Plugins/ techniques for spicing up basslines and rhythm

[OJ739]

Hey all,

I’m looking for plugins or techniques on how to spice up my basslines. Basically, I know music theory, chords, all that stuff, so I can come up with the bass melody in terms of notes. However, my basslines sound kind of dull, flat, and not really groovy. I’m messing around with the trilian and Logic Pro arpeggiator for ideas on how to improve them in terms of rhythm and dynamic elements.

I’m having difficulty translating my rhythmic ideas into midi content. When I have an idea for bass, I just lay down the notes on my midi grid, but they don’t really groove that much. It just sounds like bass notes.

I was wondering if there were any good plugins like arpeggiators or rhythmic generators that can possibly create midi notes that have more rhythm, groove, and pump.

I’m sorry if I’m not explaining myself clearly, I feel it’s kind of hard to articulate my concern. I’m also unsure how to approach the matter- do I need to become better at working with my LFO and other similar settings on my bass synth to get more groovy basslines, or does that come from working with the velocity, etc.

I think a solid arpeggiator or a “rhythm generator” plugin would give me some ideas, that I can try to emulate via straight midi work. Something to try other rhythmic variations of my basslines.

Any input would be appreciated!

[thecontrolcentre]

Melda MRhythmizer, DS Tantra2 and AD Replicant2 can add some "groove" to bass and drums ... maybe iZotope Breaktweaker also.

[arkmabat]

Listen to old YES. Chris Squire had chops. Try to line up a midi bass to his and you'll learn a lot quickly.

[stash98]

I'd use a sequencer. If you have Ableton you can download M4L plugins that are amazing for this, and a lot are free. Hit random until you get something you like, then tweak from there. A lot of producers do it this way.

[morphex]

I'm also using Logic Pro and I use a combination of different MIDI effects for their workflow and versatility. Check these out and see if something clicks for you:

Sample Logic Animation Station creates amazing arpeggios with lots of variation and nuance. It's a little expensive but it's a major time-saver for me. It comes with quite a few presets to get started with. https://www.samplelogic.com/products/animation-station/

Futurephonic Rhythmizer 2.1 AU/VST turns a single MIDI note into precise or random sequences with control over the "feel". I use this especially for quick bass-lines and "Humanizing" patterns. https://futurephonic.co.uk/item/rhythmizer

Xfer Records Cthulhu still gets regular use as well. https://xferrecords.com/products/cthulhu

Devicemeister StepicVST is my new favorite MIDI plug-in that used to be available as a Max For Live device only. Now it's out as an AU/VST as well and it's a sound-shaping dream tool. It's a powerful step sequencer and a modulation sequencer like nothing else I've used before. https://devicemeister.com

Good luck!!

[concon]

One really weird plugin that can add odd rhythm effects is Native Instrument's Reaktor's Molekular. I've used it on bass and have gotten interesting results.

[DJ Warmonger]

Euclidean rhythms is a good start. You can also add groove / swing diectly to bass notes.

Also, if by any chance you want your bassline to be fast, use some gate effect to cut the tail of a note. Cableguys Volume Shaper would do.

[] Peter:H []

Check out feelyoursound's ChordPotion plugin... https://feelyoursound.com/chordpotion/
It comes with an engine that creates ryhthmic pattersn from your chord, i.e. basslines.
And there are several genre specific "packages" of presets ...

[OJ739]

I appreciate the input! I’ll be testing all of this stuff out when I can. Much appreciated.

[thecontrolcentre]

Tantra2 is on sale today ... https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/prod ... tra_2.html
Only $24.99 with this coupon 2022-03-25QRL973IZ62X4F (expires at midnight US Pacific Time)