Use presets as a starting point but customize them for better results
Problem: over-reliance on presets without customization
The producer mentions using presets in Shaperbox but admits they are not always familiar with how to tweak them. This highlights the importance of using presets as a foundation but customizing them to better suit the…
Use presets as a starting point for sound design
Problem: starting from scratch with no ideas
Rumble includes a variety of presets that can be used as a starting point for your sound design. This is useful for quickly getting a good sound and then tweaking it to fit your needs.
Use presets in UVI Rumble for quick bass line creation
Problem: time-consuming bass line creation
UVI Rumble comes with a large library of presets, including vintage sounds that are ideal for creating rolling bass lines. This is a time-saving technique for producers who want to quickly generate bass lines without…
Create your own bass instead of relying on presets
Problem: preset bass doesn't fit the track
Initializing a preset and making your own bass from scratch allows for more control and customization. This ensures that the bass fits better with the rest of the track and avoids the generic or outdated sound that can…
Save compatible sounds into your own preset pack
Problem: time-consuming to find compatible sounds
When you find sounds that work well together, save them into your own preset pack. This helps you build a library of sounds that are compatible with your style and track structure. It also speeds up the production…
Combine two random presets in Serum using the hybrid dies feature
Problem: presets sound generic and unoriginal
The hybrid dies feature in Serum randomly merges two presets, which can occasionally produce unique sounds but more often results in poor-quality outputs. This method is presented as an experimental approach to break out…
Mistake: Assuming random preset combinations will reliably produce good results
Problem: unrealistic expectations from randomization tools
The speaker explicitly warns that the hybrid dies feature in Serum produces usable results only about 10% of the time. This highlights a common misconception that randomization tools will consistently yield creative…
Embrace experimentation and avoid relying on presets as-is
Problem: over-reliance on unmodified presets
The speaker explicitly encourages producers to actively tweak and modify presets rather than using them in their default state. This mindset shift is framed as essential for creating original sounds and avoiding the trap…
Utilize macronobs for quick sound design adjustments
Problem: time-consuming parameter adjustments
The preset includes eight macronobs that allow instant modulation of key parameters. This workflow tip enables rapid experimentation with the bass sound by simply adjusting these knobs, making it easier to fine-tune the…
Mistake: Overloading low end with presets or loops
Problem: overloaded low end, loss of clarity
Many presets and loops (e.g., from Splice) include excessive sub-100Hz content, leading to a 'boomy' mix that masks other elements. This is a common pitfall in genres like big room and progressive house, where overuse of…
Create compressor presets for different analog emulations (SSL, LA 2A, etc.)
Problem: time-consuming compressor setup
The speaker advocates building presets for various compressor types (SSL, LA 2A, optical) to quickly access different sonic characteristics. This workflow tip streamlines mixing by allowing instant recall of specific…
Create presets by tweaking base parameters for different tonalities
Problem: time-consuming preset creation
The base preset serves as a foundation for creating variations by adjusting octave, release, distortion, and filter slopes. This workflow emphasizes efficiency in sound design, allowing producers to generate multiple…
Use presets to inspire new synth sounds quickly
Utilize preset browsing for quick inspiration, selecting an airy and floaty sound for a synth layer to add texture and interest.
Start with Serum's 'Complex Show' preset for electro-style bass
Using a pre-existing complex wave table preset in Serum (like 'Complex Show') provides a foundation for creating layered, sidechain-driven bass sounds. This approach saves time compared to building the sound from scratch…
Use presets to speed up sound design and learning
Problem: sound design process is slow or confusing
Using presets can be a great way to speed up the sound design process and help beginners learn how to create complex sounds. This is especially useful when working with synths, as presets often contain the same…
Use presets to speed up the sound design process
Problem: time-consuming sound design, lack of inspiration
Using presets from a preset pack can save time and effort in the sound design process, especially when creating a main melody or lead. This is a common practice in trance music production, where producers often use…
Save automation presets for faster workflow and consistency
Problem: repetitive automation setup
Saving automation presets, such as filter automation, helps streamline the workflow and ensures consistency across different parts of the track. This is especially useful in trance music where the same automation…
Every preset includes a MIDI clip for immediate inspiration
Problem: time-consuming melody creation, lack of inspiration
The MIDI clips are designed to show how to use the preset effectively and serve as a starting point for song creation. This approach saves time by providing a ready-made melodic structure that aligns with the preset's…
Presets include 8 macros for instant sound control
Problem: time-consuming parameter adjustments
The 8 macro controls allow producers to quickly adjust key parameters like filter cutoff, resonance, modulation depth, and effects without diving into the plugin's interface. This streamlines the workflow for producers…
Presets are ready-to-use with minimal setup
Problem: time-consuming setup, complex routing
The presets are designed to be dropped directly into a project without requiring additional processing or routing. This reduces workflow friction for producers who want to focus on arrangement and composition rather than…
Modern-sounding cork piano preset for melodic elements
Problem: limited melodic texture options
A specific preset featuring a modern cork piano is highlighted as a versatile tool for melodic sections. Its bright, articulate tone works well in both lead and pad roles, offering a unique textural option for producers…
Choose genre-appropriate presets for warmth and depth
Select presets that align with modern house/trance aesthetics (e.g., warm, driving sounds) rather than relying on outdated or overused presets.
Use presets to save time and achieve better results
Problem: time-consuming sound design process
Starting with a preset can significantly speed up the sound design process and often yields better results than creating a sound from scratch. Presets are crafted by experienced designers and can serve as a foundation…
Use the mini poly preset as a starting point for synth growls
The mini poly preset provides a foundational configuration for oscillators, filters, and envelopes that can be modified to create growl sounds. This saves time compared to starting from scratch and ensures a stable base…
Save your favorite swing setup as a preset for quick recall
Problem: repetitive setup of swing settings
Once you've found a swing setting that works well, you can save it as a preset in Time Shaper. This makes it easy to reuse the same groove across different tracks or projects. Presets are especially useful for…
Use the Bounceify preset to hear swing in action
Problem: lack of practical examples
To hear how swing can be applied in real-world scenarios, check out the Bounceify preset. This provides a practical example of how Time Shaper can be used to add groove to a track. It's a great way to understand the…