank you! I have one little question; in the first tip, when you duplicated the "delay effect" to create a shorter 1/4 delay, did you duplicate the whole Aux? Cheers! /Tobias

[@Charlyfromthenuclearcity]

Hey Warren ! Enjoying your content a lot. I wondered if you could make a video about the reference mixes you use most often, and the reasons why you use them. I think that could be nice and useful ! Thanks again :) Cheers from France !

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi FSBass! Yes! Great idea!

[@thereallkmofo]

Great video series, love the tips and tricks. 👌☮️

[@haui82]

Hehe, again the funny delay sound at 18:36. Before I was laughing, I had the same face when I heard the sound I was asking for in the other video :D

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi haui, haha nice!

[@DerekWhitaker]

Another awesome effects tutorial! I see you went extra fancy with the logo and intro now. Good stuff! :-)

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha extra fancy! Oo er! Haha

[@PeterHubscher]

Hey Warren, I love your channel! I've learned so much from you over the past year or so that I've been spending to REALLY try to improve my mixing skills. Thanks so much. Here's a question for you, and I hope I can get this across verbally... There's a certain quality I'm hearing quite often in other people's mixes that I haven't yet figured out what it is and how to do it. I've learned quite a bit about how to create space and depth in my mixes using reverbs, EQs, faders, etc., all the typical stuff. When I listen back to my mixes, the depth is there: the "up close" stuff sounds like it's coming right from my speakers, and the stuff that fades back sounds like it's coming from the space "behind" the speakers, just like it should. However, in some people's mixes I've heard, the "up close" stuff sometimes sounds like it's coming from some invisible source IN FRONT of my speakers... somewhere between the speakers and my head, out of thin air. Sometimes it's a bit jarring and can quickly get tiring to listen to, but sometimes it's really neat. At times the sounds sound very heavily compressed as well, but I don't think that's the only thing that's doing it. It's a strange sensation/effect, and something I don't think I'd use all the time, but nevertheless, I'd love to know how it's done so I can use it where I see fit. I hope I've gotten my question across clearly enough, and I hope even more to see you show us how this is done. Thanks again for all you've given to this community, you're a true gentleman! Cheers.

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Pete, great question! Brightness brings things forward. Controlling it with DeEssing allows you to brighten multiple times without ripping your head off! Haha Also trying automating the vocal,. grabbing every syllable! I hope that helps?

[@PeterHubscher]

Produce Like A Pro Hey Warren, thanks so much for replying, you're a true gentleman. I also posted this question on another forum which has a wonderful community of musicians/mixers who are always very helpful. It turns out the answer that I was looking for related to the "Haas effect." I've tried this out before... Even though I got that "3D, in front of the speakers" sound I was referring to, I also found it very odd and unnatural, and it made my head spin a bit. So I hadn't touched it since. But I've heard it being used more effectively than the time I tried it, so I may experiment with it again sometime. Thanks again for taking the time to reply, and I look forward to more of your videos. Cheers!

[@LokuaSound]

Hi Warren ! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I noticed that for the last trick, the ping pong delay, you didn't clicked on "midi" on the echoboy to fit with your BPM session, is it done by purpose ? I was thinking about slowing down the mix a bit ?

[@parallelgateways5466]

Hey Warren, amazing video! ...I'm feeling very inspired with these and the 5 reverb tricks....i've also realized that I'm not totally clear on when to use mono vs. stereo effects when choosing plug-ins to use with sends in my DAW.... ..it seems like there's infinite possibilities.........do you have any videos for this? or possibly a plan for one? lol.....thanks! you're the man!

[@topsyduo]

Thanks Warren!

[@ukotiidemann4027]

Hey Warren, really like the video! Your videos have been so useful to me and so many others, so what do you think, would you do one about the "wall of sound" technique alone? I'd like to hear your take on it, also there aren't almkst any informal videos about it.

[@calebovich]

Good stuff!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Caleb!

[@HappyMixingStudio]

thank you for your teaching ~~~

[@darlenesheffield9835]

A Mazing Info Warren !!

[@Producelikeapro]

Th Ank YOU!! Ha

[@mpmusic9378]

Compression on the delay... great advice.

[@lazarosantos9730]

Very good

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks very much Lazaro!

[@BigDancin]

I absolutely love your channel and tips -- the best of its kind on KZbin. Question, is trick one the same thing as using ducking? Is the compressor ducking the delay output underneath the vocal track when singing is present, and then letting repeats back up during quiet parts? I use Studio One so I was having a little trouble following the signal flow here, but it sounds like a ducking solution and I have a couple of delay plugins that offer a ducking feature so I'm curious if I can get the same effect that way. Thanks for everything!

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi BigDancin, Yes! You are describing that correctly! Yes, some delay plug ins can do this with a vocal fed to it!

[@DomSimpsonDrums]

Waz went full Bubba O'Riley on that piano haha. Sounds cool!

[@Producelikeapro]

Haha indeed!!

[@smashallrecords]

WONDERFUL...wonderful...WoNdErFuLL! 😄😎🍻🎶

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much WONDERFUL!!

[@_war_cry]

Thank you Sir!

[@claudius3124]

Great video as usual! Thanks again Warren ! :-D

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Claudius LeBlanc aw shucks thanks ever so much!!

[@awm.440hz]

Warren, I love your clips they are so useful to my mixing jobs. However, I want to know more about the way to use the Doubler from Waves Audio properly. Many of my friends commented that when I use that plugin, the vocal part sounds hollow and has some strange ambient noises. Just wanna know your advice on this. Millions of Thanks~

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Anson Wong marvellous question! When using any doubler plug ins and changing the pitch it can definitely cause audible phase issues, always pan to mono to see if you hear cancellation. I also only use the doubler very low, it’s just to push the vocal forward, too loud it will definitely cause issues. I hope that helps!

[@bboymac84]

Wow never thought of side chaining a reverb. Kool. Open minds make beautiful music

[@Producelikeapro]

Hi Mac Joseph thanks ever so much! Have a marvellous time my friend

[@bboymac84]

Produce Like A Pro your a genious!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very kind Mac!