Hi, I'm looking to understand what goes into programming software synths and make bass tones like the ones featured in the following videos. For the most part these basses sound really simple and basic but for some reason I can't seem to replicate them. I currently use MiniMonsta, Synth 1, and Harmless as synths I am comfortable with but it would be very helpful if someone could just lay down some fundamentals for me. Thank you very much!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCcGZK57jJc&feature=g-all-lik

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qb4uC8oWAOY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okxuiiHx2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGbVaJ5kl7s

Ransem

Distortion is what you want my friend. All these bass sounds are pretty straight forward without fx applied to them. But what gives this sort of electro-house bass it's sound is mainly the distortion. Have you tried that yet? There are lots of different distortion plugins out there to try out and learn. One technique which I know glitch-hop producers use is they get software like GuitarRig and run their synth basses through different presets in the GuitarRig software, then the basses kind of sound like electric guitars, but chunkier.

Also what is key here is not just the sound of the bass but the way they are playing it. It's very disco influenced, like the bass riffs with have really quick plucks, followed by long holds, and lots of walking basslines.

Is that enough information? What have you come up with so far in your attempts, anything close? What kind of sounds are you capable of making at the moment? What do you feel is holding you back?