What I hate about Fresh Air

When Fresh Air came out, it was EVERYWHERE! Advertised as the "smoothest high end... without even a hint of harshness." I asked myself, do the makers even have ears? If I got sessions with it on vocals, it was the first thing I removed. To my ears, Fresh Air brings out the nastiest, harshest parts of a vocal. I slowly learned to accept it, but never turning the knobs past 10.

But I have found its secret: use it on anything except vocals. I can't get enough of it on bass instruments. The mid knob is frequently maxed out on my basses and 808s. It brings the bass forward on small speakers and helps it blend with other harmonic instruments. I also love it on any percussion, kick drum and hi hats especially. For kick, the mid knob gives a perfect 'smack' to the sound. I'm still careful with the high knob in most cases, as it can start to mask other elements or put something too "on top" of the mix. If you haven't already, you need to try this on your basses and drums and listen to the magic happen.