Transforming Audio: 7 Entertaining Methods for Generating Fresh Melodies
Whoa, here we go! Let's unleash the power of audio resampling and take your sound design game to the next level. You gonna learn some sneaky tricks, techniques, and fun ways to create endless possibilities with your audio.
Listeners, brace yourselves for a wave of epic soundscapes!
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Table of Contents
- Resampling 101: What's the craic?
- Tip #1: The Basic Resampling Workflow
- Resampling like a boss in Ableton Live
- Planet FL Sampler Exploration
- Logic Pro X Resampling Mastery
- Tip #2: Serum Stealth Resampling
- Tip #3: Reverse.Refresh.Repeat (The Sweep Technique)
- Tip #4: Resampling for Cosmic Basses
- Tip #5: Euphoric Atmospheres using the Whirlpool Technique
- Tip #6: Capsizing the Master Audio (Resampling your whole song)
- Tip #7: Bizarre Speaker Sampling Techniques
Resampling 101: What's the craic?
"Resampling" in this context means re-bouncing or re-recording audio to transform it into something otherworldly.
Not the technical resampling audio conversion type (e.g., 44.1kHz to 48khz). Learn all about that in this tutorial from Streaky.
Tip #1: The Basic Resampling Workflow
To resample, you gotta know the dance with your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
Here's the rundown for the main 3 electronic music DAWs:
Ableton Aleatoric Audio Adventures
There are multiple ways to do this in Ableton, but the easiest is to use the 'Resampling' input channel on a new audio track.
This will capture whatever goes through the master channel. Remember to turn off master FX when doing this.
Hit record, watch the audio come in, and then warp and mangle to your heart's content!
FL Studio Bass Mutation Station
Although it is less straightforward, resampling in FL Studio is wicked powerful.
Load up Edison on the master and set it to record at the point where you want to start. Then hit record along with your track.
Logic Pro X Resampling Rampage
Logic Pro has many resampling options, but the simplest is to use the 'Bounce' feature on the master channel.
Select the desired portion of the track and hit 'Bounce' on the master channel in the mixer. A dialog window will appear with some settings.
Tip #2: Serum Super Stealth Resampling
If you didn't know, you can resample directly inside Serum!
Design a patch or load up a preset and head up to the Serum menu (top-right). You can resample in mono or stereo to OSC A, OSC B, or both!
This records 1 bar of audio to Serum's memory, slices that up into wavetables. Just remember to turn on 'Edit at Point' (keyboard shortcut: E) before making changes to the Wavetable.
Tip #3: Reverse.Refresh.Repeat (The Sweep Technique)
Use this technique to create cool vocal sweeps like in Porter Robinson - Fellow Feeling (2:09 onwards).
It's excellent for vocals, leads, and pads.
Start with a sound, duplicate it, reverse the sound, and chop off everything before the start of the sound.
Add a time-based effect like Reverb, Delay, Echo, or whatever tickles your fancy.
Resample it to audio (make sure nothing else is playing) and then reverse it again.
Tip #4: Resampling for Cosmic Basses
If you're a bass freak, resampling is like finding the Golden Ticket to a Willy Wonka factory!
Experiment with resampling and processing various layers of basses to create unique sounds. The possibilities are endless!
For example, resample a multi-layer bass, drag it into a sampler, loop it, and add distortion and saturation.
Tip #5: Euphoric Atmospheres using the Whirlpool Technique
This technique can transform any sound into a beautiful soundscape.
Start with a sound, follow the Process → Resample → Reverse → Repeat process, and add layers of reverb, delay, and other effects for extra ethereal goodness.
Tip #6: Capsizing the Master Audio (Resampling your whole song)
Why not resample your entire track? Reverse it, process it, pitch it down, stretch it out, and repeat the process for a unique Simon Cowell Effect on any track!
Try using master resampling for fills at the end of sections to surprise listeners.
Tip #7: Bizarre Speaker Sampling
Sounds ridiculous, but it can add extra texture to your basses, leads, and other sounds.
Record your studio monitor output with your phone.
Turn the studio monitors up to a reasonable volume, record with your phone, and add the recording to your DAW for processing.
Asyou explore the world of sound design, don't forget to experiment with the capabilities of your smartphones and gadgets. Imagine capturing unique speaker samples from your studio monitors, adding them to your DAW, and transforming them into bizarre textures for your basses and leads.
diving deeper into technology, remember that apart from traditional sound designing techniques, you can also resample directly inside synthesizers like Serum, creating new wavetables and endless possibilities for your sound design arsenal.
