Use full detune with multiple oscillators for thick screech
Problem: thin or narrow lead sound
Activating full detune on multiple oscillators creates a wide, thick screech by spreading the pitch across the spectrum. The creator uses this with 16-voicing and soft wave tables to achieve a hardstyle/neo-rave lead…
Use dual oscillators with detuned unison for a resonant bass texture
Layer two oscillators (A and B) with slight octave differences (-2 and -1), 0.8 detune, and 25% stereo width. Lower oscillator B's level to 80% for a balanced, resonant sound with stereo width control.
Detune saw waves for thick synth pads
Problem: thin or monophonic synth sounds
Detuning saw waves (e.g., +10/-8 cents) creates a wider, more resonant sound. The speaker uses this on the 'Chord Splash' pad to achieve a 'nice kind of tail' and richer harmonic content. This technique is fundamental in…
Use three unison voices with zero detune for thickness
Problem: thin, weak bass lacking presence
Layering three unison voices at zero detune creates a thick, cohesive bass sound. This technique enhances the bass's presence without introducing phase cancellation. The speaker uses this in their presets to achieve a…
Detune saw waves by +7 semitones for harmonic richness
Problem: harsh, one-dimensional bass tones
Detuning two saw waves by +7 semitones creates a rich, harmonic texture. This technique is inspired by Chris Stussy's 'All Night Long' and is popular in UK garage for adding depth and complexity to basslines. The detune…
Detune saw waves and apply envelope-modulated filters
Problem: lifeless bass tones
Detuning a saw wave creates a thicker, more resonant bass tone. Pairing this with an envelope-modulated filter (e.g., opening on attack) adds punch and dynamic shaping. The notch filter used here creates a hollow,…
Use unison with detuning for thicker trance leads
Problem: thin or sterile lead sounds
Applying unison with slight detuning creates a richer, more complex lead sound. The speaker demonstrates this by setting Serum's unison parameter to 4 voices and adding 2 semitones of detuning. This technique thickens…