That weird drum effect...

[Kruai]

What's it called when the drums go from a higher noise to a lower, more muffled sound? It might be saturation, but I'm not sure. Anyway, if you know what it is, could you please explain how to do it in Cubase SE3? Or does it require a special plug-in?

Thanks!

Asa

[zircon]

That would be a low pass filter with the cutoff being decreased over time.

Filter = A tool that "filters" (removes) frequencies from the sound. You can download free filters, but your sampler/drum plugin/synth probably has a filter to begin with.

Low pass = The filter only lets the low frequencies pass through. Hence, low pass. In other words, you will cut out a lot of the high frequencies.

Cutoff = The point at which the filter starts removing frequencies. So, a cutoff set to 1khz on a low pass filter means all frequencies above 1khz will be either severely reduced in volume or eliminated.

Doing it over time = "Automation". Different sequencers do this in different ways.

[Kruai]

Thanks man! Helps a lot.

[Yoozer]

Or does it require a special plug-in?

You can use the LM7 drum sampler which has an electronic drum kit (TR909) which you can use for the snare.

Since Tonic (Cubase's own filter plugin) only comes with the full SX3 or Cubase 4, you have to use something else like http://www.kvraudio.com/get/890.html (or pick anything).

[Kruai]

Also, what about the noise thing? I don't know if this requires a separate thread or not, but how do you make the weird noises behind the drums to make it sound kinda fuzzy (maybe a replacement for the hi-hat)?

[Malcos]

Ok your first question was easy to understand but I think you might have to provide an audio sample of the kind of effect you're talking about.

[OverCoat]

Also, what about the noise thing? I don't know if this requires a separate thread or not, but how do you make the weird noises behind the drums to make it sound kinda fuzzy (maybe a replacement for the hi-hat)?

Either a bitcrusher or light distortion will do this, though both options sound a bit different. You might try both at once, like me! :3

[Kruai]

I haven't heard anyone do it here yet, but you can hear it in the light drums in Bomber Barbara

http://www.sonicstyle.org/music/DS/SonicRush/music/sonic0037.mp3

and also a little in Pendulum's stuff (on iTunes).

Mostly what I'm looking for is the smooth noise that makes the beat flow more smoothly.

Sorry, am I being specific enough or would you like something more?

[Kruai]

Either a bitcrusher or light distortion will do this, though both options sound a bit different. You might try both at once, like me! :3

Cool, thanks! Can you show me one of your songs where you do that? Also does that mean I keep the regular rythm and set (with hi-hat and all) and then add the distortion (or bitcrusher)?

[Malcos]

Your link is broken...

[Yoozer]

Also does that mean I keep the regular rythm and set (with hi-hat and all) and then add the distortion (or bitcrusher)?

There are no rules for this and you can't know without trying.

Music's the path of a million mistakes - but you have to take the first step. Do. Don't ask. Don't ask if it's appropriate, don't ask if it's the right way; people'll tell you after you put up a song, and then you ask for specifics. If they'll tell you, try them out - but, believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense as the Buddha says.

Some of those mistakes you're going to make are happy ones; unexpected, but you'll like the effect. Sometimes it's 2 weeks of balls against the wall and then you finally figured out how you had to do it. Sometimes it's 3 days of trying to figure it out and then going "oh, that's it?"

In the meantime, you'll learn.

[Kruai]

Your link is broken...

LAAAME. Oh well, try this one. Also the distortion thing happens in here too (I mean the general way the drums sound - is that distortion?)