Ambient/Post-Rock/Textural bass playing thread

[monsterthompson]

Okay. Just loaded up the Medusa firmware and ended up not doing what I planned to do. Instead I started playing with envelopes and LFO rates to create patterns. Things had moments of interesting events. I looped envelopes to fade in oscillators and noise signals, and modulated wave table voices with the LFOs. Add heaps of delay, and...
Well. It was chaos, but in a pattern. I started getting a feel for developing and layering mixes and sounds.
Those modulated wave tables can certainly evoke human vocal qualities.

I blame all of for this experimental evening. Now go to bed and think about what you've done.

 

[Felix Lopez]

 

[dukeorock]

Man, I had two gigs today/tonight...always look to this thread for cool stuff, then the second I'm gone there's pages of cool stuff! Great conversation, gang!

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Done! After nearly 15 years, my MU modular system is finally done!

I just received the last two modules: a Q107A State Variable Filter and a Q127 Fixed Filter Bank:

View attachment 3634704

These were the last pieces of the puzzle. The full system looks like this:

View attachment 3634705

And then there's the smaller eurorack system, built between 2011-2013 so no new fancy modules. Mostly Malekko/Wiard analog goodness:

View attachment 3634706

And starting next Thursday I'll be officially on vacation. I plan to spend lots of time with these monsters.

I've got total.option paralysis just looking at that monster.

Congrats by the way. Lots of work and $$ right there.

How about some clips or anything from that beast.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Man, I had two gigs today/tonight...always look to this thread for cool stuff, then the second I'm gone there's pages of cool stuff! Great conversation, gang!

Hope the gigs went well and that you had fun.

(And made a few $$

 

[cosmicevan]

Anyone ever use any of the real-time music collaboration services that say they allow you to jam over the internet in real-time and hi-fi? I am fascinated by the prospect, especially when I get involved in conversations like this one.

I am a JamKazam user. It works really well and I have had MANY amazing jams on that platform. Havent been on in a few months but I used to regularly jam w my college buddies who are now scattered around the country.

For a while I would go into a room and jam alone and then all of a sudden Id hear another musician and it went well. I highly recommend checking it out and I am very down to virtually jam w ANYONE.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

I am a JamKazam user. It works really well and I have had MANY amazing jams on that platform. Havent been on in a few months but I used to regularly jam w my college buddies who are now scattered around the country.

For a while I would go into a room and jam alone and then all of a sudden Id hear another musician and it went well. I highly recommend checking it out and I am very down to virtually jam w ANYONE.

Maybe I played too much jazz but I need being in the same room with other musicians. The human feel, eye contact is very important imo.....

My 2¢

 

[lordradish]

I found this one, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Looks pretty simple.

I am a JamKazam user. It works really well and I have had MANY amazing jams on that platform. Havent been on in a few months but I used to regularly jam w my college buddies who are now scattered around the country.

For a while I would go into a room and jam alone and then all of a sudden Id hear another musician and it went well. I highly recommend checking it out and I am very down to virtually jam w ANYONE.

As far as the strange genre we're all into on this thread, did you have any luck finding others, or is it all pretty conventional stuff?

 

[Alfonso Alba]

I've got total.option paralysis just looking at that monster.

I feel pretty much the same way when I see large pedalboards with 5 different delays and 8 different distortion/fuzz boxes, but I'm pretty sure the same principles apply. I think that the key is building it little by little, so you get to know each module and how it interacts with others, make a few recordings/jams, etc. Then you get a couple more modules and repeat the process, with each module bringing in something new.

It is also important to realize you don't have to use it all. Most of my patches consist of relatively simple sounds, with relatively few modules. I usually start from a "what if?".... for example, "what if I take a couple of LFOs in quadrature and use them to sequence two voices?" or "what if I run random noise bursts through a vocoder with a pad as a carrier?".... then build from there, adding more elements. Having a large system (although I never expected it to be this large) allows me to run 5 or 6 simultaneous voices. The problem is to control everything and give it enough variation and structure to avoid boredom.

How about some clips or anything from that beast.

My pleasure. I have several recordings; some are aimless noodlings and others are more structured. But these are some of my favorites:

This is the first proper track I recorded using the modular. Back then, it was only one cabinet (the one that is currently in the top-right). All sounds, percussions included, are made with the modular, but some effects were added afterwards in a DAW. I patched each sound and then recorded each track individually. I call this the Wendy Carlos approach.

Link Removed

This one is based on a simple 16-step sequence programmed on a FutureRetro Mobius sequencer. There are multiple voices playing the same sequence, then some background cricket noises and a synth pad, which I believe comes from an Ensoniq ESQ-1, played live. All recorded in one go.

http://www.facproductions.net/music/livewire1/0602.mp3

This one was made with a bigger system. It started as a jam... this is the answer to "what if two LFOs in quadrature are used for sequencing?". Multiple elements were added, including drums from an Elektron Machinedrum. Then it was recorded in multiple tracks and edited. Then some other elements, like the pads and extra effects, were added. It became one of my favorite tracks.

