$0.00 0

YOUR CART
Checkout

SUBTOTAL
DISCOUNT
VAT
TOTAL
Checkout
Banner
In today's tutorial we will be going through the steps to create a heavy distortion bass...

FM8 Tutorials

Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8

In today’s tutorial we will be going through the steps to create a heavy distortion bass with FM8 and discuss some possible variations that are easy ways to modify this osund for your own use.

There are many types of heavy, harsh and edgy bass synths that are incredibly popular in various modern music genres right now. We will be looking at just one way you can design your own heavy distortion bass with FM8, so keep in mind that any one of the waveforms used can be quickly swapped out for a different one. And there is no limit to what you can do with the sound once you take it out of FM8 and into your DAW for further processing. Let’s dive right in.

To begin with, we need to set up the FM Matrix. As you can see, I have set up two main operators to be routed to the output strip, each panned slightly in opposite directions. This is to give the sound extra width without introducing too much phasing, as phasing can present potential difficulties when it comes to the later stages of production. So we will depend upon some simple pitch setting and feedback to produce the bulk of the heavy edge we require. Using all sine waves also helps to keep the signal clean, but you should experiment with using different waveforms. It’s an easy way to add sharpness and brightness to the sound.

Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8 Tutorial by OhmLab 1

Below, you can see that very little has been done to the envelopes. Just enough release has been added to avoid any popping or clicking during the initial delivery.

Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8 Tutorial by OhmLab 2

Several things have been touched on the Master window. First, the synth has been set to run in Mono mode. This will make the Portamento (which has been activated) sound better as the bass glides between notes. The total number of Unison voices has been increased to seven. The Detune, Pan, Analog and Digital Quality sliders have all been adjusted for the right character.

Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8 Tutorial by OhmLab 3

The next stop is the Easy/Morph window, where the main amp envelope and the timbre envelope are tweaked to better shape the overall sound.

Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8 Tutorial by OhmLab 4

And finally, it’s time to add some effects. The Overdrive and Tube Amp are added to accentuate the edginess and add more distortion. The Shelving EQ and Peak EQ are used to finish shaping the sound. And the small amount of Phasing and Reverb provide a slightly larger space for the sound to develop in and adds a touch of movement.

Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8 Tutorial by OhmLab 5
Making a Heavy Distortion Bass with FM8 Tutorial by OhmLab 6

Below is a small audio sample of the bass that was just made playing alongside some drums to give you an idea of how it may be used.

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Heavy-Distortion-Bass.mp3|titles=Heavy Distortion Bass]

If you have tutorials requests or feedback for us we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a message today before you take off. Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,
OhmLab

RELATED COURSES

Functional Sound Design - FM Synthesis

ADSR Courses

Add to cart

Advanced Sound Design Techniques

ADSR Courses

Add to cart

Dubstep Bass Design In FM8

ADSR Courses

Add to cart

FM8 Expert Panel Explained

ADSR Courses

Add to cart
Waveform Loaded
Waveform Played
×
PLAYLIST
Clear all
WISHLISTS
Create an account to use wishlists
×
SAVE TUTORIALS
Create an account to save tutorials
×
FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITES
Follow your favourite labels, formats and genre's and ADSR will show what's new in those on your next visit.
×
  • Create product wishlist
  • Save your favorite tutorials
  • Regular discounts and exclusives
  • Never miss a sound! Follow your favorite labels.
Sign up to My ADSR to ensure you're ahead of the pack. Save your favorite content and be notified of new content. You'll never miss a thing!
Create your account now!
CREATE ACCOUNT
Sign up to My ADSR to ensure you're ahead of the pack. Save your favorite content and be notified of new content. You'll never miss a thing!
  • Get days all ADSR courses free
  • Create product wishlist
  • Save your favorite tutorials
  • Regular discounts and exclusives
Create your account now!
SIGN IN
adsrsounds.com login Video streaming login
Remember me
Forgot your password?
DON'T HAVE AN ADSR ACCOUNT?
Create your account
FORGOT PASSWORD

Send info
  1. Enter your email address
  2. Click "Send info"
  3. Check your inbox for an activation link
  4. Visit activation link and enter set new password
Sign in
DON'T HAVE AN ADSR ACCOUNT?
Create your account
IMPORTANT: Is this product compatible with your system? Please check the product system requirements tab before purchasing. To proceed with this purchase you must check the box to confirm you have checked the requirements.


I have read the system requirements and agree to the return policy. I understand that refunds will not be given due to limitation of my software or operating system.

I don't agree
, you have loyalty credit available. To redeem click the button to claim !
Claim
Claim your free sounds

For every $5 you spend on ADSR receive 1 free credit for Sample Manager.

Even better, we have back-dated this so any purchases you made since 2017 have also been credited to your account!

Click the button below to claim your free credit.

Get my free credits
Loyalty credits
1Every purchase you make on ADSR* now earns you 1 loyalty credit for every $5 spent
2Once you make a purchase your credits are added to your account
3Credits can be redeemed in ADSR Sample Manager to download individual loops and samples
4To redeem simply download ADSR Sample Manager and/or log into Sample Manager with your ADSR login details
5Credits will have been automatically added to your account
6Loyalty credits expire 30 days after initial purchase
* Not including video subscriptions