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Ambient/Post-Rock/Textural bass playing thread
- Thread starter ttasselm
- Start date
Done. Somehow my updated profile photo reverted.
I don't want to drone on and on about my procrastinatory tendencies (I'll try and restrict my droning to synths), but I do appreciate the insights from people with other experiences, whether similar to mine or totally different.
Huh, no pics of my cat + synths, but plenty with basses!
Make America GAS Again?
Don't tempt me...I have two cats and all the photos on my phone are of my cats.
What do you use to get those sorts of textures/sounds? I'm very much interested in that sort of thing but I'm so ignorant that I don't even know if it's possible without delving into synths.
It's a combo of things. From what I know about the album I posted, that artist uses a lot of sampler-based ideas.
Delays and reverbs are going to be key. Some of the underlying drones will best be handled by synths (like for long sustained "pure" waves). But you can often get creative with effects settings to do such things with a bass. Longer drones and sustained notes get tougher.
I posted this a little bit ago, and I think it fits into this realm of sound design. This was just my Miezo, a fuzz and some heavy reverb.
Similarly, this was something I did with my fretless with delay and reverb textures.
I think there's a lot you can do to get into this sonic area without synths.
It isn't spot on with Cryo, but I think it relates to something like the start of
Fretless was probably my Empress (I didn't keep notes).
Miezo was the OTO BAM.
Here's a factory example of the Empress Ghost setting which I love and use heavily. It is also available in the Zoia.
I've also like the reverb from my Dreadbox Nyx which is the Crazy Tube Circuits Splash. The Splash has seen some updates since I got mine, so I can't say how different it is from this demo or the currently available units.
I should also mention there's a bit of a technique adjustment needed. Reverbs get magical when the transients get involved. Brighter and/or pluckier sounds make it do what it does, and you have to give it space to hear the decay. Sometimes I find myself plucking very close to the bridge to get a very twangy sound which I'd never do in a pop/rock context.
Seconding everything @monsterthompson said.
Eventide Blackhole does that kind of thing as well, different flavour.
On finishing project, my problem isn't procrastination (maybe overcommitment but that's not a problem I am worried about ATM), but rather switching mindset between f**king around / sound design and actual composition, either in an improvisational context or in sitting down to write something. I have zero problems in a rock setting with my bands, but it's been a struggle on the solo front. I almost think the way to go is to define a set of sounds, then say I have to make a piece with them before making more sounds, or something like that.
I have done creativity on deadlines and can do it but it's not my favourite. Many people in my field thrive on writing deadlines; I prefer to write things on my own time and send them out, but I know how to do that.
Eventide Blackhole does that kind of thing as well, different flavour.
On finishing project, my problem isn't procrastination (maybe overcommitment but that's not a problem I am worried about ATM), but rather switching mindset between f**king around / sound design and actual composition, either in an improvisational context or in sitting down to write something. I have zero problems in a rock setting with my bands, but it's been a struggle on the solo front. I almost think the way to go is to define a set of sounds, then say I have to make a piece with them before making more sounds, or something like that.
I have done creativity on deadlines and can do it but it's not my favourite. Many people in my field thrive on writing deadlines; I prefer to write things on my own time and send them out, but I know how to do that.
imo, so much this.
igor stravinsky is reputed to have said that freedom is a small box. (my interpretation is to define your materials and intentions, and then go to town with them.)
edit: let me add vocabulary to that
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i did the preorder on the loupe, but my bank account is a little lower than when i did that and i’m not sure i *need* it.
a friend has it and says it’s got a decent learning curve and i’m already in rtfm mode (big time) for all that modular stuff that’s sucked up my money. so i’m looking for more data points from owners/users to help me make a decision.
a friend has it and says it’s got a decent learning curve and i’m already in rtfm mode (big time) for all that modular stuff that’s sucked up my money. so i’m looking for more data points from owners/users to help me make a decision.
On that Blood Stains cover I just posted, I really worked on deciding what I was trying to do with the production. My primary goals were to to use a new Ableton template idea, feature the Night Owl Parabellum, use my Erica, use my hardware effects, and use the Miezo.
1. My Ableton template was a good start but it got out of hand with scope creep. The fundamental idea was good, and now I have a reference for what to do differently next time.
2. I got the Night Owl in. It was easier than I expected. I made sure not to bury it in the mix.
3. I got the Erica rig running. Probably nothing listeners noticed, but self satisfaction was high.
4. Hardware effects. This was a lot of trial and error but I really liked the end result. The sampled scream in the "solo" section had a great ping pong effect and I really enjoyed that.
5. The Miezo didn't make the cut. I had stuff recorded, but I couldn't slot it in where I felt it added anything. Instead it started covering other things. I decided to cut my losses.
Bottom line, was: What about this track do I want to feel good about? I can't make it perfect, so what will give me satisfaction.
One bit of sage advice I received from a respected friend - print it. He always says to get something you like and then record it to audio, then move forward. Sound design is fun, but it is a black hole for time. I think you need to allow yourself time to play with sound design, but then you need to limit that if your goal is to produce things.
- Mar 8, 2011
- 12,232
- 51,187
- Disclosures
- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
If I remember right, when I found out it didn’t do midi, I kinda stopped looking into it. Do want something better for loops, but got option paralysis or something. Currently considering a Squarp Rample and Modbap Osiris to the eurorack hoping maybe that will draw me back into it
- Mar 8, 2011
- 12,232
- 51,187
- Disclosures
- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
Dopey, dancey song alert…all on the Dirtywave M8, then rendered into Logic
Watching some demo videos, the Empress Reverb seems pretty awesome. I was also checking out the Nightsky and the DBA Rooms. The Rooms is most attractive for the "gong" setting.
