Use the distortion module for adding analog character
Problem: digital-sounding bass
The distortion module in Rumble allows you to add analog-style imperfections to your sound, making it feel more organic and less digital. This is especially useful for creating warm, gritty bass sounds that stand out in…
Use distortion to shape the kick's transient and punch
Problem: muddy or weak kick transient
Adding distortion to the kick drum enhances its transient and punch, making it more aggressive and defined. This is particularly effective in genres like techno and hardcore, where a sharp, punchy kick is crucial. The…
Use different distortion types for different kick styles
Problem: lack of tonal variety in kick
Different types of distortion can be used to shape the kick's tone and character. For example, a shorter tone with more space can give the kick a 'Space Nine' or 'Nine' style, while a longer tone can give it a more…
Clipping is similar to saturation but uses a threshold instead of drive
Problem: confusing clipping and saturation
Clipping and saturation both introduce distortion, but clipping uses a threshold to limit signals above a certain level, whereas saturation increases the drive of the entire signal. This distinction is important for…
Use a 12-string bass for unique distorted and octaver effects
Problem: creating heavy, distorted bass tones
A 12-string bass, which has four sets of three strings each, can produce a rich, chorus-like sound when played. When run through a distortion pedal and an octaver, it creates a powerful, heavy sound that is ideal for…
Apply a compressor after distortion for more character
Problem: bass lacks character and punch
Using a compressor after distortion can enhance the character of the bass sound by bringing out the dynamics of the distorted signal. This technique allows for more control over the high-end content and can add a gritty,…
Use distortion to add grit and uniqueness to bass layers
Problem: bass layers lack uniqueness or grit
Applying distortion to a bass layer can add grit and character, making it stand out when layered with other basses. This is especially useful for creating a unique texture that complements the main bass layers.…
Use distortion on the bass bus for cohesion
Problem: bass layers lack cohesion, distortion not applied
Applying a distortion plugin like Capitator to the bass bus can help glue the bass layers together and add character. This technique enhances the harmonic content of the bass and can help it sit better in the mix. It's…
Use downsampling and distortion for texture
Problem: synth lacks texture or character
Applying downsampling and distortion can add a gritty, textured character to the synth. This technique is often used in melodic techno and house to give the sound a more organic and analog feel. The distortion adds…
Use a distortion plugin to add grit and texture
Problem: bass lacks texture or grit
Adding a distortion plugin, such as a tube distortion, can help add grit and texture to the bass. In this case, the distortion is applied after the filter and is set to a post-filter frequency of around 8 kHz. This helps…
Use a mid-side splitter to apply different effects to the mid and side components of a sound
Problem: lack of clarity or presence in the mid-range
Splitting the signal into mid and side components using a mid-side splitter allows for applying different effects to each. For example, adding distortion to the mid component while leaving the side untouched can enhance…
Use external distortion plugins for more flexibility than Serum's built-in options
Problem: limited distortion options in Serum
Serum's built-in distortion options can be limiting, so using external distortion plugins like Saturator or Overdrive in Ableton provides more flexibility and control. This allows for more creative and nuanced distortion…
Avoid over-limiting to prevent unpleasant distortion
Problem: over-limiting causes distortion and loss of dynamics
Over-limiting can lead to unpleasant distortion and a loss of dynamic range, making the track sound lifeless and fatiguing. This is evident in the comparison with the Death Magnetic track, which sounds heavily limited…
Use resonance and drive to add grit to a synth
Problem: synth lacks presence or character
Increasing the resonance and drive on a synth can add grit, character, and harmonic richness to the sound. This is especially useful for making a synth sound more 'gnarly' or aggressive, which is a common goal in genres…
Use velocity-sensitive distortion for dynamic movement
Problem: static, lifeless synth sounds
Applying distortion that reacts to velocity adds more depth and character to the sound. This technique is especially useful in genres like trance and house, where subtle movement and detail are crucial. By making the…
Use distortion to add aggression and character
Problem: sound lacks aggression and character
