Use vocal chops with reverb and stutter effects for texture
Problem: lack of textural interest in bass section
Adding vocal chops with reverb and stutter effects can introduce a unique textural element to the bass section. The speaker demonstrates this by using a vocal sample, applying reverb, and using a stutter effect to create…
Layer multiple vocal chops with pitch correction for cohesion
Problem: dissonant vocal elements, lack of cohesion
Layering multiple vocal chops and pitch-shifting them into key ensures they blend well with the track. This technique allows for a more cohesive and polished vocal texture that complements the bass without clashing. It's…
Choose the right kick and snare first to shape the track's tone
Problem: track lacks cohesion or energy
The initial kick and snare choices set the foundation for the entire track. They influence the tonal direction and energy of the rest of the sounds. Taking time to select the right samples ensures consistency and…
Use an EQ to clean up muddiness in the kick
Problem: muddy or hollow-sounding kick
A small cut around 200Hz and a slight reduction in the hollow 1kHz range can clean up the kick's tone. This makes the kick more defined and punchy without losing its character. This is a common fix in future bass and…
Use a pitch shifter to lower the snare's frequency without losing quality
Problem: snare too high or lacks depth
Instead of using the pitch parameter to lower the snare, a pitch shifter can be used to shift the frequency while preserving the snare's natural character. This is especially useful for future bass, where the snare needs…
Use a reference track to copy drum patterns and get ideas
Problem: struggling with drum patterns
Copying drum patterns from a reference track can help beginner producers understand how to structure their own patterns. This is especially useful in future bass, where the rhythm and groove are crucial to the track's…
Use a reversed snare to add dynamics and power to the drop
Problem: drop lacks impact or dynamics
A reversed snare can be placed just before the real snare to create a sense of power and dynamics in the drop. This technique is commonly used in future bass to enhance the impact of the snare and add a sense of movement…
Cut high-end noise from cymbals to reduce harshness
Problem: cymbals sound harsh or noisy
Cymbals can be harsh in the high-end, so cutting frequencies above 18,000Hz can help reduce noise and make the cymbals sound cleaner. This is a common practice in future bass and other genres to ensure the cymbals sit…
Use G# minor scale for chord progression
Problem: lack of emotional chord progressions
Choosing the G# minor scale for chord progressions can create a rich and emotive sound. This scale is often used in future bass for its expressive and atmospheric qualities. It's a great choice for creating emotional and…
Use chord progression variation to avoid repetition
Problem: repetitive chord progressions, lack of interest
Repeating the same chord for too long can make a track feel monotonous. To add interest, split the chord and change it at the last bar. This creates a sense of movement and keeps the listener engaged. This technique is…
Align chords with kick drum hits for a more glued feel
Problem: loose arrangement, lack of cohesion
Synchronizing chord changes with kick drum hits can make the track feel more cohesive and rhythmic. This technique helps the melody and rhythm sections interact more naturally, creating a stronger sense of groove. It's a…
Reduce high-frequency noise in saw chords to improve clarity
Problem: harsh high-end, noisy chords
Saw waveforms can be noisy in the high-end, especially around 10,000 Hz. Using an EQ to reduce these frequencies can make the chords sound cleaner and more present in the mix. This is a crucial step in future bass…
Use multiple oscillators with different octaves for brighter chords
Problem: thin or dull chords
Using multiple oscillators at different octaves (e.g., 0, +1, +2) can add brightness and richness to chords. This technique is especially effective with saw waveforms, as it creates a more complex and full-sounding chord…
Use different EQ settings for each chord layer to avoid frequency clashes
Problem: muddy chord layers, frequency clashes
Each chord layer should have its own EQ settings to ensure they sit well together in the mix. This allows each layer to occupy its own frequency space, preventing muddiness and ensuring clarity. This is especially…
Pan chord layers to create width and separation
Problem: narrow stereo image, lack of separation
Panning different chord layers to the left and right can create a wider stereo image and help separate the layers. This technique is useful for adding depth and space to the mix, especially in future bass where a wide…
Use detuning and unison to thicken lead synths
Problem: thin or weak lead
Detuning and unison settings can thicken lead synths, making them more present and powerful in the mix. This is a common technique in future bass to give leads a more aggressive and full-bodied sound, especially when…
