If you’re a music producer, you know how important it is to have a solid sub bass in your tracks. Sub bass is the foundation of electronic music genres such as dubstep, trap, and future bass. It’s the low-end frequency that gives your track its power and energy. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a sub bass using 3xosc, a stock synthesizer plugin that comes bundled with FL Studio.
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s talk a bit about what sub bass is and why it’s important. Sub bass is a low-frequency sound that is usually felt more than heard. It’s the frequency range between 20Hz and 60Hz and is responsible for the thump and rumble in your tracks. Sub bass is important because it gives your track its weight and presence. Without it, your track will sound thin and weak.
Now, let’s get to the tutorial. We’ll be using 3xosc, a simple subtractive synthesizer that can create a wide range of sounds. We’ll show you how to create a basic sub bass patch and then how to tweak it to get the sound you want. So, fire up FL Studio and let’s get started!
Understanding Sub Bass
Sub bass is a type of bass that is felt more than heard. It is the lowest frequency range of bass and is typically found in electronic music genres such as dubstep, trap, and drum and bass. Sub bass is an essential part of these genres, as it provides the foundation and groove for the track.
To create sub bass, you need to use a sine wave. This is because sine waves are the purest form of sound and do not contain any harmonics. Sub bass should be felt more than heard, which is why it is important to use a sine wave as it produces a clean and smooth sound.
When creating sub bass, it is important to keep in mind that it should not interfere with other elements in the mix. This means that you should cut out any frequencies that are not needed in the sub bass range. This will ensure that the sub bass sits well in the mix and does not clash with other elements.
It is also important to note that sub bass should be played in mono. This means that the sound should be coming from one source, rather than being spread out across the stereo field. Playing sub bass in mono ensures that the sound is consistent and does not get lost in the mix.
sub bass is an essential part of electronic music and is used to provide the foundation and groove for the track. When creating sub bass, it is important to use a sine wave, cut out any unnecessary frequencies, and play it in mono to ensure that it sits well in the mix.
Exploring 3xosc
3xosc is a stock synthesizer plugin that comes bundled with FL Studio. It is a subtractive synthesizer that is capable of producing a wide range of sounds, including bass, leads, pads, and more. In this section, we will explore the different features of 3xosc and how they can be used to create a sub bass.
Oscillators
The 3xosc plugin has three oscillators, each of which can be set to produce a different waveform. The available waveforms are sine, triangle, saw, and pulse. By combining these waveforms, you can create complex sounds that are not possible with a single oscillator.
Envelopes
The envelopes in 3xosc control the volume and pitch of the sound over time. There are two envelopes in 3xosc, one for the volume and one for the pitch. The volume envelope can be used to create a smooth attack and release, while the pitch envelope can be used to create a pitch bend or vibrato effect.
Filters
The filter in 3xosc is a low-pass filter that can be used to cut off the high frequencies of the sound. By adjusting the cutoff frequency, you can create a more mellow and subdued sound. The resonance knob can be used to emphasize certain frequencies and create a more pronounced effect.
Modulation
3xosc has several modulation options, including frequency modulation and amplitude modulation. These can be used to create more complex and interesting sounds by modulating the frequency or volume of one oscillator with another.
3xosc is a versatile and powerful synthesizer that can be used to create a wide range of sounds, including sub bass. By exploring the different features of 3xosc, you can create unique and interesting sounds that will make your music stand out.
Setting Up 3xosc
When it comes to creating sub bass in FL Studio, the 3xosc plugin is one of the most popular tools for the job. Here’s how to set it up:
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Open up a new instance of FL Studio and create a new project.
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From the left-hand side of the screen, click on the “Channels” button and select “Add One” from the dropdown menu.
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In the “Add One” menu, select “3xosc” from the list of available plugins.
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Once you’ve added 3xosc to your project, you’ll need to set it up correctly. Start by adjusting the volume of the oscillator. You can do this by clicking and dragging the “Vol” knob.
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Next, you’ll want to adjust the pitch of the oscillator. You can do this by clicking and dragging the “Pitch” knob.
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To create a sub bass sound, you’ll want to adjust the waveform of the oscillator. Click on the “Wave” knob and select “Sine” from the list of available options.
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Finally, adjust the cutoff frequency of the filter to create a more mellow tone. You can do this by clicking and dragging the “Cut” knob.
That’s it! With these settings, you should be able to create a basic sub bass sound using 3xosc. Of course, there are plenty of other settings you can adjust to create different types of bass sounds, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
Creating Your First Sub Bass with 3xosc
If you are new to music production, creating a sub bass can be a daunting task. Fortunately, with the 3xosc plugin in FL Studio, you can create a sub bass quickly and easily. In this section, we will guide you through the process of creating your first sub bass with 3xosc.
