What software do dubstep artists use?

Dubstep emerged in the late 1990s in London, England as an offshoot of UK garage and other electronic music genres like jungle and drum n bass. The name “dubstep” comes from the genre’s heavy emphasis on sub-bass frequencies, or the “dub”, and the shuffled 2-step rhythm. Some of the earliest dubstep tracks were produced by artists like El-B, Zed Bias, Steve Gurley, and Oris Jay in the late 90s and early 2000s.

The main characteristics that define the dubstep sound are an emphasis on sub-bass frequencies, sparse and shuffled rhythms at around 140 beats per minute, and a range of sci-fi and monster-like sound effects. Dubstep tracks are built around deep and rumbling sub-bass lines that give the music its chest-thumping feel. The beats are shuffled with syncopated snares and kick patterns in a two-step rhythm. Producers also make extensive use of sound effects like wobbles, glitches, drops, echoes and filters to create tension and energy.

Notable early dubstep tracks that shaped the genre include “Croydon House” by El-B (1999), “Burgundy” by Ray Keith (2002), and “Midnight Request Line” by Skream (2005) (Source).

Popular DAWs for Producing Dubstep

When it comes to producing dubstep music, the digital audio workstation (DAW) software you use is incredibly important. There are a few DAWs that stand out as being particularly popular among dubstep artists and producers:

FL Studio is one of the most widely used DAWs for dubstep production. Its pattern-based workflow and extensive collection of synths, samples, and effects make it well-suited for crafting dubstep tracks. FL Studio is known for its sequencing abilities and is a great choice for dubstep producers who like to start by laying down drums and basslines ¹.

Ableton Live is another go-to DAW for dubstep artists. Its exceptional workflow for clip launching and Session View makes it easy to experiment with loops and samples, which is integral to dubstep production. Ableton Live also shines when it comes to warping and manipulating audio in real-time ².

Logic Pro is a full-featured DAW that provides dubstep producers with built-in instruments and effects suited for the genre. The powerful EXS24 sampler allows for creative sound design and sample manipulation. Logic Pro also offers Flex Time for warping audio, ideal for working with the rhythmic elements of dubstep ³.

Cubase is another professional-grade DAW with features for dubstep production like tempo tracking, transient detection, and a deep modulation matrix. Its virtual instruments and effects combined with customizable macros facilitate crafting unique dubstep sounds and rhythms.

Synthesis and Sampling

Software synthesizers, or softsynths, are an essential part of a dubstep producer’s toolkit for creating basslines, leads, pads, keys, and more. Some of the most popular softsynths used in dubstep production include Massive, Serum, Kontakt, and Harmor.

Native Instruments Massive is a waveform-based synth that is hugely popular for dubstep bass design thanks to its complex modulation options and vast sonic capabilities. Many dubstep artists rely on Massive for deep, wobbling bass sounds as well as searing mid-basses.¹ Serum by Xfer Records is another go-to synth for dubstep, providing a great balance of wave-table synthesis and ease of use. The visual interface makes it simple to draw in wobbles and other effects.

To incorporate organic sampled instruments into a dubstep production, Native Instruments Kontakt is the industry standard. The huge library of high-quality sampled instruments allows for realistic orchestra hits, piano lines, guitar riffs, and more to complement the electronics. Finally, Image-Line Harmor offers a unique additive synthesis method for creating metallic, futuristic sounds perfect for leads and FX in dubstep.

Effects

Effects play a critical role in shaping the dubstep sound. Some of the most commonly used effects in dubstep production include:

Delay

Delay creates echo effects and can be used to fatten up sounds. Many dubstep artists use lush, long delays on melodic elements like pads and vocals. This helps create a spacious, atmospheric vibe. Delay throws like ping pong delays are also popular for adding rhythmic interest.

Reverb

Reverb simulates the reflection of sound in a real space. Using reverb on sounds like bass and drums can make them sound deeper and bigger. Plate and hall reverbs are common in dubstep. Reverb helps create a sense of depth and ambience in dubstep tracks.