Link Removed

And this is one of the most droney tracks I've recorded (also a bit long at nearly 12 minutes). It was recorded on an iPad 2 with the app Multitrack DAW. This is one of several jams I recorded with the iPad, so it was all done in one take, but I'll be damn if I can remember any patch details.

Link Removed

Thank you for listening. Regarding the currently on-going discussion, I've always made music for myself, but that doesn't mean I don't want other people to listen to it and give me feedback about it. That is why I've tried to record everything I do and put it out there (online) for people to listen. I've done a few live sets, but they're always improvised as I don't really have time to prepare and rehearse, and I don't really like the idea of relying on pre-recorded stuff in a live setting.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

I feel pretty much the same way when I see large pedalboards with 5 different delays and 8 different distortion/fuzz boxes, but I'm pretty sure the same principles apply. I think that the key is building it little by little, so you get to know each module and how it interacts with others, make a few recordings/jams, etc. Then you get a couple more modules and repeat the process, with each module bringing in something new.

It is also important to realize you don't have to use it all. Most of my patches consist of relatively simple sounds, with relatively few modules. I usually start from a "what if?".... for example, "what if I take a couple of LFOs in quadrature and use them to sequence two voices?" or "what if I run random noise bursts through a vocoder with a pad as a carrier?".... then build from there, adding more elements. Having a large system (although I never expected it to be this large) allows me to run 5 or 6 simultaneous voices. The problem is to control everything and give it enough variation and structure to avoid boredom.



My pleasure. I have several recordings; some are aimless noodlings and others are more structured. But these are some of my favorites:

This is the first proper track I recorded using the modular. Back then, it was only one cabinet (the one that is currently in the top-right). All sounds, percussions included, are made with the modular, but some effects were added afterwards in a DAW. I patched each sound and then recorded each track individually. I call this the Wendy Carlos approach.

Link Removed

This one is based on a simple 16-step sequence programmed on a FutureRetro Mobius sequencer. There are multiple voices playing the same sequence, then some background cricket noises and a synth pad, which I believe comes from an Ensoniq ESQ-1, played live. All recorded in one go.

http://www.facproductions.net/music/livewire1/0602.mp3

This one was made with a bigger system. It started as a jam... this is the answer to "what if two LFOs in quadrature are used for sequencing?". Multiple elements were added, including drums from an Elektron Machinedrum. Then it was recorded in multiple tracks and edited. Then some other elements, like the pads and extra effects, were added. It became one of my favorite tracks.

Link Removed

And this is one of the most droney tracks I've recorded (also a bit long at nearly 12 minutes). It was recorded on an iPad 2 with the app Multitrack DAW. This is one of several jams I recorded with the iPad, so it was all done in one take, but I'll be damn if I can remember any patch details.

Link Removed

Thank you for listening. Regarding the currently on-going discussion, I've always made music for myself, but that doesn't mean I don't want other people to listen to it and give me feedback about it. That is why I've tried to record everything I do and put it out there (online) for people to listen. I've done a few live sets, but they're always improvised as I don't really have time to prepare and rehearse, and I don't really like the idea of relying on pre-recorded stuff in a live setting.

Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

 

[lordradish]

Okay, changing topic, for me. I have the stereo pedalboard all set up, going through 2 QSC 8.2's (2000 w each!) and an EV 1000 watt sub. As you can imagine, it sounds absolutely amazing. I have a few mono slots left on my bypass looper, as well as room for two more medium pedals on the daughterboard. Here's my setup (stereo starts with the MD-500). It's also going through the Empress Stereo Buffer +, and there's a vol pedal.
Mel 9
Meris Enzo (I keep it mono, as the only stereo on it is the pingpong delay, and I can do that further down the line)
SA Aftershock (dirt)
Boss MD-500
Strymon El Cap
Meris Polymoon
Eventide H9 Max
Meris Mercury 7
Bypass looper ends here, then
Boss Eq-200 (it's like car wax for your pedalboard!)
Aeros Loop Studio

So, here's what I want. Although I do venture in to dark ambient a lot, I'm not so much a harsh/noise guy when it comes to the pedalboard, I generally don't use the dirt unless the ebow is involved. I have a lot of luck using the Mel and/or the Enzo as my base and tweaking them afterwards to get some pretty otherworldly sounds, but they all tend to lean to the dark side.
I'm looking for some suggestions for some type of synth or something pedal that might give me some more airy/uplifting types of sounds (not going into new age territory here, but just tonally not so damn dark -although if it did give new agey sounds I could certainly de-cheesify them and make 'em palatable to me). I'm kind of at a loss, because a lot of my options just seem to make noises I have no interest in, like the EQD Rainbow Machine. Looking for some blissful, serene stuff, not chaos. I also realize that a pedal might not have what I'm looking for, but provides a base that can be tweaked to get what I want. Generally, my soundscapes tend to be more in the Brian Eno/Steve Roach/Robert Rich vein than anything else.

