How to Make Dubstep Music Easily
Contents
Get tips on how to make Dubstep music easily using the FL Studio 12 software.
Introduction
Dubstep is a type of electronic dance music that originated in the early 2000s in the United Kingdom. It is characterized by its heavy bass, syncopated rhythms, and 808 drum sounds. Dubstep music is often created using programs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Fruity Loops. In this guide, we will show you how to make dubstep music easily using Ableton Live.
What You Will Need
To make dubstep music, you will need a computer with internet access and a need to create some seriously heavy bass. You will also need some form of music making software. I use Ableton Live, but there are many other programs out there that will work just as well. You will also need a good quality microphone and headphones for recording your basslines. Lastly, you will need a solid understanding of musical theory. If you don’t know your way around a piano, or don’t know what a half-note is, you might want to hit the books before getting started.
Step One: Choose Your Software
The first step to making dubstep music is choosing the right software. This is important because the quality of your software will directly affect the quality of your music. There are a variety of options available, but the two most popular choices are FL Studio and Ableton Live.
FL Studio is a popular choice for dubstep producers because it offers a wide range of features and is relatively easy to use. Ableton Live is another popular choice, and it offers a different workflow that some producers prefer. Ultimately, the best software for you is the one that you feel most comfortable using.
Step Two: Choose Your Samples
Now that you have your DAW set up, it’s time to choose your samples. When it comes to dubstep, you’ll want to look for growls, basslines, and drum loops that have a lot of low end. If you’re not sure where to start, try browsing through a sound pack or sample library that specializes in dubstep.
Once you’ve found some samples that you like, it’s time to load them into your DAW and start creating some music!
Step Three: Create a Drum Pattern
Now that you have your basic track laid down, it’s time to add some drums. For this type of music, a drum machine is often used to create very fast and complex patterns. If you don’t have a drum machine, you can use a computer program like Fruity Loops, Reason, or Logic. If you don’t have any of these programs, you can create a drum pattern with a simple sequencer like GarageBand or even Microsoft Excel!
The basic framework for a dubstep song is made up of three different types of sounds:
1. The “drop” – This is the part of the song that everyone dances to and goes crazy for. It’s usually the climax of the song and features heavy bass and synths.
2. The “buildup” – This is the part of the song that leads up to the drop and usually features a softer sound with less bass.
3. The “breakdown” – This is the part of the song where everything slows down and there is usually just a single sound or drum playing.
Your job in Step Three is to create a drum pattern that follows this basic framework. If you’re using a computer program, there are typically pre-made patterns that you can use as a starting point (just do a search for “dubstep drum patterns”). Otherwise, just start with a simple four-beat pattern and build from there. Remember to keep it simple at first – you can always add more complexity later on!
Step Four: Add Bass
In dubstep, the bass is everything. It’s the element that will make your tracks really stand out and give them that signature dubstep sound.
There are a few different ways you can go about adding bass to your tracks. You can either use a synth or a sampler to create your basslines, or you can use a drum machine to create them.
If you’re using a synth, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, you need to make sure that the synth you’re using has enough power to really drive the bassline. A lot of times, synths will sound good when you first turn them on, but as soon as you start playing them, they’ll start to sound thin and weak.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you want to make sure the notes you’re playing are in key with the rest of the track. If they’re not, it will sound very dissonant and won’t be pleasant to listen to.
If you’re using a sampler, it’s important to remember that you want to find samples that already have a lot of low end in them. If you try to process a sample that doesn’t have much low end, it’s not going to sound very good. You also want to make sure that the samples you’re using are in time with the rest of the track. Otherwise, it will sound very choppy and won’t flow together well.
Drum machines are great for creating dubstep basslines because they offer a lot of flexibility and power. You can program them to play any note or chord progression you want, and they’ll play it perfectly in time with the rest of the track. Plus, if you get a good drum machine, it will have lots of different sounds built in which will give your tracks more depth and interest.
Step Five: Add Leads
Now that your basic Dubstep beat is down, it’s time to add some lead sounds. These can be synth stabs, laser sounds, or anything that will help your track stand out and sound full.
The key with leads is to not overdo it. A Dubstep track should have a sparse, minimal feel to it, so too many leads will sound cluttered and messy.
Here are a few tips for adding lead sounds:
-Start with a simple sound. A single note or chord played on a synth can often be enough to fill out the sound of your track.
-Experiment with different types of effects. Reverb, delay, and filtering can all help give your lead sound more depth and character.
-Automate your leads. By automating the level, panning, and effects of your lead sounds, you can create interest and movement in your track without having to do anything too complex.
Remember, less is more when it comes to adding lead sounds to your Dubstep tracks. A few well placed leads will go a lot further than a bunch of random noises.
Step Six: Add Effects
Now that you have the basic structure of your dubstep beat, it’s time to add some effects. The best way to do this is with a good sequencer that offers a wide range of options.
One common effect used in dubstep is the stutter. This is created by making a sound repeat itself very quickly, and then stopping it just as suddenly. To do this, you’ll need to use a sample that is already very short, such as a drum hit. Then, add an automation point to the sequencer so that the sound will repeat at the desired rate.
Another popular effect is the wobble bass. This is created by detuning a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) so that it creates a vibrato effect. To do this, simply turn down the LFO rate until you hear a pitch change in the sound. You can then use an envelope generator to control how long the pitch change lasts.
Finally, don’t forget about reverb and delay. These effects can be used to create a sense of space in your track, and they can also be used to add emphasis to certain sounds. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much of either effect can make your track sound muddy and unfocused.
Step Seven: Export Your Song
The final step is to export your song as an .mp3 file. In most DAWs, this is simply a matter of going to File > Export > Export as MP3. If you want to change the settings, such as the bit rate or file name, you can usually do so in the window that pops up. Once you’ve hit “Export,” your song will be rendered as an .mp3 and saved to the location you specified. And that’s it! You’ve now made a dubstep track from start to finish.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are just a few simple tips on how to make dubstep music easily. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating your own unique dubstep tracks in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making some noise!