20 minutes from class

 

UK Dubstep Overview

In this session we dive into raw and powerful sounds of old-school UK Dubstep. Originated from the fusion of Speed Garage, 2-Step, and Jungle (especially Ragga Jungle), and enriched by the musical influences of Jamaican immigrants (like the One Drop Rhythm), UK Dubstep took over the electronic music world with its deep basslines, hypnotic rhythms, and dark atmospheres.

🔊 Deep Wobble Bass Techniques and Sound Design

• Creating the Wobble Bass: Learn how to design the iconic wobble bass - Both classic Square wobble and the popular FM wobble using Ableton's Meld.
• Modulation Mastery: Discover how to use LFOs and envelopes to modulate filters and amplitudes, giving your basslines that characteristic movement.
• Layering and Processing: Understand the importance of layering different bass sounds and applying effects like distortion, compression, and EQ to craft a powerful low-end presence and separate the Mid bass from the Sub.

🥁 Half-Time Drum Programming

• Rhythmic Foundations: Dive into the half-time drum patterns that give UK Dubstep its distinctive groove.
• Syncopation Programming: What is syncopation and how to incorporate it in your beats.
• Swing and Groove: Utilize the groove pool to add shuffle and swing, injecting life into your drum sequences.

🎚️ From Speed Garage to Dubstep Shuffle

• Genre Evolution: Trace the rhythmic evolution from the upbeat tempos of Speed Garage to the heavy shuffle of Dubstep.
• Hi-Hat and Percussion Techniques: Learn how to program shuffling hi-hats and syncopated percussion to enhance your tracks.
• Drum Bus Processing: Add saturation, transient shaping, compression, EQ, Reverb, and Delay to make your drums huge (Audio Effect Rack Provided).

🌌 Dark Atmospheres and Harmonic Design

• Soundscapes Creation: Use ambient samples, field recordings, and synthesis to build immersive dark atmospheres.
• Harmonic Techniques: Explore scales and modes commonly used in Dubstep to create eerie and compelling melodies.
• Dark Chords: Learn how to build dark chord progressions for Intros and Breakdowns.

🎵 Intro, Buildup, and Drop Arrangement

• Structural Elements: Learn the key components of a Dubstep track and how to arrange them effectively.
• Tension and Release: Master the art of building anticipation in your intros and buildups leading to impactful drops.
• Automation Skills: Use automation to control dynamics, filters, and effects, enhancing the emotional impact of your music.

This workshop is perfect for beginners eager to learn the basics and advanced producers looking to refine their techniques or explore the classic Dubstep aesthetic.

 

UK Dubstep Ableton Template

Included with this session is a complete UK Dubstep Ableton Template to get you started. This template includes a full Drum Rack, Bass Instruments, Atmospheric Pads, Lead Arps and everything is group and loaded with effects.

When loading the Template don't forget to go to File -> Save Live Set as a Template

 

UK Dubstep Project from Class

Using the Template we created a Deep Dubstep track in class using all the techniques we covered.

 

Break Bus Driver Rack

An exclusive Audio Effect Rack you can use on all your breakbeats tracks and/or Drum groups.

This rack combines saturations, compression, short reverbs, rhythmic delays and transient shaping.

This rack will make your drums sounds fatter and fuller.

Macros:

Drive – Waveshaping distortion from the Drum Buss

Crunch – Mid/High Distortion

GAINNN – Controls the makeup gain of the Glue Compressor before the last stage of Soft and Hard Clipping

Saturate – Analog Drive before final clipping

Room Space – Drums Plate reverb

Groove Echo – Syncopated 1/4 notes for added groove

Tilt Filter – Tilt EQ to adjust the balance of the highs and lows

Comp – Last compressor stage

 

UK Wub

An exclusive rack for versatile wobble bass.

 

Mid Bass FX

A companion Audio Effect Rack that can turn any full spectrum bass into a mid bass.

 

Noise Sub

A staple sound in bass music. The Noise Sub is a great bass layer for your mid basses.

 

Reese Bliss

Use in intros and breakdowns this huge sounding classic Reese bass instrument is made with Ableton's Wavetable.

 

Tulu - Atmo Pad

Atmospheric pulsating pads for dark chords.

 

Gleam - Lead Arp

Made with Ableton's Drift, this analog sounding lead arp sound is great for layering melodic movement with your dark chords.

 

Compressor from Ableton Live 8 for Clean Side Chaining

This compressor is using the feed forward algorithm and it's the offers one of the cleanest low end side chain.

Save the device as is and do not hit the Upgrade button!

 

Side Brain's Custom Vital Presets

Collection of UK Dubstep staple sounds for the free Vital synth.

 

What's Included with this session

• 2 hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• UK Dubstep Template
• UK Project from Class
• 3 Audio Effect Racks
• UK Wub Instrument Rack
• UK FM Wub Instrument Rack
• Noise Bass Instrument Rack
• Reese Bliss Instrument Rack
• Future Bass Reese Instrument Rack
• Tulu Instrument Rack - Atmo Pad from Wavetable Presets Vol. 2
• Gleam Instrument Rack - Lead Arp from Drift Presets Vol. 1
• Ableton Live 8 Compressor
• Side Brain's Vital Dubstep Presets
• PDF with a list of Free Dubstep Sample Packs and Grime Acapellas

 

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.