Making a Driving FM8 Drum n' Bass Synth

When it comes to designing sounds for a music genre like Drum n’ Bass, there needs to be an element of simplicity in the core sounds you use for your basslines. Bass synths in this style of music are often layered and heavily processed, which can end up spreading the sound out too much and you risk phase cancelation and other issues when it comes time to mix your project. Making a driving synth, such as this FM8 drum n’ bass synth, is a great option to use for quicker production. Even if you know you will ultimately use a much more involved sound than this one, it can be used to fill the part until you have the chance to design the multi-layered version later on. This is a wonderful pro-tip that can keep your projects moving forward at a nice pace and avoid losing inspiration while you toil away on sound design. This technique is often used by professionals and is something to consider implementing into your own workflows.

This FM8 drum n’ bass synth starts out with setting up the Operator routing in the FM Matrix. Only one operator is routed to the main output strip, keeping the sound centered and allowing for a touch of panning and phasing later on.

Here in the Master, the total number of Unison Voices is increased to four and a small amount of Portamento is added for a subtle glide between notes. Some Detuning and Panning are added to spread the sound out a bit. Analog and Digital Quality are introduced for character. You can already hear the classic FM8 drum n’ bass synth sound coming together.

The rest of the work takes place in the Effects window. An overdrive unit is used to add a serious edge to the sound. Both a Shelving EQ and a Peak EQ are used to shape this FM8 drum n’ bass synth and soem Phasing creates the signature movement and modulation effect. And that’s out sound! It really is a simple way to make a quick synth that can be used on its own, as a placeholder or even as one of the layers ultimately used in your final mix.

Here is our FM8 drum n’ bass synth in action with some drums.

Remember to shoot us a message before you leave if you have a tutorial request, or would like to share one of your own with the community.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,
OhmLab