So, I have a bass which uses the ladder filter as low-pass and the mmf as high-pass, with resonance to boost the low frequencies.
Sounds good, but I’ve got all the levels up (oscs, amp and levels) and it still sounds a bit quiet. Other than using the overdrive, is there any other way to boost volume?
Actually, I’m wondering if the velocity to amp modulation (set to linear) might be causing my problems. If velocity is low by default, it might explain things. I’ll check…
On my AK I have the impression, if I use the second filter as resonant highpass that I have to take care of my speakers.
The loudness of a voice also depends on its envelopes. Do you have a more soft bass in mind or a punchy sound? Steep and fast envelopes - particularly on the filters - can make a big change.
Additionally, if the filters are fighting against each other, because their modulation is not synchronized to support each other, the sound also could become weaker.
I’m definitely finding that there’s not enough low-end as-is, when only using the mmf. That’s why I settled on using the ladder for low-pass and using the mmf as a kind of sweeping EQ, to accentuate the low end. Edit: looks like people on that other thread came up with a similar solution to me.
Compared to say, my Minitaur, which needs next to no enhancement.
For info - I’m looking at using all-Elektron units for improvised live set, to accompany projected film. I have a mate who’s set up a cinema tent for festivals and wants live, improvised music. So - I’m planning to limit myself to - OT, Rytm and AK. Might also use my A4. I can split out a channel of the AK for bass, so that I can hi-pass the non-bass tracks, for a bit of separation. Depending on how things go, I might add some other kit, but don’t want to have to carry too much around with me.
Try to reduce/change the volume of your oscs. This can have a big influence to how the overdrive behaves. You can boost the overall volume and low end seriously with the overdrive.
That’s the inevitable conclusion, but I’m having to reduce everything on all units, where presets appear to be much louder (I’m only generally using presets to judge how other sound designers have set things up).
I suspect that a bit more velocity might help, I think I’m hitting the default value of 100 (on the A4 at least), but I’m going to have to dive in tonight to investigate.
Btw the trick with the resonant mmf in hp or peak is really nice with other synths using the Audio in. I tried it with the microbrute and thought my headphones will burst
That sweeping EQ can also damp the loudness, if the timing is not right.
I would suggest to have the MMF cutoff tracking the keyboard and controlled by a dedicated envelope. I think after some tweaking a sweet spot should be possible, which has enough loudness.
Did you set the F1 Resonance Boost correctly?
BTW to compare a synth bass voice to a Minitaur could be a little unfair for many synths