Why Does OTT Sound So Good?

There's more to OTT than meets the eye. OTT is a multiband compression preset in Ableton used by producers making bass heavy electronic music like dubstep, and is known to make everything better. But why is this? In this tutorial I want to go deep into OTT and explain how it makes mixes louder. Understanding exactly how OTT works will lead to a deeper understanding of music production as a whole, and will uncover some profound ideas in audio and the history of dance music. You might not use OTT at all, but understanding what it does will make you a better music producer.
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You Don't Understand EQ: • You Don't Understand EQ
Timestamp for EQ tip about cutting: • You Don't Understand EQ
Why Does OTT Sound So Good?
► Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
0:58 - What is OTT?
2:45 - Compression
4:50 - Less Compressed Mids
8:05 - The Disco Smile
14:05 - Outro

[@SINISTERMusic]

The magic is in the midrange - Jack Joseph Puig

[@MrFree-vj8qj]

It just adds gain and doesnt let you hear the actual compression. Complete bias

[@paullandais9717]

@@MrFree-vj8qj what do you mean

[@atd9945]

@@MrFree-vj8qjwhat do you mean

[@cornoc]

@@MrFree-vj8qj what do you mean

[@simonesolinas2062]

@@MrFree-vj8qjwhat do you mean

[@prls3081]

I'm so tired of all these youtubers clickbaiting and teaching the same basics in 10 different vids, this channel is just awesome

[@MrBillsTunes]

another amazing video. now i have to watch the eq one, too xD

[@MOONRiiSENN]

Honestly 💜

[@odealianaffairs9001]

i didn't expect god himself to be here

[@holehandxuezhang]

live legend

[@somethingsomething3248]

Bro, your mission to make this channel a place for obscure yet fundamental mixing knowledge is so interesting and unique, but also incredibly useful! Explaining the "why" behind what we do is so often overlooked, and thus, so very much needed right now. Your channel is like the VSauce of music production lol, and I love it! These videos are so complex, but also super fun and interesting and structured very well - where things build on each other and one thing leads seamlessly into the next. They really do fly by! The way you revealed what OTT stood for at 13:34 was just brilliant! Such a fun and engaging way to teach genuinely life-changing concepts in mixing and production! Chef's kiss, and well done! Please keep 'em coming!

[@420minegod2]

VSause of music production!!! Hahaha that’s great and very true

[@aschelocke5287]

​@@420minegod2 or is it 🤨

[@mikesmithz]

Vsauce of music production! You nailed it!

[@remenyhal50]

indeed very unique and gap filling channel! it's so sad that he seems not to make videos anymore

[@NotSoWiseElder]

You seemed to have stop making videos. Don't stop, these are outstanding.

[@TheHonestTruth]

The amount of work a video like this takes to make is wildly underestimated.. Payoff just not worth it unless subscribers donate

[@jasongravely7217]

@@TheHonestTrutheasy. let’s all donate. Someone find him on another social and tell him we have 100ppl people doing $20/mo.

[@likenicesinging]

@@jasongravely7217 tried, he's just not present anywhere -_-

[@punky2deep]

I see a top tier youtuber in the making. I predict 50k by 2022 lets goooo great content bruv

[@melonbase_beats]

Aged like milk

[@byrdmanalb88]

Almost ish

[@BaguaDude]

Poor guy disappeared after the countermeasures were distributed

[@HOVRSofficial]

of all the thousands of production videos i've watched through the years, this might be the new topper. great work, you got a new sub

[@Flashback_Jack]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYHRgoqgqbKFhdU

[@PoulLarsenmusic]

For future video or A/B testing you can Key map all the OTT's to the the same key. Lets assign the "n" key for each OTT's and when you press "n" it' turns off all the OTT's at the same time with one press. Save time and useful for A/B testing. I use this A lot for A/B testing with multiple Mastering Racks

[@cornoc]

you could also just use an effects rack

[@azteriaaa]

​@@cornocthey didnt just put ott on one sound though

[@cornoc]

@@azteriaaa fair enough, i must have missed that

[@ojaix555]

I just stumbled on your channel and it's amazing how well you explain difficult concepts in music production. I'm not very good with the technicalities yet but I find myself learning so much with each of your videos. Thanks a lot.

[@electricpaganini]

I like your script. It is educating, while being peppered with interesting facts. Keeps you invested better throughout the video.

