Low End Theory?

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Low End Theory?

By bervooby Tue May 25, 2010 5:01 pm
Are producers out there still using Low End Theory to get basslines on to a track? I have made a few beats, but none have a bassline. I thought a few different ways to accomplish a baseline:

1. Find a bass note, assign it to a pad, then use 16 option to change frequency of note. Then play those varied note pitches like a keyboard? Sounds difficult........

2. MIDI in a keyboard. Also, have no clue how to do this, and have no keyboard.

3. Low End Theory....... Sounds the best option to me? Plus I like that this technique was used by Premiere.... Tribe..... etc. I like that sound.

Can anyone give me some pointers on using Low End Theory? I know the key path on MPC to take out highs, mids, but anything anyone can help me with from there?

Thanks
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Re: Low End Theory?

By mr_debauch Tue May 25, 2010 5:07 pm
your best bet is to get yourself some sort of synth.

Why not grab a virtual instrument for your computer and record some notes into your mpc.

Re: Low End Theory?

By bervooby Tue May 25, 2010 5:54 pm
Any virtual synth you recommend? Something like garage band or reason?

Thanks

Re: Low End Theory?

By jimmie Tue May 25, 2010 7:24 pm
What is this 'Low End Theory' technique? I've never heard of it.
From the way you're describing it, it sounds like you're on about duplicating your track and banging a low pass filter on it for the bassline. Is that right? or am I totally off on that one? People call the most simple and basic techniques names these days... it's daft.
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Re: Low End Theory?

By fasttrackpimp Tue May 25, 2010 7:33 pm
jimmie wrote:What is this 'Low End Theory' technique? I've never heard of it.
From the way you're describing it, it sounds like you're on about duplicating your track and banging a low pass filter on it for the bassline. Is that right? or am I totally off on that one? People call the most simple and basic techniques names these days... it's daft.


That's exactly what it is. That methods fun sometimes, but alot of the time it doesn't work well if part of the sample has bass on it, but some parts don't. I prefer just taking 1 sustained elec bass note and using 16 levels. Bass usually comes out better and it sounds better that way.
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Re: Low End Theory?

By dabmeister Tue May 25, 2010 10:32 pm
mr_debauch wrote:your best bet is to get yourself some sort of synth.

Why not grab a virtual instrument for your computer.


This is how I roll, a bunch of synths and vsti's.

I've got a couple of sub bass sounds to work with amongst that combination.
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Re: Low End Theory?

By mr_debauch Tue May 25, 2010 11:59 pm
bervooby wrote:Any virtual synth you recommend? Something like garage band or reason?

Thanks



well garage band and reason are DAWs... they are more then just 1 instrument.

if you are running an apple computer there are some good options. some people here could help with that no doubt... but yeah reason includes some good virtual instruments... except they cant use VST pluggins (additional virtual instruments made by other companies) basically reason... what it comes with is what you get.

If you want to look for some instruments in the VST standard you should check out pentagon. It looks fairly basic and it doesn't look like a high graphic modern thing but the sound it pushes out is power. It has a lot of presets that sound good but everything is tweakable with like 50 knobs you can turn on it to make your own sound.

maybe you could do a torrent search or a google search if you want... they probably have a demo available if you are the type of person who only buys software.

Re: Low End Theory?

By Clint Wed May 26, 2010 9:56 am
jimmie wrote:What is this 'Low End Theory' technique? I've never heard of it.... People call the most simple and basic techniques names these days... it's daft.


Well I wouldn't call 1991 'these days', would you?

Image

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Low_End_Theory
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Re: Low End Theory?

By Jim Beats Wed May 26, 2010 7:49 pm
Menco wrote:^^^^
Different meaning


It's not that hard. Just a technique to create a powerful 'low end' in the beat/mix.



Still it is not like it is the new hype name of the week, low end theory has been discussed to death on this forum, use the search.
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Re: Low End Theory?

By Jacpot Wed May 26, 2010 8:21 pm
I always use the low end theory but I tweaked it and used it a different way. I take a bass heavy sample then filter the lows. I chop the notes out and tune them across the pads and make a bass program out of the notes. Then I replay the bassline to my liking. This way your not stuck in one long loop.

Chop small

Re: Low End Theory?

By bervooby Wed May 26, 2010 11:50 pm
Thanks everyone....... I especially like those representin' 1991. Love the Low End Theory cover. I think I had a crush on that girl on the cover.

So, I just tried using the Low End Theory. It is fun to do like someone above said but does have limits. But, it will do for now. Also like the idea of using a sustained bass note and 16 pads.

One day I will get a proper synth or virtual synth.......... for now........ I think I will be keeping it old school.

Funny thing is, I never realized what the Low End Theory was until a few days ago, and have been in love with that album since I was 13 or so.

Thanks again everyone......... great advice.

Re: Low End Theory?

By jimmie Sat May 29, 2010 12:10 am
clint246clint wrote:
jimmie wrote:What is this 'Low End Theory' technique? I've never heard of it.... People call the most simple and basic techniques names these days... it's daft.


Well I wouldn't call 1991 'these days', would you?

Image

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Low_End_Theory


Am I to guess that that album has a lot of parallel low pass filter bass thing goin on?

I've been doing the so-called 'low end theory' thing for years... only just found out that people have slapped a name on it... it's a no-brainer.
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