By applying processing and automation, we can make any stock drum break more characterful. Here's how to do it in Xfer Records' supreme Serum plugin synth...
Step 1: Start by adding Serum FX to the Drums channel, then power up the Distortion unit. We’ll plump for the Sine Shaper mode, as it gives the drums a grungy, Dillinja-esque quality. Reducing the Wet/Dry mix to 30% blends the distortion in.
Step 2: We can shape the distortion’s tone using the unit’s onboard EQ. Switch the EQ to high pass, then reduce the Q to 0.1 for a more subtle EQ curve. Now, try switching between Off, Pre and Post distortion to hear the difference EQing the distortion before/afterwards makes. We go for Post, as it has a less hollow sound.
Step 3: Let’s use some Delay to add an additional layer of rhythm to our drums. Place the Delay after the Distortion, then set the delay time to ¼. You’ll hear the delay mix with the break, giving increased shuffle. Setting the Delay frequency to 1kHz and Q to 0.8 focuses the effect on the mid frequencies.
Step 4: To make our fake shuffle sound like a more convincing part of the drums, reduce the Delay’s Wet/Dry mix to around 20%. Now, let’s create an exciting fill effect for the end of eight bars. Add the Phaser effect after the Delay, then set the Freq to around 100Hz to avoid speaker-punishing low frequency resonances later on.
Step 5: Automate the Phaser Wet/Dry amount so that it’s only mixed in at the end of each eight bar section; you can either have the effect totally wet for a big switch, or gradually increase the effect’s strength for a subtle fill. Next, we’ll use some filtering to change the tone of the drums leading to the end of 16 bars…
Step 6: Add Serum’s Filter after the Phaser, then set the Filter type to High Pass 24. Now, reduce the Cutoff to its lowest setting, then assign Macro 1 to the filter Cutoff, Res, Drive and Fat dials. After enabling Note Latch to turn on the macro, you can adjust all the filter parameters at once using the macro for a striking edit.
