Dubstepforum.com

Hey, I've been listening to dubstep for quite a while and I decided I could make some for myself (I'm sure you've all heard this 10000 times) so I'll get to the point haha, I've been using FL Studio and Sytrus to try to make some good sounds, and don't say "mess with one synth for a long time" cuz I've definitely been doing that already, and yes, I did go through the stickies on production and the Production bible thing.

So, basically, where do I start? I have a studio software, and I guess a good VST plugin? (I think it's good haha) so now I need a sort of very basic 101 of what synth yo use, knobs to turn and sliders to slide to get sick dubstep bass sound. Basically, "what's what and what does it do." I've been messing around on this for ever and haven't really gotten anywhere since i don't have much of a clue what all this stuff does, but I have the sound I want in my head.

I think the closest examples are Excision's stuff (and DatsiK's) like Ruffneck and Heavy Artillery. I'm not saying TELL ME HOW TO SOUND JUST LIKE EXCISION AND DOWNLINK, I'm just trying to show and example of what I'm goin' for. Some mean, hard-hitting distortion bass and wobble and stuff. And not just filthy wobble like everyone uses, other effects and techniques you like are cool too, just throw stuff out there, anything you like, cuz it'll help me make up my own different effects and funky sounds and stuff.

So I know everyone's probly like "forget this n00b question" but I really would appreciate some help getting started. Everyone's gotta start somewhere! I figured learning from people who know a lot would be a good somewhere.

Hey men ! No trouble about you starting out. I've put a link down there to a really well explained sets of tutorials on how to work your way around the dubstep bass designing via a really good vst that is called Massive (made by native instruments). You should also grab some good drums samples I think there is one thread in this section offering good one shot drums ! There is no real technique or general advice concerning the type of bass sound you want to achieve. A good understanding of how your synth works and how to use external effects plugins can lead you there though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JK4kYKx ... ure=search

Thank ya. Yeah, I figured that would be the case so I thought "I better learn what all this knobs and junk on the synth does so I can make stuff" haha.

Yeah, I have heard of massive but idk if I want to buy anything at this point. I mean, 200 bucks for something I don't even really know how to use well. I've played guitar for a long time and I think that would be like buying some $1000 guitar amp for someone that's never played before. I might get it, but that will be after I know what everything is and how to make some sounds I want.

As far as drum samples, I'd kinda want to make my own beats. I've been with music for a while and I'm pretty creative I guess so I'm confident in that area.

And thanks for the link, I'm checkin it out now.

Styrus is a complicated synth and i would suggest not starting there, it uses a different type of synthesis to the majority of synths, which is way less noob friendly.

For a really basic idea of whats going on in synthesis open up 3xosc, get used to what all the different waveshapes sound like, for instance that a sine is soft and a square is much harsher. Look into panning, playing the waves off each other, slight detuning, and use of envelopes. All of which you should find by clicking about.

Then i would suggest moving onto a more advanced synth based on similar principles, such as the aforementioned Massive.

Edit: In terms of bass, check out the sound like Datsik and Excision threads, there is also one about the technique of resampling, which i think would interest you. The highlights are basically the use of Bitchrusher (CMT bitcrusher) and other distortion, seperating your bass into hi, mids and lows, and filtering them all seperately, and then finally to repeat the process over and over on the same sound so that it becomes dirtier...

I started out with sytrus and it did me very few favours, it's a badass synth and I guess I got to spend as much time on it as possible but it is one complicated mofo.

If you're looking at datsik style hard hitting bass then I'd divide your time into 3 areas of study:

1) basic synthesis (Standard waveforms, ADSR envelopes, LFOs, filters etc, just the stuff that comes with any synth)

2) FM synthesis, this is very mathy but you can use it without learning all of that, FM synthesis (which sytrus can do) can make some seriously unique 'filthy' sounds

3) FX processing (distortion, waveshaping, chorus etc) this is what will make your sounds special and is a major part of getting that 'filthy' sound

I'm not by any means saying that's all you need to learn to get a 12" on Rottun but after reviewing all of the above you should be on the right path to becoming a decent sound designer. There's obviously much more to learn than this but if your looking for 'filth' this is probably a good place to start