Alchemy Synth Tutorial Logic Pro X | How to make 808 Bass

In this video we make a punchy 808 bass with the Alchemy Synth of Logic Pro X. We talk about the importance of saturation and how to tune in the perfect envelope and pitch for a knocking 808 bass with impact!
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Thanks for watching,
Mattias
Download the FREE Alchemy Granular Synth Pluck preset here:
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[@OrdinaryArieYT]

Words cannot express how happy I am to have found this video. Thank you so much I have no idea what I'm doing in Logic but I'm a little less confused now

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Awesome, glad you found my Logic Pro X videos useful. I have plenty of videos and also live streams (replays) if you want to learn my production process in Logic PRO X. Have a splendid & sunny saturday. 🌞

[@animalsoverpeople_]

I second this ;)

[@Officialcbr]

The minute this guy opened his mouth and I heard his accent I knew I was going to learn some dope shit here today..

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Ciaran, glad you found my Logic Pro X & Alchemy video useful. More accent...I mean useful content is coming. 😉

[@NOPRIVACY92]

FACTS i heard the bop at the start and his voice then just subscribed.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

@NOPRIVACY92 bop, 👌 awesome thanks 🙏🥁

[@huepainting]

Found this video two years late. Awesome video, thank you. Subscribed.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Oh thats awesome. Thanks for subscribing Jason! Hope you find som more sweet clips in my collection! 👌🍿😃

[@fullmediatechnology]

What’s a blessing to this community, God bless you for the stress this most have put you..u did it for us bro, I hope to tell you this some day face to face.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi, such a kind warm comment. Thanks! Appreciate it. Hope to catch you too someday. Ill probably hang around next NAMM in LA, if it will be happening next year. Cheers! 🌞🥳

[@dr.superbad4645]

Wow!! you are the best man to explain how to use Alchemy!! thanks Mattias!!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching my Logic and Alchemy videos! Hope to see you around! 🌞

[@ER_aka_RAM]

Your accent highlights the tutorials! Much thanks for all of your hands on work ... very intuitive and on point. 🤙🏽

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hehe yeah swenglish rules. 🦊 Glad you enjoy my Logic and music tutorials. Cheers!

[@Bittamin]

Dude, just the very beginning setup after you adjusted the mech mix is like, perfect house music bass. Thank you so much for throwing this video together, I did end up making my own 808 attempt yesterday, being my first ever time making a patch or using alchemy in general but I managed to make the sound, funny enough we both used mech, but I definitely messed up and made the volume of the instrument hilariously loud by turning a few knobs up, rather than working out that saturation. Very happy to see this vid! 👏🙏💕

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Oh thanks, happy to inspire to some lovely sounds! Alcheny is a hidden gem.

[@Bittamin]

@@MattiasHolmgren absolutely, I’m always baffled by how many beginner producers such as myself already have bought Serum and didn’t even attempt to use the stock things they’ve already paid for in their Daw! Alchemy keeps getting cooler and cooler!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Serums algorithms are killer though. But for some sounds I believe Alchemy is more appropriate. Different beasts. Love serum too, and vital. 🥳☕️🥁

[@Bittamin]

@@MattiasHolmgren if I get comfortable enough with alchemy I might add vital in next and learn about that too! Do you have any videos breaking it down by chance?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yeah I did some videos on Vital already: Best free synth vst 2020 + Free Vital Presets kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4OzmY2njtegeK8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIanh4CajJeBqKM

[@EdSoloUK]

Thats a coincidence, i was just making 808 bass in Alchemy a few hours ago, then it pops up in my feed ! I like your idea of putting several distortions on top of each other but subtle settings on each one.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Ed, that's superb. Thanks for tuning in on my little Logic video. Yeah it really helps to make small layers of saturation on the way to make the bass pop. Most of the time I use external saturation plugins (like Trash 2), but Alchemy does include some decent plugins which can be used with great result. ;) Thx for writing Ed!

[@1mbbeats84]

another interesting workaround A LOT of kids forget to do for more punch at the beginning is to put an amp envelope on your 808 with a short attack... this then leaves room for a punchy short kick layered on top... (the punchy kick MUST be on constant pitch though) If you don't add the amp attack on the main 808, then you get low frequency clashing problems. It sounds like a simple idea, but it makes a lot of difference.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yes, this little initial "space" can either be: edited directly on the audio clips (or midi volume) , create via an volume envelope, or via side chain ducking depending on what you feel for. 😀 Its good to know all the techniques.

