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  1. Tutorials
  2. Music Production Tutorials

Layering bass sounds with Tomy DeClerque

Tuition
By Future Music ( Future Music ) published 10 November 2011

Get thick, powerful low-end lines

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Intro

Intro

Tomy Declerque is a Pro Tools expert and one of the elite mixers in the techno scene. He's also become Umek's go-to producer for mixing work. In this three-stage walkthrough, he reveals how you can get that massive, rolling bass sound with a few simple tricks.

"We all know that the bass frequencies play an essential part in all forms of club music, because this is the element of a track that will really make the dancefloor move," says DeClerque. "In this tutorial, I'll show you my method for getting all the power and dynamics you need in a good bassline by separating it on to different channels."

NEXT: Tuning kicks

Page 1 of 4
Page 1 of 4
Tuning kicks

Tuning kicks

“For a good low end, it’s very important to tune the kick and make it the right length or decay. Another crucial thing to make a low end work well is to use the same kick drum for sidechaining the bass.

"This way the envelope of the kick drum will influence the envelope of the sidechain and blend them nicely.”

Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Splitting up your bassline

Splitting up your bassline

“Instead of using one sound for the bassline, take it apart and use different presets for each note of a bassline loop. You will get even better results if you use a different synth for each note.

"Add some low percussion sounds and you will get an interesting, groovy low frequency pattern.”

Page 3 of 4
Page 3 of 4
Bass treatment

Bass treatment

“At this point, it’s very important to mix everything right. As each note of the bassline has its own channel you can treat them as separate sounds and apply different EQ, dynamics or even lo-fi or ring modulation effects.

"Also, stereo delay set at 33ms with wide spread and no feedback or a small reverb can work wonders.”

Liked this? Now read: How to sound like a pro artist in your DAW

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Page 4 of 4
Page 4 of 4
Future Music
Future Music

Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

Read more
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MXR MB301 Bass Synth: the six-knob pedal is pictured in use against a petrol-blue background.
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Laney Digbeth Foundry Series: the new bass amp range from the British amp band is offered in head and combo formats, and with a variety of wattages.
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