How to make the Warp/Dominator Synth In Reason.WMV

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to create the classic Dominator synth noise, also known as the Hoover sound, used by the Bloody Beetroots in their track "Warp." This sound is a staple in dance music and rave genres, making it a valuable addition to your music production toolkit. Let's dive into the steps to craft this iconic sound in Reason.

Step 1: Setup Your Mixer and Synthesizers

• Create a Line 6 Mixer in Reason.
• Connect the Line 6 Mixer to your main output mixer.
• Add a few Malström synthesizers to generate the sound.
• Connect the Malström outputs to the Line 6 Mixer.
• Neutralize the patch on your Malström synthesizers.

Step 2: Create Sawtooth Waves

• Set up the synthesizers to produce sawtooth waveforms.
• This is the fundamental sound that will form the basis of your Dominator noise.
• Detune the sawtooth waves slightly to create a richer sound.

Step 3: Combine Sounds into a Combinator Patch

• Mix the sawtooth sounds in the Line 6 Mixer.
• Create a Combinator patch to combine these sounds.
• Play the sounds to hear how they blend together.

Step 4: Resample the Sound

• Draw a note on C3 to create a long sample of the sound.
• Export the audio file by looping around the sample.
• Save the exported file as "Hoover."

Step 5: Load the Sample into NN-XT

• Reload the "Hoover" sound into the NN-XT Digital Sampler.
• Connect the NN-XT output to the mixer.

Step 6: Adjust Modulation Envelope

• Play with the modulation envelope settings:
  • Set the attack to halfway.
  • Adjust the pitch modulation, varying it based on your taste.
• This step adds the distinct wavy sound characteristic of the Hoover noise.

Step 7: Enhance the Sound

• Experiment with playing two notes simultaneously to fatten the sound.
• Consider adding portamento to create smooth transitions between notes.
• Increase the release on the envelope for a smoother tail.

Step 8: Apply Effects

• Add effects to taste. Common suggestions include:
  • Distortion to add grit and character to the sound.
  • Experiment with other effects like reverb or delay, depending on the desired outcome.

Conclusion

You've successfully created the Dominator synth noise, a vital sound for dance and rave music production. By following these steps, you can customize this sound further to fit your musical style. Now, take your newfound skills and experiment with different settings and effects to create unique versions of the Hoover sound! Happy producing!