> Technique

13. Parallel gated distortion for attack

Looking to add extreme, OTT punch to a snare’s front end? First, add a distortion plugin such as Soundtoys Decapitator on a return channel. Then, after sending your snare signal to the return, add any gate plugin after the distortion, with the fastest attack possible, a 1-2ms hold time and a 10ms release. This’ll reduce the length of the distortion signal, turning it into a short, sharp burst of noise that can then be blended into the mix over the dry snare. Crunchy snap in a flash!