basslines

[MangaFish]

how do you go about basslines?

I've tried using synths and i just can't get anywhere near the sounds I want for my basslines. (i'm a complete n00b though).

Basslines piss me off so much though (i'm that hopeless at them) so _any_ tips you can provide will me much welcomed.

(sorry if this type of thread has been posted millions of times - i've been drinking and cant work out of to use the search function so just link me up with past threads if it's been covered already):ohdear:

[Tyrisia]

I used to have the same probs with basslines mate, they all used to sound too cheesy and commercial, not the aggressive techno sort at all.

It's trial and error with synths, pick one you like and feel comfortable using and then learn how the waves, modulation (very important) and frequency cutoff affect the sound.

It's all in the modulation with synths, and a sound that can sound terrible with the frequency cutoff open can sound amazing with the cutoff nearly closed and a bit of resonance. All this trial and error will help you devise a method for getting the sound you want.

Other things to try, mix a synth sound with percussion sounds (snares are good) playing the same bass melody, and then group the result and close down a cutoff filter over the lot of it.

FM creates good modulation with bass, so try a bit of that as well.

The synth that taught me the most about bass is the V-Station, I highly recommend trying that as a starting point.

[loopdon]

Make use of the randomizing feature. Then take it from there.

You could for example load up a percussive loop or single-shot,
randomize that and see where inspiration takes you. Preferably do this
with pitched down sounds.

What kind of basslines are you after? Any examples?

[tekara]

I definately agree with loopdon's randomizing advice.

Some people call it cheating, but sometimes I use it when I have no idea what direction i should be taking the bassline in. When you play the bassline manually on the keyboard, this can get frustrating when it doesnt fit into the mix properly.

Using cubase's step designer is one of the most powerful bassline random generators i have ever used. It can do wonders! Many times, I may randomize just to see where it takes me, and then i will paste the midi notes and manually re-arrange some notes on the midi map....basic trial and error stuff.


I've also noticed some producers like to program their bassline patterns with the same notes as other synth chords that are also playing in the track. For example, if you have a high pitched three note chord pattern in the track, then finding a nice low basspatch on a synth and literally transposing that exact same pattern a few octaves lower can create some interesting sounds too.

Just my 2 cents.

[Komplex]

tried using sampled 909 toms pitched down?

[MangaFish]

Cheers guys - will try them tonight.

What kind of basslines are you after? Any examples?

Anything. I can't get anything to work :(

I wouldn't mind even being able to do the cheesy funky electro house style basslines if i could but the best i can do is sample drums and remove the top end :-/

[TechMouse]

Careful (i.e. sparing) use of amp simulation / distortion.

[jk_scowling]

Setting your amplitude envelope (and filter envelope) right is important to get the right dynamics with a bass sound. I often just use simple sine waves as a source, but then with a bit of perseverance you can shape a decent bass sound out of it.