[@royaltyfreemusic7185]

Icredible!! Thank you so much!!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You're so welcome!

[@Adamanthon]

Great vid, thanks. Still using my old Logic Pro x.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Superb 👌🙏

[@grenciamars4876]

Fucking incredible. So efficient. THANK you, Mattias.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks for the feedback! 🥳🌞

[@lukecampbell7072]

Fantastic tutorial, thank you!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Glad you enjoyed it Luke!

[@AviG789]

Thanks so much for this video! Succinct and great explanations, I learned so much in so little time. Thanks again!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Appreciate the kind feedback, thanks for writing! 🌞

[@azuragold3540]

Thank you so much for this video Mattias. It's helped me so much!!!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You're very welcome Azura! Glad you find my content inspiring for your own music and sounds!

[@cONorWTF]

Such a legend 💪

[@MattiasHolmgren]

🙏🌱 thanks! 🤘💪

[@kevinbrennan4066]

Thanks Mattias, very precise and helpful!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Glad to hear my Logic Pro X tutorial was helpful Kevin! Cheers! 🌞🌟

[@GuruPremierGangStarr]

Very helpful, thank you very much brother :)

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching. 🌞

[@callme_adam]

Woah, the tone on this 808 bass is FIRE ;-) And thank you so very much for the free preset!!! I will credit you when my song is released!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Please do! Thanks Addy! 👌😄🌞

[@DanilioSWE]

Wow, this was so good. Tack tack :)

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Happy to share 🎉🍾🎅🥁

You are the greatest!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

;) Glad you enjoy my Logic Pro X bass video James.

[@mouthface2844]

this was an amazing find! so helpful! thank you so much!!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You are welome! Happy sound exploring! ☕️🍿🥁

[@brotherlightworld]

thanks for your tips I also got your presets for me to play around with it thanks..

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Great to hear!

[@chuckmoment]

this helped so much

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You are welcome Charlie! ☀️☕️

[@MegaDelester]

Nice Tutorial✌🏻

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks ✌🌞

[@timoheinrich8763]

Perfect tutorial

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You are welcome Timo. Happy to inspire. 🌞🥳🦊

[@johnviera3884]

The reason you want to use a separate kick drum over the 808 bass is because the kick drum doesn’t ALWAYS have to match the 808 bass. you create more interesting grooves by having the 808 bass hit without the kick on some notes.

[@wesleygt.amorim]

Thank you brother!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

U are welcome Wesley!

[@JakeDurkinMusic]

Thanks for this vid man! Really appreciate the knowledge.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Appreciate the feedback Jake. Thanks, glad my videos are helpful for you! 🌞

[@warrenedwards0]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You are welcome! 🌞🥳

[@nurbekmax]

subscribed , wonderfull tutorial, waiting for more

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks for the sub Nurbek! Glad you enjoy my videos. More is coming! ;)

[@jarredgraffiti]

how do i get rid of that wierd clipping sound, even when you play i hear it on yours inbetween notes

[@fridafeline]

Tusen takk! Veldig bra tutorial :)

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Tack! Vassegoo. 🌞🥳

[@MattiasHolmgren]

In this video we make a punchy 808 bass with the Alchemy Synth of Logic Pro X. We talk about the importance of saturation and how to tune in the perfect envelope and pitch for a knocking 808 bass with impact! Grab the FREE Alchemy preset pack here: www.morningdewmedia.com/audio-shop/ Thanks for watching, // Matt

[@geoffb7000]

Nice. Enjoy the video.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

🙏

[@In-Ear-Studio]

How do you export an Alchemy plugin to mono ? It only shows me the Stereo or Dual-Mono. I would like to export a bass sound to mono.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

One way: You can bounce a midi region to audio, select split instead of interleave. You will get two files = L and R. Just use one of them and throw them into a sampler…or whatever you have in mind. Did that solve your question?

[@usagichankonabe]

This video helped to making beat for me !! Thank you so much!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Superb my friend. I am glad my tutorials are helpful for your musical journey! Thanks for subscribing!

