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I found a kick sample I really like, but I can't find the pitch. The sub rolls down the frequency spectrum after the initial transient. Also, this isn't as big of a deal, but is there a way to effectively cut out the included hi hat sample? Notch filter?

what daw do you have?

I'm using Studio One, but I can use any DAW. If you explain to me the most comfortable way you go about it I can figure it out. I got FL studio, Reaper, and Reason also if there is something specific.

I usually just match them by ear in the piano roll for the kick, and maybe EQ the kick so that they don't interfere with each other

i don't think it's necessary to pitch a kick according to a song.

a 'moving' sub doesn't really mean anything if it's in key...Given that, finding the pitch of a kick sample is really what you're after...

Use your ears, spectrum analyzer, and other (common) instruments for comparison i.e. piano...stuff your ears are familiar with to bring the pitch of the kick close to the key of your track, wherein the sub will mesh well.

As others have said, it's not necessary...BUT for me, I'm able to have a more 'guttural' impact when the kick hits the same time as the bass...I'm sure with enough time I can explain what I really mean with this, and why it would/ wouldn't be preferable to tune the percussive elements to the key of your track. And of course the floor is open to those that can elaborate further.

Don't bother finding the pitch, just re-pitch it till it sounds good. You might find somethign that compliments the track better that way.

Or just don't pitch it

I'm referring to the sub-frequencies in my kick sample. The sample hits the hardest in the sub frequencies. I tuned it to pitch, but I can still hear the notes a half step up and down from the fundamental. The actual kick/beater sample doesn't matter much to me, but the sub it's layered with does because it resonates more and is less transient.

Then make the sub part yourself. One way is to have a sub note constantly playing and have your kick's peak automate the volume on it. Very easy to do on FL with Peak controller and Balance. But if you have FL then that Bassdrum plugin that comes with FL11 would be even easier

Brothulhu wrote:Then make the sub part yourself. One way is to have a sub note constantly playing and have your kick's peak automate the volume on it. Very easy to do on FL with Peak controller and Balance. But if you have FL then that Bassdrum plugin that comes with FL11 would be even easier

Oh, actually that would be nice. The sub note would change on every hit. That just gave me so many ideas, thanks.

topmo3 wrote:i don't think it's necessary to pitch a kick according to a song.

i find it only makes a difference if ur kick sample has like noticable "sub note" frequencies that are in the same regions as ur bass


i just eq all my kicks so they sit fairly high above the sub bass and dont interfere at all but thats probs cos i make garage

yolo

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shouldve read more of the thread, didnt see that ur kick is mainly subby...

just do some pitching around and side chaining m8

A lot of ways to do this, but check out the audio way:

Render out 6 or 7 sub notes. Your fundamental, a few notes up and a coupla notes below. Now in the arrange page, put your kicks where you want them, and everywhere you put your kick, put a sub sample, just use the sub sample note you want for the progression.

I find this easier to write progressions as you have to choose from 5 or 6 possible choices rather than 127. You can also really synch up your timing - like sliding your sub sample a few ms behind the kicks transient for a little clarity.


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Or try the key sound way: create a sine sub patch in a synth, with nice long releases, record your midi sub progression, send that to a channel on your mixer, put a gate on that, and then use your kick as the key for the gate. Adjust the decay on the gate to suit. The gate will open, allowing the sub to be heard when the kick hits, and will remain open for as long as you desire to let the sub trail out in time.

I use both of these techniques. Also, that kick sub key sound technique doesn't need to just be fore sub, you can create all kinds of interesting layerings that are rhythmically tight with this technique. Or you can just have total control and do it by hand in audio.

Just a word of advice, find a naturally high kick for these purposes, you want a click and attack texture, but without much sub, let the sub do that, otherwise you'll get phasing, and weird headroom destroying peaks.