Distortion

Distortion adds grittiness and harmonic richness. Dubstep artists often use distortion on basses, leads, and percussion to introduce an aggressive, in-your-face quality. Distortion helps make sounds cut through the mix.

Compression

Compression evens out dynamics and brings sounds forward in the mix. Heavy compression on basses and drums can create a sense of power and intensity. Sidechain compression paired with pumping effects helps create the rhythmic ducking effect common in dubstep.

By skillfully utilizing these effects, dubstep producers can craft their unique sound and vibe. Effects transform basic sounds into the huge, enveloping textures emblematic of dubstep music. As Sample Focus notes, “Some very creative use of effects…is what gives dubstep its forward thinking futuristic sound.”

Mixing and Mastering

Proper mixing and mastering is essential for achieving a full, professional sound in dubstep productions. When mixing dubstep, it’s important to pay close attention to the EQing, stereo imaging, limiting, and maximizing.

EQing helps shape the tone and timbre of sounds. The bass and sub-bass are crucial elements in dubstep, so boosting the low end with EQ can help give the mix thump and rumble. Careful EQ cuts in the mids and highs can also help sounds pop or sit better in the mix. According to production expert Ben Vaughn, “you’ll want to make sure the bass is loud and has a nice even frequency spread” when mixing dubstep (https://www.benvaughn.com/how-to-mix-and-master-dubstep/).

Stereo imaging helps widen the soundstage and make mixes sound bigger. Panning synth and percussion elements to different areas of the stereo field can create space for all the sounds to shine through. A wide, enveloping stereo image is characteristic of professional dubstep mixes.

Limiting and maximizing help control dynamics and push the overall mix louder while minimizing distortion. Setting a ceiling with a limiter and boosting levels with a maximizer gives dubstep mixes the punchy, in-your-face sound the genre is known for. However, take care not to over-limit or over-maximize, as this can flatten transients and cause pumping effects.

Notable Dubstep Artists

Some of the most well-known and influential dubstep artists include Skrillex, Excision, Flux Pavilion, and Zomboy.

Skrillex (real name Sonny Moore) is an American EDM producer and DJ who has been a major force in popularizing dubstep in the United States and abroad. He is known for his aggressive, heavily distorted bass sounds and high-energy live shows. Some of Skrillex’s most popular songs include “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites,” “Bangarang,” and “First of the Year (Equinox).” Skrillex has won eight Grammy awards and has collaborated with artists like Korn, The Doors, and Justin Bieber. According to Last.fm, Skrillex is one of the top dubstep artists based on listener data.

Excision (real name Jeff Abel) is a Canadian dubstep producer and DJ known for his dark, bass-heavy sound. He founded the Rottun Recordings label and is known for albums like 2012’s X Rated. Excision is acclaimed for his live shows featuring massive visuals, lasers, and hundreds of thousands of watts of bass. He is a pioneer of “robot ears” wobble bass. Some key Excision tracks include “Swagga,” “The Paradox,” and his remixes of songs by Datsik and Bassnectar. Excision was voted one of the top dubstep artists of 2011 according to a 2011 poll on Dubstepforum.com.

Flux Pavilion is the stage name of English EDM producer and DJ Joshua Steele. He rose to prominence around 2009-2011 during dubstep’s peak mainstream popularity. His catchy melodic dubstep style can be heard on anthems like “I Can’t Stop” and on his Circus One album. Flux Pavilion has frequently collaborated with other top dubstep artists like Doctor P, Skism, and Foreign Beggars. He continues to tour worldwide and release new music on his Circus Records label.

Zomboy is the stage name of English producer Joshua Mellody, known for his aggressive dubstep style with influences from drum and bass. He released his debut EP in 2011 on Never Say Die Records. Some signature Zomboy tracks include “Organ Donor,” “Nuclear,” and “Like a Bitch.” Zomboy is acclaimed for his remixes of songs by other EDM artists like Skrillex. He continues to tour and release EPs and singles like his 2018 Rott n’ Roll releases. According to Earlycinema.com, Zomboy was considered one of the best dubstep artists as of 2019.

