Watch + Learn: 808 Kick Bass (Universal)

808 Kick Bass starting points on three different softsynths: Serum, Phase Plant, and Operator.
[Note: Very low frequency content. Headphones or monitors required.]

Level: Beginner

Platforms: Ableton Operator, Xfer Serum, Kilohearts Phase Plant

Description: Recreation of the Roland TR-808 Kick Bass sound using multiple platforms. Additional customization with overdrive and distortion should be added by the user.

Download Ableton Operator 808 Kick Bass:
Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_808KickBass

Download Xfer Serum 808 Kick Bass:
Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_808KickBass

Download Kilohearts Phase Plant 808 Kick Bass:
Watch+Learn_PhasePlant_808KickBass

Watch + Learn: Big Fifth (Serum)

Level: Beginner

Platform: Xfer Serum

Description: Iconic lead sound, based on the interval of a Fifth (+7 semitones), reinforced by a sub-bass element. Great as a starting point for original variations.

Download Link to Preset: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_BigFifth

Watch + Learn: 3 Over 4 Fifth (PhasePlant)

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Platform: Phase Plant

Description: Rhythmic preset using two oscillator groups tuned to a fifth with independent sawtooth LFOs applied to filters.

Download Preset: Watch+Learn_PhasePlant_3over4Fifth

Learn more about the series…

Watch + Learn: Superpluck (Serum)

Level: Beginner

Platform: Xfer Serum

Description: Classic pluck/arp sound used in multiple electronic genres. Based on supersaw and filter with enveloping. Easy adjustments include Env 2 decay, cutoff, and resonance.

Download Link: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Superpluck

Watch + Learn: DX Marimba (Operator)

Level: Intermediate

Platform: Ableton Operator

Description: Recreation of one of the famous Yamaha DX-7 Marimba presets using FM synthesis in Ableton Operator.

Download Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_DXMarimba

Watch + Learn: Supersaw (Universal)

Supersaw starting points on four different softsynths: Serum, Phase Plant, Operator, and Wavetable.

Level: Beginner

Platform: Xfer Serum, Ableton Operator, Kilohearts Phase Plant, Ableton Wavetable

Description: The starting point for creating Supersaw chord stabs. Filter and effects are areas for customization.

Download Serum Supersaw: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Supersaw

Download Operator and Wavetable Supersaw: Watch+Learn_AbletonPresets_Supersaw

Download Phase Plant Supersaw: Watch+Learn_PP_Supersaw

Watch + Learn: Tonewheel Organ (Operator, Phase Plant)

Same sound, two different softsynths

Level: Beginner

Platform: Ableton Operator, Kilohearts Phase Plant

Description: The basic format for emulating tonewheel organs like the Hammond B3. Adjustments can be made by changing the volume of the first eight harmonics.

Download Operator Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_B3

Download Phase Plant Preset: Watch+Learn_PhasePlant_B3

Watch + Learn: Piano Pad (PhasePlant)

Level: Beginner

Platform: Phase Plant

Description: Classic pad consisting of Piano layered with filtered sawtooth. Long releases with reverb added for fullness. Experiment with the sawtooth filter and envelope times.

Download Preset: Watch+Learn_PP_PianoPad

Learn more about this series…

Watch+Learn: Analog Strings (Operator)

Level: Beginner

Platform: Ableton Operator

Description: Iconic analog string sound used in many R&B, new wave, synthwave, funk, soul, and disco tracks.

Download Preset: Watch+Learn_AbletonPreset_AnalogStrings

Watch + Learn: Acid 303 (Serum)

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Platform: Xfer Serum

Description: A simulation of the architecture and processing for the Roland TB-303, created using Serum.

Download Preset: Watch+Learn_SerumPreset_Acid303

Watch+Learn: Introduction

The adventure begins…

Master Class: Arturia MiniBrute 2

In this Music Radar masterclass, we’ll look at some interesting sounds you can create using the MiniBrute 2’s patchbay. But first, we’ll look at ways to overcome a few of the instrument’s idiosyncrasies.

For example, the MiniBrute 2 lacks a dedicated mult/splitter, making it impossible to route certain modulation sources to multiple destinations—a requirement that is a staple of many common sounds—without additional gear. A simple fix is to use a stackable 3.5mm cable, such as the Tiptop Audio Stackcable or the Modular Addict Stacking Eurorack Patch Cable.

Despite lacking a few features from the first Mini-Brute (such as the sub-oscillator), the MiniBrute 2 has a  more advanced set of synthesis tools. Recreating familiar patches from the original model, however, requires an altered approach. This tutorial covers the essentials for configuring both the sounds of the original and a few iconic analog standards.

Link: https://www.musicradar.com/how-to/how-to-master-the-arturia-minibrute-2