DnB Broken Note style "Big Basslines"

PureGeekery

New Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2015
Hey guys,

Note: I was meant to select Dubstep, I can't change the topic title after setting it.

I've been listening to Broken Note for a good few years, and their basslines still amaze me. As hard as I try I can never get that "big" sound. I was just wondering if anyone can offer some processing tips on getting that think sound.

Here's one bassline sound I'm working on: http://puu.sh/hsyxk/f4946e1c99.wav , and resampled some more: http://puu.sh/hsz6h/0de7f642e4.wav, and resampled again over a Dubstep beat http://puu.sh/hszo7/8b0263f4c9.wav

I just can't get it any bigger sounding than that. There's 2 layers, one sub (using Operator, I like it's sub), and the other layer is Massive, with no low end. I have some distortion on the second layer. If I attempt to layer more, it starts sounding horrible.

Any tips on achieving a bigger sound?

The whole Broken Note production style still confuses me. The same as Skrillex for example in Dubstep. All those sounds coming in and out to create a sort of melody. How is this achieved? I was thinking of creating a handful of bass patches, and then use Ableton's external instrument to put them on a range of keys. That way I can play multiple bass patches on one keyboard? Or maybe I'm over thinking it.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
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You need to think in terms of the separate frequencies instead of the sound as a whole.
When layering, use EQ to remove parts of the layers you don't need. You don't just pick random sounds and play them at the same time: you have to know what you want to achieve. EQ the whole bass as well, it's got too much high mids and highs and not enough low end.
Multiband compression or distortion can help sometimes, but think when you're using it: don't compress the mids if you've already got enough of those.
Keep your sub clean and on a separate channel.
 
You need to think in terms of the separate frequencies instead of the sound as a whole.
When layering, use EQ to remove parts of the layers you don't need. You don't just pick random sounds and play them at the same time: you have to know what you want to achieve. EQ the whole bass as well, it's got too much high mids and highs and not enough low end.
Multiband compression or distortion can help sometimes, but think when you're using it: don't compress the mids if you've already got enough of those.
Keep your sub clean and on a separate channel.

Thanks bud, will give that a try.
 
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