Sublab XL - 8 Sound Design Tips for Better 808s
Ave Mcreeγ»2 minutes read
To create powerful 808s in Sublab, start by initializing a new preset and loading kick samples, then adjust the envelope settings to achieve a pronounced sound. Enhance the tonal quality with filter settings and effects like distortion and compression to manage dynamics and enrich the overall audio output.
Insights
- To create powerful 808 sounds in Sublab, start by initializing a new preset and loading kick samples, such as the "rack kick," which serves as the foundation for your sound design. Adjusting the envelope settings, specifically lowering the sustain and increasing the release time, will enhance the impact and fullness of the kick sound when played.
- Enhancing your 808s further involves using the filter section to fine-tune the attack time and experimenting with different filter types to shape the tonal quality. Additionally, incorporating effects like distortion and compression will add character and manage dynamics, ensuring that the kick stands out while maintaining a balanced mix.
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Recent questions
How do I create a new sound preset?
To create a new sound preset, start by selecting the "new preset" option from your sound design software's browser. This action sets the groundwork for your sound creation process, allowing you to explore various sound elements and customize them according to your preferences. By initializing a new preset, you can load different samples and effects, which is essential for crafting unique sounds tailored to your musical style. This foundational step is crucial for any sound designer looking to develop their sonic palette effectively.
What is the purpose of adjusting envelope settings?
Adjusting envelope settings is vital for shaping the dynamics of a sound, particularly in instruments like synthesizers or samplers. By lowering the sustain and increasing the release time, you can enhance the impact of the sound, making it more pronounced and engaging. This adjustment allows the sound to have a more defined attack and a fuller body, which is especially important for bass sounds like 808s. The envelope settings directly influence how a sound evolves over time, making them a key component in achieving the desired sonic characteristics in your music.
Why should I use filters in sound design?
Filters play a crucial role in sound design by allowing you to manipulate the tonal quality of your sounds. By adjusting the attack time and experimenting with different filter types, such as low pass or high pass, you can shape the texture and clarity of your audio. This manipulation helps in achieving a specific sound profile that fits well within a mix. Filters can enhance or reduce certain frequencies, making them essential tools for sound designers aiming to create polished and professional-sounding tracks.
How can distortion enhance my audio?
Distortion can significantly enhance audio by adding character and richness to the sound. By incorporating effects like distortion, particularly using models designed for guitar sounds, you can create a more dynamic and engaging audio experience. Adjusting the drive level allows you to control the intensity of the distortion, which can help in achieving a more powerful and textured sound. Layering multiple distortion effects can further enrich the audio output, making it more complex and interesting, which is especially beneficial in genres that thrive on bold and aggressive soundscapes.
What is the role of compression in mixing?
Compression plays a vital role in mixing by managing the dynamics of audio tracks. By lowering the threshold on a compressor, you can ensure that certain elements, like kick drums, stand out in the mix while keeping other sounds, such as bass, more subdued. This balance is essential for creating a clean and cohesive sound. Additionally, using macros to streamline adjustments across multiple parameters can enhance your workflow, allowing for quicker and more efficient mixing processes. Overall, compression helps in achieving a polished final product that translates well across different playback systems.
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Summary
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Creating Powerful 808s in Sublab XL
- To start creating hard-hitting 808s in Sublab, initialize a new preset by selecting "new preset" from the browser. This sets the foundation for your sound design process, allowing you to load various kick samples, such as the "rack kick" from a designed pack, to achieve a strong kick sound.
- Adjust the envelope settings to enhance the 808's impact by lowering the sustain and increasing the release time. This adjustment allows for a more pronounced boom when you tap the key on your keyboard, contributing to a fuller body in the sound.
- Utilize the filter section to control the attack time, ideally setting it around 218 milliseconds, and experiment with different filter types (e.g., low pass, high pass) to shape the tonal quality of the 808. This manipulation helps in achieving a desired sound texture.
- Incorporate effects like distortion to add character to your 808s. Access the effects section, add distortion (preferably using the orange guitar amp model), and adjust the drive to enhance the sound. Layering multiple distortion effects can further enrich the audio output.
- Implement compression to manage the dynamics of your 808s effectively. Lower the threshold on the compressor to achieve a cleaner mix, allowing the kick to dominate while keeping the bass softer. Additionally, create macros by dragging and dropping controls to streamline adjustments across multiple parameters, enhancing your workflow in Sublab XL.
