Somber Quietude
By Ashtom on February 22, 2026 10:43 pm
I felt that the track from last week was crowded and wanted to go back to something less busy, more calm.
I started with a drone from the Stylophone CPM-DS2 using the dual LFO to still create movement but trying to not become too overwhelming. I played with the pots here and there, because I didn't want it to be boring either.
Then, I added the MS-20 mini on the 2nd track of the Portastudio, also looking for simple but lively sounds. The hold time and release time where at the max to keep the note playing, and then I played with the high-pass and low-pass filters, modifying the LFO speed and intensity from time to time.
Finally, I picked up the Texture Lab again. But this time, I played a smoother sound, although with a bit of transient to convey an organic feel to the sound. It resembles the patch I used last week because it journey in the high register, but there is less chaos in the way the sound evolves.
I mixed down the whole 3 tracks (not 4 this week, just 3) on the Zoom L-12, applying the embedded plate reverb to widen the soundscape.
I didn't manage my time properly this Sunday and I tried to record some video snippets while building the track, which didn't help. At first, I thought I was rushing it by hastily putting random elements together, but then when I was mixing down and mostly when I was mastering, I realized that it's not that bad in the end. I hope it's not my personal bias, but it feels that the elements go well together. I have been thinking about those 3 elements the whole week but rushing the execution at the last minute felt like I was spoiling the track.
I really appreciate any feedback, criticism or just sharing how this makes you feel.
I wish you a great week!
Audio works licensed by author under:
CC Attribution Noncommercial No Derivative Works (BY-NC-ND)