[@nickwilliams1434]

This tutorial is great!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks Nick! 👌

[@Babardrumstudio]

You’re the best!!! Thank you

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You are so welcome Avneesh. 🌞

[@benchamberslondon]

really helpful tutorial, thank you!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks, happy to hear you like my Logic Pro X Alchemy tutorials Benjamin. More on the way! 🌞

[@dawayamoto2041]

What can I say🤔 just wow!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks! 🙏

[@2wnty146]

Can you explain or do a video on how to tune a 3rd party 808 on alchemy?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yeah I’ll look into it. 👌😄

[@SPECTR-qv3ku]

Thats how you earn a follow!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks for subbing. ;)

[@paulmalburet7879]

Thanks for this easy and very efficient tutorial. So easy to get lost in that smog of mediocre videos. You make it right.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Glad you like my Alchemy video Paul! Indeed, KZbin is very "noisy", and it's hard to find good instructors. Appreciate the kind feedback. I'll keep improving my content! 🌞

[@user-wt3ek8nj2r]

Thank u. Awesome!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You're welcome! More Logic material coming soon! 🌞

[@smiguelbs69]

thanks a lot, keep up!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Cheers to that! Thanks. 🌞

[@aalavbrisbeatz]

To be honest, your beat sounds like it could be in Super Mario Kart.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks 🥳 I did write plenty of game music cues in the past. Still love a good game (Mario Kart included) . Playing: Days Gone, and Last of us 2 atm... When not making music or KZbin content. 🌞

[@aalavbrisbeatz]

@@MattiasHolmgren That's cool!!!

[@alfredo2124]

The sub bass in the beat in your intro: Do you have a video on how to create that? If not please make a video on how to create that sub bass in alchemy pls 🙏

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Alfredo, I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the support and feedback!

[@takanabe379]

thanks a lot

[@MattiasHolmgren]

U are welcome Felix. Glad u enjoy my Logic Pro X video.

[@Tooptoopsz]

Hi this video is really helpful for me. By the way, how to make that crash at bar 5 ?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi the crash at bar 5 is a noise generator, I think I designed that patch in Alchemy...or Zebra 2. You can create it with any synth that has a noise oscillator. This noise sound is used all over the place in EDM. Very effective to tickle the top end of our hearing. Happy to hear my Logic Alchemy video was helpful!

[@oldirtybastard9893]

How do I switch from master volume to master tune coarse ? Can anyone help me plz

[@MattiasHolmgren]

On the ADVANCED page -> GLOBAL -> Look at the rightmost side in Alchemy user interface, there you have Master coarse tuning. For the individual track coarse tuning you have to enter the A,B,C,D page. The indidual tracks only show regular tuning (Semitones) on the GLOBAL page. Hope the info helps!

[@amandawong2966]

in terms of synth types, would you say this is additive, subtractive or granular? thanks.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

This method is subtractive synthesis. We begin with a simple waveform, But with the distortion we add additional overtones to make the bass popp. Then filter the sound. Subtractive. ☀️🥁

[@amandawong2966]

@@MattiasHolmgren Thank you so much!!

[@fxckoff6999]

This is perfect! I’m gonna use that now for my 808s. And what is hat song called? (If it’s a song)

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi MJ, thanks! Glad you like my 808 video in Logic Pro X Alchemy. The song in the video is just a little beat I tossed up for the sake of making the video. I might continue work on it in the future. ;D Thanks!

[@fxckoff6999]

Mattias Holmgren thank you and please do. I’d listen to that for how long? Oh, I can’t tell.

[@saturnkidd8395]

thank you for this video! where did u get the 808 pure bass from?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Its a sine wave generated by the synth engine. ☀️

[@blgaminghd4907]

This might be a stupid question but what kind of synthesis is this called e.g wavetable , subtractive etc

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Not stupid, well deserved! Well, we start out with a sine wave which we distort with the "Mech" filter to introduce overtones. But we're not using a wavetable, nor wavescanning. So my guess let's call it subtractive but with distortion. To saturate the sounds and make it "richer"., ;)

[@blgaminghd4907]

@@MattiasHolmgren Thank you so much :)

[@s1lver5]

i couldnt do anything im on moblie logic pro : ( i can never find a good 808 sound or pitchable sample

[@swayyjay412]

Do I need an external keyboard for this or could I use logics software keyboard ?? I’ve been looking for the answers everywhere but can’t seem to find a subtle answer

[@MattiasHolmgren]

You can use Logic software keyboard (computer keyboard... CMD+K) for any note input. The pitch slide automation can be done by drawing in curves.