Applying distortion to the reverb return or other elements can add aggression and character to the track. This is a common technique in hard techno to enhance the energy and intensity of the sound. Distortion can be used…
Use a clipper in hard mode for aggressive distortion
Problem: sound lacks intensity and aggression
Using a clipper in hard mode can add aggressive distortion to the track, enhancing the intensity and energy of the sound. This is a powerful tool in hard techno for creating a raw, driving feel. The clipper can be used…
Use groove samples and distort them heavily
Problem: lack of aggressive, unique rhythmic elements
Groove samples are used as a base for creating rhythmic patterns in Hard Techno. The idea is to take a sample, no matter how simple or unimpressive it sounds initially, and apply heavy distortion to transform it into…
Experiment with unconventional samples and distortion
Problem: creative stagnation or lack of unique ideas
Hard Techno producers often use unconventional samples and apply extreme distortion to transform them into something aggressive and unique. This approach encourages experimentation and can lead to unexpected and powerful…
Mistake: relying on how the groove sounds initially
Problem: over-reliance on initial groove sound
It's a common mistake to focus too much on how the groove sounds before distortion. This can lead to a lack of experimentation and missed opportunities for creative transformation. The key is to trust the process of…
Layer multiple distorted groove samples for complexity
Problem: simple, flat groove lacking depth
To add depth and complexity to the groove, multiple layers of distorted samples are used. Each layer can focus on a different frequency range or texture, such as one layer emphasizing the low end and another adding…
Use vocal chops and distort them for aggressive texture
Problem: lack of aggressive, unique vocal textures
Vocal chops are used to add aggressive and unique textures to the track. These chops are taken from various sources and then heavily distorted to match the aggressive tone of Hard Techno. This technique allows for the…
Use sine waves with distortion for gritty bass sounds
Problem: bass lacks grit or presence
Sine waves, when distorted, can produce a gritty and aggressive bass tone. This is a common technique in EDM for creating deep, punchy basses that cut through the mix. The distortion adds harmonic content and texture,…
Mistake: Overusing distortion without balancing it with filtering
Problem: overly distorted vocals
The engineer admits to being 'too harsh' with distortion on the vocals but then used 'retro color' filtering to fix it. This shows the importance of balancing aggressive processing with corrective EQ to maintain vocal…
Apply high cut, distortion, and EQ to white noise for rumble
Problem: harsh, uncontrolled white noise
White noise is processed with a high cut to remove harshness, heavy distortion/overdrive to add grit, and EQ shaping to define the rumble's character. This creates a textured, low-end-focused sound that complements…
Add asymmetric distortion for character
Problem: preset lacks harmonic saturation
Using asymmetric distortion in the FX section creates harmonic richness and saturation. This is especially effective for adding warmth to leads and pads. The distortion amount should be set to 10-30% for subtle…
Use FX section for texture shaping
Problem: preset lacks textural interest
Processing the sound with effects like distortion, bitcrushing, or reverb in Serum's FX section adds unique character. This is particularly useful for creating hybrid sounds that blend synthesis with digital processing.…
Apply tube distortion and downsampling for gritty texture
Problem: lifeless or sterile bass tones
Use Serum's tube distortion (70% drive, 40% mix) and downsampling effect (23% intensity, 40% mix) to add warmth and analog-like grit. This combination creates a vintage, saturated sound while maintaining clarity. The…
Apply distortion to sub bass for harmonic richness
Problem: lifeless or flat sub bass
Adding subtle distortion to the sub bass introduces harmonic overtones that enhance its presence in the mix. This technique adds warmth and complexity to the low end without compromising its fundamental frequency. The…
Use a distortion plugin on the kick and snare bus for more crunch and power
Problem: weak or lifeless drums
Using a distortion plugin on the kick and snare bus adds crunch and power to the drums, making them more aggressive and present in the mix. This is a common technique in EDM to enhance the overall energy and impact of…
Combine PD from A for grit in upper bass layer
Problem: lack of texture in bass layers
Add PD from A (distortion plugin) to the upper oscillator layer at 20% intensity. This introduces harmonic grit without overwhelming the sound. The technique avoids needing additional plugins by leveraging Serum's…
Use asymmetric distortion for aggressive bass character
Problem: lack of aggressive bass character
