Opulent Vision
4/27/20 - song created in Reaper using only free/built-in plugins.
Instrument plugins used:
-DDX10 (FM synth)
-Synth1 (subtractive synth)
-DSK SF2 (SoundFont player) + NTONYX 32 MB GM Stereo SoundFont [viola, drums]
Reaper effects plugins used:
-JS Convolution Dual Amp Modeler (amplifier simulation)
-JS Volume/Pan Smoother (volume)
-ReaComp (compression)
-ReaDelay (delay)
-ReaEQ (equalization)
Other effects plugins used:
-Azurite (chorus)
-DensityMkIII (compression)
-easyReverb (reverb)
-FaceBender (distortion)
-TAL-Filter (filter)
-SPAN (spectrum analyzer)
Accomplished goal of creating a song that uses layered FM synths programmed from scratch for more interesting/precisely sculpted timbres. Also am now competent with MIDI recording/editing/quantizing, piano roll programming, and know how to create presets/FX chains/track templates in Reaper.
Future goals include: 1) finding higher-quality SoundFonts, drum synths/samples, and VST effects without killing my CPU/hard drive; 2) experimenting with FX sends/busses, envelope automation, samplers, sidechaining, and audio recording; 3) begin creating songs with more complex metrical/harmonic content once I'm sufficiently comfortable with basic DAW functionality and sound design.
Image credit: / 513903007450287785