Summary of "MAKE INSANE SUBS!"

MAKE INSANE SUBS!

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Storyline / Overview:

Mr Bill shares a technique for creating powerful and fat sub-bass sounds, inspired by advice from producer Copycat. The video focuses on understanding perceived loudness through waveform analysis and how to manipulate sub-bass synthesis for better impact, especially on various playback systems like phones.

Key Concepts & Techniques:

Perceived Loudness & Amplitude Over Time: Loudness is not just about peak volume but how loud a sound is sustained over time. The ear perceives sounds that maintain volume longer as louder, even if their peak volume is lower.
Using an Oscilloscope:
- Visualizes audio waveforms in real-time (amplitude vs. time).
- Helps to see how much of the waveform is loud vs. silent (zero crossings).
- Goal: Maximize the waveform’s loudness over time to make subs sound fatter.
Sub-Bass Synthesis with Operator (Ableton):
- Use two oscillators running in parallel to increase volume.
- Add harmonics (integer multiples of base frequency) to enrich the sound and create psychoacoustic effects (restoration of the fundamental frequency).
- Adjust harmonic levels carefully to avoid reducing overall loudness.
Phase Rotation:
- Changing the phase offset of oscillators shifts where loudness and silence occur in the waveform cycle.
- This manipulation can increase the perceived loudness by reducing quiet parts in the waveform.
Distortion & Waveform Shaping:
- Adding distortion can thicken the sub by moving the waveform shape between sine and square waves.
- Avoid too much distortion to keep the sub clean but add character.
Reverse Engineering Favorite Subs:
- Analyze a sub you like (e.g., Copycat’s 808) using an oscilloscope.
- Try to replicate the waveform shape by adjusting phase, harmonics, and distortion.
Additional Enhancements:
- Pitch Envelopes to add punch or kick-like attack to the sub.
- Post-processing effects like light distortion, amp, erosion, and OTT Compression to add texture and presence.
- Detuning harmonics slightly to create binaural beating and movement in the sub.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Insane Subs:

Load a sine wave sub oscillator (e.g., Ableton’s Operator).
Insert a free oscilloscope plugin (e.g., M Oscilloscope by Melda) after the sub generator to visualize the waveform.
Add a second oscillator running in parallel to double the output.
Introduce harmonics by adjusting the coarse tuning of the second oscillator to integer multiples of the base frequency.
Adjust the amplitude of harmonics to increase loudness over time without losing overall volume.
Experiment with phase rotation to shift waveform timing and maximize loudness duration.
Add subtle distortion to enrich the waveform shape but keep it between sine and square wave characteristics.
Use Pitch Envelopes to create a punchy start if desired.
Apply post-processing effects like distortion, OTT, and erosion sparingly to add texture.
Optionally detune harmonics slightly for natural movement and interest.
Compare your sub waveform to a favorite sub and tweak to match the waveform shape.

Key Tips:

Perceived loudness depends on amplitude sustained over time, not just peak volume.
Using an oscilloscope visually guides sound design decisions for subs.
Adding harmonics and phase manipulation can make subs sound louder and fuller on all playback systems.
Post-processing is crucial for adding character and presence to subs.
Reverse engineering good subs can help you understand and replicate professional sounds.

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