[@johndunn7733]

And it gives context. Brilliant stuff

[@glacierrays]

Only recently discovered your channel, and it's blowing my mind. I'm aware of the (many) flaws in my production but had very little knowledge of how to improve - and I think videos like this are exactly the kind of thing I need to help me take the step to improve my mixing and frequency distribution. So clear and well explained, thank you

[@chuckhatcher9028]

I just discovered your channel last night. Got to say you are one of the best teachers on KZbin. You really know how to lead people through an idea without dumbing it down. Thank you

[@christopantz]

im really impressed with your ability to put this into literal terms, and not just adjectives that mean nothing. i don’t make electronic music primarily, my main thing is recording live instruments, often on the computer, often on tape. but I have an appreciation and love for dance music and I found this to be very very insightful

[@deswestens]

This just gave me the complete technical explanation for something I’ve been doing with a completely different plugin for YEARS. The Disco Smile has been a staple of my vocal sound this whole time and I never truly understood why it works so well or cared to, I just chalked it up to: “eh saturation”. Now that I know I feel like I can go so much more in depth with it in even more areas of my mixes. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@matthewalp3954]

This is a top-tier video, I'm really glad I stumbled upon it. You're very competent at explaining and bringing in interesting background on top of the technical foundation that you're laying down. Please keep making videos :)

[@Jack-id4qm]

@@sseb_music come back please!

[@matt-lv7jl]

hey fellow matt

[@mltvrsemusic975]

I love how you treat topics in your channel, i like going so deep to really understand how things works in order to use them better!

[@erwinm187]

this channel has suddenly turned into one of my favorites. love how detailed and deep you go into topics on music! closest I can think of is dan’s channel

[@CLdwyer]

This makes for interesting discussion about the impact of vocal compression. The midrange dynamics. Your vids deserve a whole forum for discussion! 👏🏾

[@dubfx]

Good stuff man, your video’s are clean and well put. those disco sound systems actually came from the Jamaican Soundsystem culture that began in the late '50s in Jamaica... The dub and reggae sound evolved into hip hop and disco in the USA because the already established black community in America had RnB and jazz etc., and looked down on Jamaican music. While in the UK, there wasn't an already established black community, so the Jamaican's kept working on their sound, which evolved into jungle, dancehall, garage, Dubstep etc

[@hikibeats]

Some topics from my engineering undergrad subjects like signal processing started to make sense by watching your videos. You truly are a "sound engineer" because you understand it on a scientific level. Thank for these videos! Hoping you make contents again soon.

[@RustOnWheels]

I used to compose for theater but haven’t been doing much with music but I enjoy watching your videos because it takes me back to my university years when I studied music technology. All of which to say your standard of videos are as high as a university class on music production.

[@KG0313]

I ve been trying making music for few years and watching this i realized i was doing disco smile with the EQ not knowing about it. It just seemd better while i was playing music on my phone,speakers,TV etc. Great video man u got sub for the effort u put into this.This channel is trully something diffrent. I learned something finally.

[@Xelectis608]

This is some crazy quality content, thank you for the work put into it, keep going !! Looking forward for your next videos !

[@gtabro1337]

Great video - love how you're explaining not just processes, but how historically we've reached the conclusion as to why they work.

[@AlbertBalbastreMorte]

One would say he's making the topic thicc and juicy like the OTT.

[@titogotcoins]

Yo I loved this. I really dig you going back and really going into the history and context of how we got to this point. Keep this stuff coming

[@CaptainOuss]

Ive been binge watching a lot of production videos lately. To be honest yours was the most interesting and informative. Its like your giving production secretes to new producers. Thank you man, appreciated

[@wagayuuri9397]

I love everything about your video style, the depth of your explainations is superb.

[@tom_4615]

Dude I just gotta say I love how much detail you go in to and how you actually teach why stuff does what it does, not just that it "just does" Like genuinely your explanations are on the levels of my uni lecturers... you should definitely consider doing a little teaching at a high level in the future, youd be great

[@theundeads1]

ayyyyyeee more visual examples than the EQ video, sweet man really helped with understanding it

[@drdank9013]

Best production channel. You actually know what you're talking about and the reasons behind it. A breath of fresh air on KZbin.

[@calebbright8289]

This video was magic. You've got an awesome way of explaining things in-depth yet simple enough to pick up on. It's like having a lot of steps, but each one is small. You got a sub dude, looking forward to seeing what new topics you cover.

[@waavhal]

OMG this was one of the best educational videos I've watched in a while! Keep up the good work bro!