Beginner’s Guide

For those just starting out making dubstep music, choosing the right digital audio workstation (DAW) and tools is essential. Many experts recommend using FL Studio as your main DAW when making dubstep music. FL Studio includes several built-in synths and effects tailored for electronic music production. It also has a step sequencer that makes it easy to program dubstep beats and basslines.

In terms of essential plugins, you’ll want a few key tools in your arsenal. Serum by Xfer Records is considered the best soft synth for dubstep, thanks to its extensive modulation options and advanced wavetable capabilities. The Harmor synth included with FL Studio is another great option for dubstep sounds. For effects, dubstep producers rely on distortion plugins like iZotope Trash 2 and the CamelCrusher by Camel Audio. FL Studio’s Gross Beat effect is also popular for rhythmic gating effects.

When first learning how to produce dubstep music, it’s helpful to watch tutorials from experienced artists. Channels like CruK and SeamlessR offer great beginner FL Studio tutorials focused on dubstep production. Taking an online course like The Complete Guide to Music Production can also give you a solid foundation in the technical skills needed to make quality dubstep tracks.

Composition Tips

When composing a dubstep track, there are a few key elements to focus on:

Sound Design

Creating your own unique synth patches and bass sounds from scratch is an integral part of the dubstep production process. Experiment with wavetable and FM synthesis to design aggressive, distorted basses and leads. Layer multiple synth patches to give sounds thickness and depth. Use automation, filters, and effects like distortion and bitcrushing to add movement and evolve sounds over time.

Rhythm

The rhythmic backbone of dubstep consists of a half-time drum beat focused on the kick and snare. Make use of syncopated percussion elements like hi-hats and shakers to fill in the spaces between the main hits. Incorporate sudden silences and drum fills to build tension before big moments like the drop. Vary drum patterns over time to add interest and movement to the groove.

Basslines

Massive, modulated basslines are the centerpiece of any dubstep track. Design bass patches to have full low-end weight and distorted harmonics in the mids and highs. Construct basslines using notes from scales like minor or harmonic minor for dark melodic motifs. Incorporate techniques like filtering, distortion, and sidechain compression to make basslines move and morph. Keep basslines simple and stripped back during busier sections with lots of synths.

Song Structure

The typical dubstep song structure moves between high energy and stripped back sections. Build ups create anticipation leading to a heavy, bass-driven drop. Breakdowns offer a chance to reset with atmospheric pads and minimal percussion. Slowly reintroduce layers and automate filters to reconstruct the intensity. Follow standard song structure arrangements like intro, build up, drop, breakdown, second build up, second drop, and outro.

Equipment Needed

To produce professional sounding dubstep tracks, you’ll need some essential music production equipment. Here are the key pieces of gear you’ll want to have:

DAW

The most important piece of equipment is a digital audio workstation (DAW). This is the software you’ll use to produce, record and mix your tracks. Popular DAWs used by dubstep artists include Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro and Studio One.

Studio Monitors

High-quality studio monitors are essential for mixing dubstep and hearing all the subtle elements in your tracks. Look for monitors with extended low frequency response, like the Yamaha HS8.

MIDI Keyboard

A MIDI keyboard controller like the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 allows you to play and record software instruments and samples in your DAW.

Headphones

Studio headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are essential for mixing and getting intimate with your dubstep tracks.

Conclusion

Dubstep production requires specialized software and tools given its unique musical style and distinctive sounds. The most popular DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro provide the necessary features for composing, editing, synthesizing, sampling, and mixing dubstep tracks.

Key elements include wobble basslines, heavy kick drums, atmospheric pads and textures, sound effects, and strategically manipulated vocals. While expensive hardware like analog synths can help, most of the core sounds can be created with virtual synthesizers, samplers, and effects plugins.

Learning from established dubstep artists about their creative process, mixing techniques, sound design, and composition can greatly inform newcomers to the genre. With practice using the right tools, an understanding of dubstep’s musical elements, and a creative ear, new producers can craft original dubstep tracks.

Dubstep production requires commitment and experimentation, but the rewards include contributing to an exciting, evolving electronic music genre.