4 FX Sounds That Will Level Up Your Metal Productions [Free Samples]

If you're a metal songwriter or producer, you know that creating a larger-than-life sound is essential to making your music stand out these days. One way to achieve this is through post-production, specifically the use of post-production FX samples.

In this article, we'll explore four of the most popular FX sounds that will help you take your metal productions to the next level: sub drops, synth layers, reverse sounds, and explosions.

What are post-production sounds in the context of music production?

Before we explore the specific post-production FX sounds that can add life to your metal songs, let's talk about what post-production sounds are in the context of music production.

Post-Production refers to the stage in music production where the final touches are added to a recording. This includes adding impacts, and additional production sounds, editing, mixing, and mastering.

Post-production FX / samples are typically added during the final recording / mixing stage, which is when all the individual tracks of a recording are combined into a cohesive mix. These sounds are often used to enhance the overall sound of the production quality and create a larger-than-life sound that will make the song stand out.

Post-Production sounds can include anything from ambience, and keys/synths to the more creative FX sounds like the ones we'll explore in this article.

For FREE Serum Presets, and Post Production Samples, click here!

1. Sub Drops

Sub Drops are a type of sound effect that's commonly used in metal music to add impact and emphasis to specific moments in a song. Sub drops are low-frequency sounds that are designed to be felt more than heard, but depending on the sound you're going for they can be pretty aggressive and forward in the mix, especially in genres like metalcore. Sub Drops are often used to create tension before a big moment in the song or to emphasize a breakdown or drop. Sub drops are also a great way to add weight and power to your mix, especially in the low-end.

In our sample pack, DROPS, we've created a collection of sub drops specifically designed for rock and metal. These samples are mix-ready, meaning they're pre-processed and ready to be added to your songs, or mixes.

2. Synth Layers

Synth layers are another type of post-production sound that can add life to your rock and metal productions. Synth Layers specifically are additional synth parts that are layered on top of existing parts in your song to create a more complex and interesting sound, or just to add additional textures to help fill the sound out overall without the need for writing new melodic parts.

For example, you could layer a synth pad underneath a guitar riff to add depth and texture to your song, or you could layer a lead synth on top of a chorus to create a more anthemic sound. The possibilities are truly endless, and by experimenting with different combinations of layers with synths, you can create a truly unique sound for your music.

In our Serum preset packs, “Euphoric: Metalcore Serum Presets” and "INDUSTRIAL METALCORE | SERUM PRESETS BY ANDROMIDA" we've included a collection of hundreds of synth presets made for Serum that are specifically created for rock and metal. These presets can be used to add depth and textures to your mix or to enhance specific parts of your song.

3. Reverse Sounds

Reverse sounds are a popular post-production effect that can add a unique and interesting sound to your metal productions. Reverse sounds are essentially audio samples that have been reversed so that they play backwards. The most common sounds include snare hits, sub drops, cymbal crashes, and risers.

In our sample packs, Metal Essentials: Vol 1 and Vol 2, we've included a collection of reverse sound samples that can be used to create tension and build-up in your mix.

For example, you could use a reverse cymbal sound to build up to a big chorus or breakdown, or you could use a reverse guitar sound to create a unique transition between two parts of your song. Reverse sounds can be used in a variety of ways, and by experimenting with different combinations of reverse sounds and other post-production effects, you can create a truly unique and interesting sound for your metal productions.

4. Explosions

Explosions are another type of post-production sound that can add life and impact to your metal productions. Explosions are typically used to add emphasis to big moments in a song, such as a breakdown or the start of a chorus. In Metal Essentials, we've also included a collection of explosion sound effects that are specifically designed for metal productions. These sounds are mix-ready, meaning they're pre-processed and ready to be added to your song without the need for extensive mixing.

By adding explosion sounds to your songs, you can create a sense of excitement and energy that will keep your listeners engaged and make your music stand out. Explosions can also be used to add impact and power to your mix, especially in the mid-range and high-frequency ranges when blended with sub drops.

Conclusion

Overall, by incorporating these four post-production effects - sub drops, synth layers, reverse sounds, and explosions - into your metal productions, you can take your music to the next level and create a truly unique and impactful sound. And with our production packs you have all the tools you need to get started.