Dubstepforum.com

If theres one thing thats been troubling me the past number of years its these crazy sub basses Ive been hearing. Here are a few examples.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0FmZReUWXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmW_r3XK2HA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjMD77va3Iw

Notice how the sub bass rises and swells in an uneven organic manner and seems to shake in an uneven way? I am assuming that the sub here is just a strait sine wave but when I play one (on reasons thor) the tone just stays at a constant level and dies off depending on how the release is set. Yet these artists seem to get theirs to be like these warm puffs of air that move and disintegrate. Any idea how this is being done. Any help would be very appreciated.

Volume automation and sidechain compression are most likely what you're looking for.

SunkLo wrote:Volume automation and sidechain compression are most likely what you're looking for.

I dont hear any sidechain pumping going on there though is there?

It won't be as obvious if it's not keyed with a regular pulse. But it can result in breathing swelling basslines. Most of the effect you're describing is done with automation though.

SunkLo wrote:It won't be as obvious if it's not keyed with a regular pulse. But it can result in breathing swelling basslines. Most of the effect you're describing is done with automation though.

Any idea how this would fit into someones workflow? Would the bass even be "played" by hand in this case? It seems like the notes have different lenght releases and stuff.

you can also achieve similar stuff with applying glide. if a bass note glides from below audible frequencies for example it sounds like it was "swelling" also that actress tune seems to have an 808'ish kick type of sub

You can just assign a mod wheel or fader to volume and ride it as you play. You could assign another fader to release length to vary that as well, but assuming you're playing monophonic bass the volume control will suffice.

topmo3 wrote:you can also achieve similar stuff with applying glide. if a bass note glides from below audible frequencies for example it sounds like it was "swelling" also that actress tune seems to have an 808'ish kick type of sub

yea this is what i do try automating the glide time as well

Im sure you can apply an amp envelope to be controlled by velocity? so the softer you hit it, the longer the bass is drawn out, and the harder the quicker it hits.

Sounds like you're talking about the Reese Bass?
Two detuned, and typically low-passed, sawtooth waves?

If not, then it may just be the fact that they have distinct attacks and decays. Perhaps both