How to SERUM for DUBSTEP BEGINNERS (Easy, Fast, Method)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through using Serum for creating dubstep sounds, particularly focusing on styles like tearout and riddim. Drawing from techniques learned from experienced producers, this step-by-step process will help you navigate Serum’s features, including frequency modulation, filters, and mixing, enabling you to produce impactful bass sounds in Ableton.

Step 1: Setting Up Serum

• Open Ableton Live and create a new MIDI track.
• Load Serum by dragging it onto the track.
• Familiarize yourself with Serum’s interface, focusing on the oscillators, effects, and modulation sections.

Step 2: Creating Your First Bass Sound

• Choose an Oscillator:
  • Select Oscillator A. Set it to a basic waveform like a saw or square wave.
• Adjust the Unison:
  • Increase the unison voices to 2 or 3 for a thicker sound.
  • Adjust the detune knob slightly to add width.

Step 3: Frequency Modulation

• Enable FM from Oscillator B:
  • Turn on Oscillator B and select a different waveform (like a sine wave).
  • In the FM section of Oscillator A, increase the FM amount to introduce frequency modulation.
• Fine-Tune the Sound:
  • Experiment with the pitch and modulation to find a unique sound that fits your track.

Step 4: Shaping Your Sound with Filters

• Add a Filter:
  • Navigate to the filter section and choose a low-pass filter.
  • Set the cutoff frequency to around 200 Hz to remove high frequencies.
• Resonance:
  • Increase the resonance to emphasize frequencies around the cutoff, adding character to the sound.

Step 5: Applying Effects

• Add Distortion:
  • Go to the effects section and add a distortion effect to give your bass more grit.
• Reverb and Delay:
  • Use reverb and delay effects sparingly to add space without muddying the bass sound.

Step 6: Mixing Your Sound

• Balance Levels:
  • Adjust the volume of your Serum track in Ableton’s mixer to fit well within the overall mix.
• EQing:
  • Use an EQ to carve out unwanted frequencies, ensuring your bass sits well in the mix.

Step 7: Experiment and Refine

• Try Different Waveforms:
  • Don’t hesitate to switch out waveforms in Oscillator A and B to discover new textures.
• Modulation Techniques:
  • Experiment with LFOs to modulate parameters like filter cutoff for added movement and interest.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively use Serum to create powerful dubstep bass sounds. Start with the basics, gradually incorporate advanced techniques like frequency modulation and filtering, and always be ready to experiment. As you grow more comfortable with Serum, consider exploring more intricate sound design techniques to further enhance your productions. Happy producing!