Choosing Oscillators
The first step in creating a sub bass is to choose your oscillators. In 3xosc, you can choose up to three oscillators. For a sub bass, it is best to use just one oscillator. To select an oscillator, click on the “OSC” tab in the 3xosc plugin window, and choose the waveform you want to use. For a sub bass, the sine wave is the best choice.
Setting Frequencies
Once you have chosen your oscillator, you need to set the frequency. The frequency of your sub bass will depend on the key of your song. If your song is in the key of C, for example, you will want to set your sub bass frequency to around 50 Hz. If your song is in a different key, you can use a frequency chart to find the appropriate frequency for your sub bass.
Adjusting Volume Levels
The final step in creating your sub bass is to adjust the volume levels. You want your sub bass to be loud enough to be heard, but not so loud that it overpowers the rest of your mix. To adjust the volume levels, click on the “VOL” tab in the 3xosc plugin window. Adjust the volume slider until your sub bass is at the desired level.
creating a sub bass with 3xosc is a simple process that can be done quickly and easily. By following these steps, you can create a sub bass that will sound great in your mix. Remember to choose your oscillator, set your frequency, and adjust your volume levels to get the best results.
Fine-Tuning Your Sub Bass
When it comes to creating a sub bass with 3xosc, there are a few techniques you can use to fine-tune your sound and make it stand out in your mix. Here are some tips for utilizing filters, applying envelopes, and adding effects to your sub bass:
Utilizing Filters
Filters can be a powerful tool for shaping the tone of your sub bass. The 3xosc plugin comes with a built-in low-pass filter that you can use to cut out unwanted high frequencies and create a smoother, more rounded sound.
To use the filter, simply click on the “Filter” tab in the 3xosc interface and adjust the cutoff and resonance knobs to your liking. You can also experiment with different filter types, such as high-pass or band-pass filters, to achieve different effects.
Applying Envelopes
Envelopes are another useful tool for shaping the dynamics of your sub bass. The 3xosc plugin comes with three envelopes that you can use to control the volume, pitch, and filter cutoff of your sound.
To apply an envelope, simply click on the “Env” tab in the 3xosc interface and adjust the attack, decay, sustain, and release knobs to your liking. You can also experiment with different envelope shapes, such as exponential or logarithmic curves, to achieve different effects.
Adding Effects
Effects can be a great way to add depth and character to your sub bass. The 3xosc plugin comes with a few built-in effects, such as distortion and chorus, that you can use to enhance your sound.
To add an effect, simply click on the “FX” tab in the 3xosc interface and select the effect you want to use. You can then adjust the various parameters of the effect to your liking, such as the amount of distortion or the rate of the chorus.
By utilizing filters, applying envelopes, and adding effects, you can fine-tune your sub bass and create a powerful, dynamic sound that will stand out in your mix.
Tips for a Better Sub Bass
Creating a sub bass with 3xosc is a simple process, but there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your sound.
Use a Low-Pass Filter
One of the most important things to keep in mind when creating a sub bass is to use a low-pass filter. This will help to cut out any unwanted high frequencies and give your bass a clean, deep sound. Experiment with different filter settings to find the perfect balance between clarity and warmth.
Add Harmonics
While a sub bass is typically a single sine wave, adding some harmonics can help to give it more character and presence in your mix. Try adding a second oscillator with a slightly higher frequency and a different waveform, such as a triangle or sawtooth. This will create a fuller sound without sacrificing the low-end power of your bass.
Use Compression
Compression can be a powerful tool for shaping your sub bass and making it stand out in your mix. Try adding a compressor with a slow attack and fast release to help even out the volume of your bass and give it a more consistent sound. Be careful not to overdo it, though, as too much compression can make your bass sound thin and weak.
Keep it Simple
Finally, remember that simplicity is key when it comes to creating a sub bass. Don’t try to overcomplicate things with too many effects or processing. Instead, focus on getting the fundamentals right and creating a clean, powerful sound that will drive your track forward.
Conclusion
3xosc is a powerful tool for creating sub bass in FL Studio. By using the oscillator, filter, and envelope controls, you can create a wide range of sub bass sounds that will add depth and power to your music.
Remember to start with a sine wave and use the filter to shape the sound. Use the envelope controls to adjust the attack and release of the sound, and experiment with the modulation controls to add movement and interest to the bass.
Don’t be afraid to layer your sub bass with other sounds to create a fuller, more complex sound. And always remember to EQ your bass to make room for other elements in your mix.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll be able to create sub bass that is both powerful and musical. So fire up 3xosc and start experimenting today!