Any suggestions, good people, and why your suggestion would be good? I do wonder if a Red Panda Particle might provide some good foundations to tweak into something I like.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Okay, changing topic, for me. I have the stereo pedalboard all set up, going through 2 QSC 8.2's (2000 w each!) and an EV 1000 watt sub. As you can imagine, it sounds absolutely amazing. I have a few mono slots left on my bypass looper, as well as room for two more medium pedals on the daughterboard. Here's my setup (stereo starts with the MD-500). It's also going through the Empress Stereo Buffer +, and there's a vol pedal.
Mel 9
Meris Enzo (I keep it mono, as the only stereo on it is the pingpong delay, and I can do that further down the line)
SA Aftershock (dirt)
Boss MD-500
Strymon El Cap
Meris Polymoon
Eventide H9 Max
Meris Mercury 7
Bypass looper ends here, then
Boss Eq-200 (it's like car wax for your pedalboard!)
Aeros Loop Studio

So, here's what I want. Although I do venture in to dark ambient a lot, I'm not so much a harsh/noise guy when it comes to the pedalboard, I generally don't use the dirt unless the ebow is involved. I have a lot of luck using the Mel and/or the Enzo as my base and tweaking them afterwards to get some pretty otherworldly sounds, but they all tend to lean to the dark side.
I'm looking for some suggestions for some type of synth or something pedal that might give me some more airy/uplifting types of sounds (not going into new age territory here, but just tonally not so damn dark -although if it did give new agey sounds I could certainly de-cheesify them and make 'em palatable to me). I'm kind of at a loss, because a lot of my options just seem to make noises I have no interest in, like the EQD Rainbow Machine. Looking for some blissful, serene stuff, not chaos. I also realize that a pedal might not have what I'm looking for, but provides a base that can be tweaked to get what I want. Generally, my soundscapes tend to be more in the Brian Eno/Steve Roach/Robert Rich vein than anything else.

Any suggestions, good people, and why your suggestion would be good? I do wonder if a Red Panda Particle might provide some good foundations to tweak into something I like.

Red Panda particle is by far one of my favorite pedals EVER!!!

So yes you need one....but I'm quite biased.

 

[lordradish]

Red Panda particle is by far one of my favorite pedals EVER!!!

So yes you need one....but I'm quite biased.

How do you use it in your setup?

 

[handofseven]

Did someone say Red Panda?

I've only very recently acquired the Particle, so I can't say much yet, but the Tensor is the nutz. Good times.

 

[steubig]

I found this one, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Looks pretty simple.

As far as the strange genre we're all into on this thread, did you have any luck finding others, or is it all pretty conventional stuff?

i'm lucky in that i live in l.a., where there's a larger pool of freaks. i was also quite lucky to hook up with talented people in junior college (44 years ago) with whom i still have musical relationships. these folks turned me on to other people in turn (some national or international).

you're in smaller area, so it might be harder? so how do you network? meet other folks and see if they're down? ads on craiglist?

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

How do you use it in your setup?

I used it in many different ways. But it definitely is a pedal that needs to be played as an instrument.

Right now it's in the "noise rig" of my band. Used to mangle and tweak and destroy,s color.......the loops from the boss rc3 looper. Essential in our band.

It's unpredictable nature is a major creative appeal.

One thing I might add. It might not be the best choice for "ambiant drone type shizzle".

Are you looking for a pedal for your bass to get those ambient mellow sounds or a synth???

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Did someone say Red Panda?

I've only very recently acquired the Particle, so I can't say much yet, but the Tensor is the nutz. Good times.

View attachment 3635642

Sick. How do you run your SP??? Patched to fx , mixer???

I've brushing up on my SP skills lately. Maybe wanting to incorporate live. But I have only so many hands and feet.

 

[lordradish]

I used it in many different ways. But it definitely is a pedal that needs to be played as an instrument.

Right now it's in the "noise rig" of my band. Used to mangle and tweak and destroy,s color.......the loops from the boss rc3 looper. Essential in our band.

It's unpredictable nature is a major creative appeal.

One thing I might add. It might not be the best choice for "ambiant drone type shizzle".

I know what you mean, but the Meris Polymoon often surprises me, in that there's a lot of things in it that seem to be able to take a chaotic or noisy patch and somehow turn it into a subtle gyrating texture, and some of the things I hear from it make me think that the Polymoon could do a lot with this.

 

[lordradish]

I wish someone would invent a dang pedal that would just give me the sound of a nice, dense poly pad. I think that's what I'm really trying to accomplish. It can likely be done with the tools I have, I just feel like I need another blob of paint on the palette.

 

[handofseven]

Sick. How do you run your SP??? Patched to fix , mixer???

I've brushing up on my SP skills lately. Maybe wanting to incorporate live. But I have only so many hands and feet.

SP > pedals > mixer. This was just a quick setup to mess around with the Tensor and Particle... The tensor was so fun, I didn't get much time to explore the Particle... SAMPLES DESTROYED! Haha!