My first Drum and Bass attempt. FEEDBACK PLEASE and THANK YOU.

[RATCUB]

Here is an intro I've been working on. I know it needs a lot of work and any comments or feedback you have is very welcome. Im not sure where to go from here as this is as far as I've gotten and have only been producing for 8 months.

http://soundcloud.com/ratcub/drum-and-bass-attempt

[IV4]

What db are your sounds?
I would guess an off beat side chain bass would go well with that lead.
Cool intro any way.

[RATCUB]

DB as in Decibals? Im not sure I'll look. What exactly does an offbeat bass mean? Sorry Im a n00b.

[RATCUB]

Im having troubles finding where to go from here.

[RATCUB]

I'm finding it hard to introduce the bass and maintain a flow. Any tips for making a breakdown/drop or verse? Also I noticed my kicks are very drowned out, how might I go about making them shine?

[ARTFX]

I'm finding it hard to introduce the bass and maintain a flow. Any tips for making a breakdown/drop or verse? Also I noticed my kicks are very drowned out, how might I go about making them shine?

You can sidechain them with different instruments so that the other instruments duck down in volume when the kick plays.

[Ritual]

Overdrive/EQ will fatten your kicks up!

[subprime]

Dunno, but I was disappointed when it didn't drop, so some of it must have worked at the very least.

[RATCUB]

Ha I'm working on the drop today. Ive never made a DnB drop before so I'm quite intimidated. I don't know how to bring the bass in without it being really harsh.

Dunno, but I was disappointed when it didn't drop, so some of it must have worked at the very least.

[simonmacintyre]

Just my opinion, but I would suggest either changing the chords/some notes, or taking off the detune. It musically bothers me, but sometimes it can sound really good too. your call.
The build up at the end is good

[RATCUB]

Thanks for the comment! Yea the chords definitely need to be reworked. They aren't catchy enough. I'm not the best with that though. I'm glad you like build I think that's where I ended spending the most time, just trying to get it right.

Just my opinion, but I would suggest either changing the chords/some notes, or taking off the detune. It musically bothers me, but sometimes it can sound really good too. your call.
The build up at the end is good

[IV4]

The reason I ask abou the decibals if you watch them closely and keep them low like around -12 or -13 in the drop and keep them lower in the intro you do not have to fight the harshness of volume.
An off beat is not the down beat in the count.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Odd numbers are down beats
Even numbers are off beats
Here is an example of a side chain off beat bass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdgbI17JbII

[RATCUB]

Thank you for the video man! Greatly appreciated. Diving into that one today.

[RATCUB]

So I spent practically all of last night trying to EQ my kicks and snares but I didnt really get anywhere. Im really trying to make my druns shine. I'm using abletons EQ eight. Anybody know anything that can help with that? Also, I'm trying to sidechain my bass to the kicks so the bass dips when the kicks hit but I must be doing something wrong cause it sounds like absolute shit. I have a sub and lead bass. Anything you guys have that could help is greatly appreciated.

[RATCUB]

I apologize in advance for this bump