[@moritz9855]

I just discovered this channel on my yt homepage and I felt like somebody read my mind when I browsed through abletons plug-ins… Your videos are so awesome, I love the mix between science, maths, music history and producing tips! Definitely unique!!!

[@ryacky]

Your videos are the best. Thank you! I know it takes a lot of time and effort to make them.

[@youlittlesaget]

Well done man. After watching dozens of OTT videos, this was the most helpful and by far the most interesting.

[@johndunn7733]

The best for me too. By a mile

[@DodaGarcia]

And the most handsome ngl

[@GeorgyAlekseev]

Another golden vid. I still go back to the eq video to remind myself some parts. Thanks for your works!

[@thephirebird]

Please keep posting!! This channel seems amazing.

[@ganjarulez009]

This channel is literal gold. Soo many good videos bro

[@loganschexnayder1587]

Please never stop making this incredibly informative content! I’ve found nothing close to this channel in terms of edu quality

[@NoisieBastrdd]

i really hope this channel grows a lot. This info is so interesting, mate. Thanks for sharing this amazing wizardry

[@philpetrocelli5191]

Best, most complete discussion of OTT and multiband compression I’ve ever seen. Thanks for this.

[@christophkrass6929]

Your videos are so amazing, I keep coming back to refresh your lessons! I would love to see more videos from you

[@FarranLee]

I did come here looking for an analysis on Ott. But I'm glad to have learnt about OTT. Thanks!

[@jamesblair2713]

Thank you, this got me to understand multiband compression as a whole much better. I understood what it did before but now I understand why I should use it.

[@poochfazos]

love your videos btw. definitely the smartest most informative/in depth channel I've found

[@jazzyjames5186]

How nicely explained. Useful in many ways, thank you. Will check out more of your videos.

[@drodymusic]

Very insightful! Dig the super in-depth tutorials and haven't been educated like this on OTT before. The smiley face EQ is something I learned a long time ago when I learned about engineering. Don't see anyone talking about it, but I keep it in my pocket when I'm working. Would love to see some videos on parallel compression, saturation, or low end mixing.

[@Proofofart]

Keep killing it homie wasn't overly interested in the topic just love your style knoedge is power 💪

[@iambaney]

There's a dearth of highly niche and technical audio production education content on KZbin, especially longer-form content like this which includes important contextual information alongside the theory. Thank you for filling the void. Some future topics I would love to see covered in this same style: Dither, its historical role, and its place in modern production; types of panning and their collective contribution to the psychoacoustics of binaural audio.

[@stompinknowledge3968]

This dude just made 5 of the best production videos I've seen re. technicality and then... disappeared. Seriously hope he didn't die through Covid.

[@AutPen38]

I guess he learned that the algorithm (because of the way viewers consume YT vids) kind of punishes high quality authoritative content. The popular channels tend to have surface-level content that leaves you wanting more, but if you spend a while going deeply into a subject, there's nothing much to add in a pointless follow-up a week later. So, ironically, if you make thorough well-planned videos, you end getting fewer subs and clicks, whereas the channels with frequent but shallow clips (shorts etc) get the most views and likes.

[@nerdexproject]

Splendid work mate! Love how you explained and visualized it!

[@robertodagostini4946]

bro im so glad the algorithm recomended your channel. channels like yours who cut the shit are the best

[@nickdenardo6479]

we are SO lucky. couldn't have said it better and I'm learning and appreciating more day by day.

[@PhotonMusik]

Amazing content so far man, Im very grateful. Looking forward to future videos!

[@grimwerx9071]

Yoooo. Awesome video. Especially love the little history lessons!

[@woulg]

Fantastic videos man. Really great to hear someone explain this stuff in depth and elegantly (and quickly!). Well done!

[@KIDBRUNSWICK]

Thank you for always uploading amazing content for producers and great content for all of us out there

[@chriscorral6365]

SUPER informative, man! Gave me all kinds of things to think about with my mixes. Much appreciated!

[@matttinklermusic]

Dude this video is fantastic, great work!

[@TheWwhhiizzzz]

Man, this is only your 3rd video? Thoroughly well explained and technically accurate content. Good luck with your channel. Subbed!

[@OdoSendaidokai]

Thank you again so much für this great explanation video and the history background. Love to see and hear more of you. 🌻

[@bogdird6614]

Man, I will like every single of your videos -- just do more. This stuff is amazing

[@EOE808]

That was great man, really insightful. You’ve created a fresh take on teaching production while providing a great look into the past. Thanks! Subbed

[@MrSkylightOffical]

Another solid super helpful video. Please keep them coming!