Adding asymmetric distortion (via the 'asymmetric distortion' plugin) introduces harmonic richness and grit to the bass, enhancing its presence in the mix. This technique is particularly effective for creating the 'mad…
Add unison and drive to enhance the deadmau5 pluck sound
Problem: thin plucks, lack of presence
Unison is a technique where multiple instances of the same oscillator are detuned slightly to create a richer, more complex sound. Adding a small amount of drive or saturation can further enhance the character of the…
Use Distressor for aggressive transient shaping
Problem: overly aggressive transients, uncontrolled dynamics
The Distressor is demonstrated as a tool for heavy transient control, contrasting with the 1176's more subtle compression. Its ability to drastically reduce transients makes it suitable for taming aggressive drum…
Use Distressor with 5dB gain reduction at 4:1 ratio for punchy compression
Problem: lifeless transients, over-compressed punch
The speaker applies the Distressor plugin with 5dB of gain reduction at a 4:1 ratio to shape the kick and snare. This setting provides controlled compression that enhances punch without excessive saturation. The 'tack…
Apply saturation plugins like Decapitator for gritty texture
Problem: mix sounds too clean or sterile
Adding saturation across the entire mix can introduce warmth and grit, especially for tracks aiming for an old-school, grungy sound. The speaker used Decapitator on the whole mix to counteract a 'too clean' sound,…
Use clipping on drums for analog saturation
Problem: digital drums sound sterile or lifeless
Clipping can add harmonic distortion and analog-like warmth when applied subtly to drums. The speaker demonstrates this by intentionally clipping drum tracks during mixing, which introduces a punchier, more saturated…
Experiment with distortion plugins on bass
Problem: bass lacks uniqueness or texture
Using a distortion plugin like Sketch Cassette on bass introduces grit and fuzz, adding unique character. This technique is unconventional for bass but can create interesting textures when used sparingly. The plugin's…
Stack three distortions for layered texture
Problem: thin or underdeveloped acid tones
Using three distortion plugins in series (e.g., bitcrusher, saturation, and overdrive) adds depth and complexity. Each distortion stage emphasizes different harmonic content: the bitcrusher adds grit, saturation warms…
Add tube distortion before the filter to enhance grit
Problem: lack of harmonic richness
Placing distortion before the filter adds harmonic content that the filter can shape. This creates a balance between warmth and clarity, allowing the filter to tame harsh frequencies while preserving the distortion's…
Use filter to tame low-end grit after distortion
Problem: uncontrolled low-end harshness
Applying a filter after distortion allows precise control over the low-end's brightness. This prevents the low frequencies from becoming too buzzy while retaining the distortion's character, achieving a balanced sound.
Use dual oscillator setup with wavetable and distortion for textured synths
Problem: thin, uninteresting synth leads
One oscillator preserves melodic content while the second adds harmonic distortion. This creates a balance between clarity and grit, essential for modern synth textures. The technique is widely used in EDM and…
Use saturation and wave shaping for harmonic richness
Problem: thin, lifeless textures
Apply a saturator and wave shaper to texture layers to add harmonic distortion. Use the LFO Tool to modulate the drive parameter of the wave shaper, creating dynamic harmonic movement. This adds warmth and complexity to…
Apply soft clip distortion with 20dB gain for resonance
Problem: weak or undefined low-end
Using a soft clip distortion plugin with 20dB gain boosts harmonic overtones and creates resonant frequencies that mimic the track’s bass character. This adds aggression and presence to the low-end while maintaining…
Use LFO modulation on distortion and noise
Problem: static or boring textures
Applying an LFO to modulate the drive and level of a distortion plugin creates dynamic, evolving textures. This technique adds movement and interest to static sounds, preventing them from becoming monotonous. It's…
Use soft clip distortion for added saturation
Problem: bass lacking character
Adding soft clip distortion to both the chorus bass and stab adds warmth and harmonic richness. This is particularly useful for sampled bass to make it sound more 'alive' and for synthetic sounds to add grit. The…
Use distortion to add a slight, warm sound on top
Problem: flat sound
Adding a slight distortion will give us a warm and nice sound on top.
Use OTT to artificially boost frequencies and add character to your sound
OTT can be used to artificially boost frequencies and add character to your sound. However, it's not a substitute for proper EQing and distortion.