Use saturation and distortion to add grit and character to leads
Problem: lifeless lead, lack of character
Applying saturation and distortion to lead synths can add grit and character, making them stand out in the mix. This is a common technique in future bass to give leads a more aggressive and textured sound, especially…
Use down sampling on saw waves for texture
Problem: bland or generic lead sounds
Down sampling a saw wave slightly reduces its quality, adding a gritty or textured character to the sound. This technique is often used in future bass to give leads a unique, organic feel. It's a quick way to add depth…
Use pitch bend automation for lead character
Problem: lifeless or static lead sounds
Automating the pitch bend wheel in Serum creates a sliding, expressive effect that adds movement and emotion to leads. This is a key ingredient in future bass for making leads feel dynamic and alive. The same pitch bend…
Use plucks to fill in silence between phrases
Problem: arrangement feels empty or stagnant
Adding short pluck sounds between silences helps maintain interest and fills in gaps in the arrangement. These plucks are often panned to opposite sides to enhance stereo width. This is a subtle but effective technique…
Layer atmospheres to add airiness to chords
Problem: chords sound flat or generic
Adding atmospheric layers to chords helps make them sound more airy and less generic. These layers are often panned to the left and right, with one in the center for foundation. This technique is crucial in future bass…
Group and process atmospheres separately for better control
Problem: lack of control over atmosphere layers
Grouping atmosphere layers together allows for more precise processing and control over their overall sound. This is especially useful when applying effects like saturation or EQ to the entire group at once. It helps…
Use an EQ to brighten and tame atmospheres
Problem: atmospheres sound harsh or muddy
Boosting the high frequencies and slightly reducing the mid-range in atmosphere layers helps them sit better in the mix. This prevents them from clashing with other elements and ensures they add texture without being too…
Use a chroma plugin to pitch atmospheres into key
Problem: atmospheres sound dissonant or messy
Using a chroma plugin to pitch atmosphere samples into the key of the track ensures they sound harmonious and cohesive. This is especially useful when layering multiple samples that may not be perfectly in tune. It adds…
Use tape stop effects for unique synth character
Problem: synths lack character or uniqueness
Adding a tape stop effect to synths can give them a vintage, gritty texture that stands out in the mix. This technique is especially useful in future bass to add character and depth to the synths. The tape stop effect…
Automate reverb dry/wet to create space between synths
Problem: reverb clashing with kick or synths
Automating the dry/wet knob of a reverb on synths can create dynamic space between the synths and other elements like the kick. This technique helps the reverb swell in the silences of the synths, making the track feel…
Use multiple gritty bass layers with similar processing
Problem: bass lacks texture or depth
Layering multiple gritty bass sounds with similar processing (like distortion and EQ) can add texture and depth to the bass section. This technique is useful in future bass to create a rich, full low end that still…
Add pitch bend to bass for expressive movement
Problem: bass feels static or uninteresting
Adding a pitch bend to the bass, especially on high notes, can create a smooth, expressive movement that adds interest and emotion to the bass line. This technique is commonly used in future bass to make the bass feel…
Build the track around the main drop or chorus
Problem: track feels disjointed or unstructured
Creating the main drop or chorus first and then building the rest of the track around it can streamline the production process. This approach helps maintain consistency and cohesion throughout the track, making it easier…
Use ambient pads in the intro for atmosphere
Problem: intro feels empty or uninteresting
Adding ambient pads in the intro can create a sense of atmosphere and mood that sets the tone for the track. This technique is especially effective in future bass to build tension and anticipation before the main drop or…
Duplicate and pitch down a vocal to add power
Problem: vocal lacks presence and power
Duplicating a vocal and pitching it down an octave can add more weight and presence to the vocal stack. This technique is especially useful in build-ups where the vocal needs to feel more impactful and layered. It also…
Use vocal doubles and harmonies in build-ups
Problem: build-up lacks energy and tension
Adding vocal doubles and harmonies in build-ups can create a sense of tension and anticipation. This technique helps the vocal feel more dynamic and engaging as the track progresses toward the drop. It's a staple in…
