How to: Extremely Thick Bass Plucks like Dimension, Metrik, Muzz in Serum

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to create extremely thick bass plucks inspired by renowned artists such as Dimension, Metrik, and Muzz, using Serum and Ableton. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions to design powerful and punchy bass sounds that are essential in the Dancefloor Drum & Bass genre.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Serum

1. Open Serum in Your DAW: Start with an empty Serum instance.
2. Select the Right Wavetable: Choose a specific wavetable, such as the "DayZ" wavetable, which works well for thick bass sounds. If you don't have this wavetable, consider acquiring it or exploring similar options.
3. Configure the Wavetable Position: Set the wavetable position to a static point to maintain consistency in your sound design.

Step 2: Creating the Pluck Sound

1. Add an LFO:
   • Assign an LFO to the level of your oscillator.
   • Set the LFO to a short attack to create a plucky sound.
2. Adjust the Envelope:
   • Use a fast decay time to enhance the pluckiness.
   • Shape the release to control how the sound fades out.

Step 3: Layering Your Bass Sounds

1. Create a Sub Bass Layer:
   • Utilize a simple saw or square wave for your sub bass.
   • Ensure this layer is clean and punchy, allowing you to control its loudness independently.
2. Combine with the Pluck Layer:
   • Mix the sub bass with your pluck sound to create a fuller body.
   • Use EQ to ensure the two layers complement each other without causing muddiness.

Step 4: Enhancing the Sound with Effects

1. Add Saturation:
   • Use a saturation plugin to add warmth and harmonics to your pluck.
   • Aim for a moderate level of saturation to retain clarity.
2. Apply Distortion:
   • Introduce a distortion effect, like True Iron, to emulate the characteristics of analog hardware.
   • Adjust the settings to achieve a desired level of grit in your sound.

Step 5: Utilizing Frequency Modulation

1. Add a Second Oscillator:
   • Activate a second oscillator and choose a complementary wavetable.
   • Use this oscillator for frequency modulation to enrich the sound further.
2. Experiment with Wavetable Positions:
   • Modulate the wavetable position of the second oscillator to create unique textures.
   • Explore different waveforms to find variations that suit your track.

Step 6: Finalizing Your Sound

1. Apply EQ and Filtering:
   • Use EQ to carve out unwanted frequencies and enhance the overall balance.
   • Consider applying a high-pass filter to remove excessive low-end from the pluck sound while retaining the sub bass.
2. Add Stereo Width:
   • Implement stereo widening effects like hyper and dimension to give your bass pluck a fuller sound.
   • Ensure the sub bass remains mono to maintain focus and punch.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can craft extremely thick bass plucks that stand out in your Dancefloor DNB productions. Experiment with different wavetables, effects, and modulation techniques to create unique variations. For further learning and exploration, consider checking out additional resources or sound design courses focused on Drum & Bass production. Happy producing!