How to PRODUCE MUSIC with LOOPS and SAMPLES in CUBASE 10.5

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you on how to produce music using loops and samples in Cubase 10.5. Utilizing loops and samples can enhance your music production, inspiring creativity and adding depth to your recordings. By following these steps, you'll learn how to effectively manage and manipulate audio elements to create engaging tracks.

Step 1: Understanding Musical Mode

• Activate Musical Mode: Ensure that the Musical Mode is enabled for your audio tracks. This allows Cubase to adapt the tempo of the audio to match your project.
• Practical Tip: Use Musical Mode to keep your loops in sync with varying tempos throughout your project.

Step 2: Utilizing Groove Agent

• Open Groove Agent: Load Groove Agent in your project to access a variety of drum loops and samples.
• Explore Presets: Browse through available presets to find suitable drum sounds for your track.
• Practical Tip: Layer multiple drum sounds to create a fuller and more dynamic rhythm.

Step 3: Sizing and Time Stretch Tool

• Select Audio Clip: Click on the audio clip you wish to stretch.
• Use Time Stretch Tool: Adjust the length of the clip by dragging its edges while holding the 'Alt' key (Windows) or 'Option' key (Mac).
• Practical Tip: Time stretching can help you maintain the pitch while altering the tempo of your samples.

Step 4: Slicing with Groove Agent

• Load Sample into Groove Agent: Import your audio sample into Groove Agent for slicing.
• Use Slicing Feature: Select the slicing tool to divide your audio into manageable sections.
• Practical Tip: Experiment with different slice settings to create unique rhythmic patterns.

Step 5: Transposing Audio

• Select Audio Clip: Choose the audio clip you want to transpose.
• Transpose Function: Use the transpose feature found in the audio menu to change the pitch of your clip.
• Practical Tip: Transposing can help match the key of your audio with other elements in your track.

Step 6: Creating a Sampler Track

• Add Sampler Track: Right-click in the track list and select 'Add Sampler Track'.
• Load Samples: Drag and drop your preferred samples into the sampler track.
• Practical Tip: Use the sampler to play back samples in different pitches and velocities for creative layering.

Step 7: Working with Serum Synth

• Open Serum Synth: Load Serum as a VST instrument in your project.
• Create Bass Preset: Explore presets or design your own bass sound using Serum’s waveforms and filters.
• Practical Tip: Adjust the envelope settings to shape the attack and decay of the bass sound for a more dynamic effect.

Step 8: Adding One-Shot Drum Grooves

• Insert Audio Tracks: Create audio tracks for one-shot samples of drums.
• Layering: Combine different one-shots to create a unique drum groove.
• Practical Tip: Use panning and volume adjustments to create a balanced mix.

Step 9: Recording Guitar Loops with Effects

• Connect Your Guitar: Ensure your guitar is connected and configured within Cubase.
• Record Loop: Use the record function to capture your guitar playing.
• Add Effects: Apply effects to enhance the recorded loop, such as reverb or delay.
• Practical Tip: Experiment with different effects to find the right sound for your track.

Step 10: Regrooving Vocal Loops

• Import Vocal Loop: Drag a vocal loop into your project.
• Audio Warp: Use the audio warp feature to adjust the timing and feel of the vocal.
• Practical Tip: Adjust the timing to match the groove of your other instruments for a cohesive sound.

Conclusion

Producing music with loops and samples in Cubase 10.5 can be a powerful way to enhance your creativity and streamline your workflow. By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively manipulate audio elements to create engaging tracks. Experiment with different tools and techniques discussed to discover your unique sound. Happy producing!