Use a detuned saw with a heavy filter for bass in build-ups
Problem: build-up lacks evolving bass presence
Using a detuned saw wave with a heavy filter can create a rich, evolving bass sound in build-ups. This technique allows for a smooth transition into the drop by gradually opening the filter. It's a common approach in…
Use pluck chords for chord progressions in build-ups
Problem: chord progression lacks rhythmic energy
Using pluck chords instead of traditional synth chords can add a unique, punchy character to the chord progression in build-ups. This technique helps the track feel more energetic and forward-moving, especially in future…
Create tension with filter automation in build-ups
Problem: build-up lacks tension and movement
Automating the cutoff filter in a synth to gradually open up can create a sense of tension and anticipation in build-ups. This technique is especially effective in future bass to build energy and guide the listener…
Strip down melodic elements to focus on bass in heavy drops
Problem: melodic elements overpower bass in heavy sections
In heavy drop sections, it's important to minimize the presence of melodic elements like chords and leads to ensure the bass takes center stage. This is achieved by reducing the number of notes played in the chords and…
Use pan left and right leads to avoid center clutter
Problem: central lead elements cause clutter
To maintain a clean and focused mix, especially in bass-heavy sections, it's beneficial to pan lead layers to the left and right rather than keeping them in the center. This prevents the leads from clashing with the bass…
Add harsh screeching layers for texture in heavy drops
Problem: drop lacks intensity or texture
Incorporating harsh, textural layers such as screeching synths or aggressive sounds can add intensity and depth to heavy drop sections. These layers should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the mix but can…
Use glitches and ear candies to enhance the mix
Problem: mix lacks interest or detail
Adding subtle glitches and ear candy elements can enhance the overall interest and complexity of a track. These elements should be placed in the spaces between other sounds to avoid clashing and to maintain a clean mix.…
Use a different snare in the second drop for variation
Problem: drop feels repetitive or monotonous
Changing the snare in the second drop can add variety and keep the track from feeling repetitive. Even a slight variation in the snare can make the drop feel fresh and more dynamic. This is a common technique in future…
Avoid using elements that don't fit the track's vibe
Problem: track feels inconsistent or cluttered
It's important to be selective about the elements used in a track and to avoid including sounds that don't align with the overall vibe or mood. Even if an element is interesting or unique, it should be omitted if it…
Pitch-shift vocals up 6 semitones and apply formant shifting for a 'dolphin' effect
Problem: Creating unique, instrument-like vocal leads that stand out in a mix
To create an otherworldly vocal lead, pitch-shift the vocal up 6 semitones to match the track's key. Use formant shifting to create an unnatural rising/falling effect. This technique mimics the 'dolphin sound' heard in…
Use a ride to map out the rhythm of the drop
Problem: unclear rhythmic structure in drop
The ride can be used to plan rhythmic patterns by hitting on specific beats and leaving others open. This helps visualize the flow of the drop and ensures rhythmic elements align with the intended structure. This…
Design a punchy square wave bass with envelope modulation
Problem: lifeless or flat bassline
Use a square wave oscillator, lower the octave for depth, and shape the envelope to create a punchy attack. Apply unipolar modulation to the pitch for a downward-sweeping effect, enhancing the bass's dynamic range. This…
Add distortion to enhance bass texture
Problem: thin or weak bass
Apply subtle distortion to the bass to add grit and thickness, making it cut through the mix. This is especially effective in Future House for creating a heavier, more aggressive low-end.
Choose F-sharp minor as a resonant key for Future House
Problem: unclear or unengaging harmonic foundation
Selecting F-sharp minor can create a moody, emotive atmosphere that aligns with the genre's aesthetic. This key choice is subjective but often resonates well in Future House tracks.
Automate reverb mix knob for dynamic spatial effects
Problem: static or flat lead sound
Use automation to adjust the reverb mix knob at specific points, creating a sweeping reverb effect that adds depth and movement to the lead. This technique enhances the lead's presence in the mix and adds interest.
Use chords at key drop moments for dynamic contrast
Problem: drop lacks dynamic movement
Strategically placing chords during the drop's climax creates tension and release, a hallmark of Future House dynamics. This technique focuses energy on critical moments, making the drop feel more impactful.