[@Drvik_]

Thank you for explaining the why behind so much of these tools and the fundamentals of sound that are very overlooked

[@Full_Caj]

Thank you for the explanation! Really opened my eyes to a lot 😊

[@icite4884]

truly fascinating. concisely delivered, informative and fun. killin it

[@nguyensh2]

I hiiiiit that subscribe button, thanks for teaching with actual visual references, i know its a lot of editing and I appreciate it sooooo much

[@FaBianrecord]

Realy impressive, in my mind was said "oh another ytber music prod" but, the topics you touched here was very well explained. I have to say congrats man, you won an another subscriber.

[@willlilley1689]

This is the most useful explanation of this topic I have come across. Thank you so much!

[@andalite7738]

Incredible video! So well-explained, entertaining, and with a little history lesson too. Thanks!

[@Ascended23]

You have great videos man. I hope you make more!

[@synergythruart]

Good stuff and great channel idea man thank you. I (and I’m sure many others) can appreciate your in-depth knowledge on the topics on which you’ve spoken. Keep them coming and I’m sure we’ll keep coming 🤜🏼💥🤛🏼

[@biosdilt1399]

This video is great and teaches how to use OTT without learning the plugin but by understanding it, amazing content

[@babeeeshark]

this video is amazing. subscribed and will watch the rest in the coming weeks. thank you so much!!

[@MrPokemonmaster2468]

Amazing video, your able to make contextual links to multiple unrelated areas within mixing in a way that brings them all together!

[@ThomasMune]

I love your channel, distortion, eq and this video are so so good man, I’m waiting for more!

[@jasongravely7217]

You’re making me want to go back to school to study this stuff more in depth. This is amazing quality.

[@Bruh-sp2bj]

I love these videos that go into the details would love to see more in depth theory on effects plugins and mastering processes

[@ZachMayerMusic]

Very very well made and informative video! I loved the connection you made at the end to the dance music of the past. We are lucky indeed!

[@dreamspyiceland]

Amazing cover of the topic! You are my new favourite KZbin music mentor 💫

[@mundelator]

Those videos answer questions I have in mind for years 🙏🏻

[@TobisPlayground]

So much knowledge in this, thank you

[@InfamousColinGH]

I was waiting desperately for you to say something about the “smile curve” since the video started. lol Really great analysis of OTT. Definitely the best I’ve seen online.

[@cefcephatus]

Thx. I didn't know there's such preset. I used to talk about it on the staff lines and mathematical models. This thing is much easier to say to other people than what I used to.

[@mylesthomas6573]

Loving your content so far my man, keep up the great work!

[@simphiwem4355]

Bro this is such a good video. Well done

[@CreationTVstation]

really good tips explained really well! thx!

[@kngwizrd6193]

First video of you I'm watching. Instantly subbing. Great video

[@is_e_a]

Incredible video! Thanks for this!

[@yoyproject8769]

really good job, happy to see this new way to approach technical stuff , keep going ! :)

[@kamilslaby_]

This is the quality content man! Keep it up. You will blow

[@LordPfrog]

Bro your bit at the end about how you don't want to just make this another production channel, mission has been accomplished for the videos I've watched so far! Your videos teach me a ton of new stuff as someone who has been an off and on hobby producer for most of my life having watched tons of videos on mixing and stuff.

[@KarloKoscal]

This is very informative and deep, like the previous video. Thanks and keep it up!

[@andrewedgerton]

Solid video! As a musician / Dj (but not producer) it’s interesting to have these videos that simply explain these “musical feelings” that come intuitively,’but without knowing why. Very very cool. I learned a lot in 15m!

[@davidfernandezbajo]

Quality content in great style, keep it up!

[@realoutlaw58]

Thank you, for explaining this so well. It help alot with my holistic understanding of music.

[@CarsonStrassman]

Liked and subscribed, boutta watch the EQ vid

[@cfuenza4106]

I watched the full thing, great job!

[@AARVMUSIC]

Wow the quality of this video is over the top!

[@logo9751]

Instant subscribe. I've always loathed the language used to describe sound and audio engineering, it always felt like a way to say something without saying anything. Your mix of practical application and history in this video is something sorely missing from the greater discussion on audio. Keep it up. The community will support your quality work.