5 Tips on Building a Successful Audio Signal Chain

A piece of audio without the bells and whistles can often be underwhelming. It's at this point you're given the task of making a clip sound fantastic. Applying filters and effects can be quite a daunting task, so here's 5 tips on creating an effective signal chain for the best possible sound.

1) Place the limiter at the end of your effects chain. The limiter will control the absolute volume of your clip and prevent it from ''clipping'', an unpleasant noise that happens when you have exceeded maximum volume.

2) Don't be shy with EQs. Equalization programs often have ''bands'' that you can select and move to manipulate certain sound frequencies. Many of them have a limited number of bands, but don't be fooled into thinking you can have only one EQ in your chain. Use as many as you need to get the sound you want.

3) Exciter is another form of EQ. Though an exciter can provide a ''sheen'', it should not be located at the end of your audio clip. Rather, it should be placed directly after or before your EQ. This is to make sure your equalization works as intended, as the exciter will invariably change your audio clip's sound drastically even in small amounts.

4) Place the reverb unit before the limiter. An amateur's mistake is often to have reverb as the last effect in the chain and also to have too much of it. Reverb can have a direct effect on the EQ and volume of your audio clip. As such, it should be placed before the limiter to ensure the volume is kept under your complete control.

5) Stereo wideners are an essential effect. But how does it impact other effects? It's important to have an understanding of how this effect works to answer that question. The widener does not alter frequency in any way. It simply separates them from the left and right channel. Knowing this, you can comfortably decide where to place it in your chain. It is usually recommended but not required that it's placed near the end.

These tips will anchor you in creating a solid but still malleable signal chain.