[@chainsawdeathlust]

what's the name of the preset???? I cannot find a good bass sound to start with!!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Follow along the tutorial and you should have a nice sounding 808 bass. 🌞

[@hectormata3533]

epic

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Thanks Hector.

[@saelanais]

hey my initialized preset button is not showing up but a clear button is instead any help?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Which version of Logic Pro X are you using Sael?

[@saelanais]

Mattias Holmgren 10.2.4

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hmm Weird, I'm on 10.5.2. But your version should also read "Initialize preset" in the Alchemy -> File tab.

[@askelehrmann7636]

so how do I make a bass like the one in the intro??

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Do you mean the bass from the 0:00 of the video or the bass from 0:13?

[@askelehrmann7636]

@@MattiasHolmgren The bass from 0:13 . Sounds really nice

[@yarentayyareci5002]

Why does my one sounds like tiny farts what did go wrong 😡😡😡

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Yaren. Oh that must be annoying. Did you follow along to all the steps in my Logic Alchemy video? 🌞🥳

[@myron7797]

which logic's version is it?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

I always use the latest Logic Pro version in my videos, this should work in 10.6.1 too. 🌞

[@niastephenson3392]

how do add the LP 12 dBsmooth?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Nia, just make sure the filter is activated "press the on button" and then select the filter of choice in the dropdown list in Alchemy. Hope it helps!🌞

[@tivonstephenson731]

Mattias Holmgren thank you so far, but it’s not in the Dropbox, it stops at LP10 SVF

[@k6257kz6]

thanks Mattias! a question pls: why in order to get the knock i need to modulate the coarse and cannot introduce a second occilator? thanks alot!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Amit, the reason for modulating course tuning is because it creates a nice "knock" and it also helps the bass to stand out. If you look at your bass in the frequency analyzer of the EQ plugin you can see that the initial knock has more high frequency and then it goes down into bass area. That means you get a clean topend and later get that bass you are after. If you just add a second oscillator on top to act as the topend, it can work if you set it up accurately. But it can also make it more muddy. So I use both depending on what sound I am after. But mostly for kicks and these 808 basses I use single osc to get a clean sub-bass and overall sound. Using saturation helps get the top end. And this setup also makes your 808 pop and be audible on smaller speakers (read: laptop) Hope the info helps! Good luck with the sound design crafting! Thanks for asking!

[@k6257kz6]

@@MattiasHolmgren so knock can be done only by a modulation but not from another osc?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Knock can be done with additional osc but better (and simpler) to do it with a single osc. And single osc makes the sound cleaner as I described.

[@k6257kz6]

@@MattiasHolmgren thanks alot. Great tutorial. Much appreciate!

[@MaybeLoveHate]

I am a Windows user, so I don't like this video haha. Just kidding, nice tutorial! On the topic of basses though, do you prefer Trillian or Shreddage 3?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

I rarely use Trilian. Basses are often create custom for each track. But I see myself using Shreddage a bit lately. Ahhh, You mean you are a hackintosh user (soon) :) *phun intended my friend*

[@randiseriss]

DOES LOGIC X HAVE ALCHEMY? HOW DO I LOAD IT

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Yes Logic X has Alchemy as a native default synth. U find it among all other instruments when you add instrument plugins to a track.

[@annajenea]

what instrument do i type in to get alchemy?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Hi Anna, what do you mean. Alchemy is included in Logic Pro X as a native synth plugin. So if you have Logic you can just find the instrument plugin in the list of all the other Logic instruments. Hope the info helps.

[@MrDrProfessorSir962]

Is he norwegian? 🥵

[@MattiasHolmgren]

He is alien… 🦊😂

[@jeffgoh4934]

I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar

[@MattiasHolmgren]

oh, that's nice. I was working as a greek philosopher.

[@jeffgoh4934]

@@MattiasHolmgren 3:08 Human League song. I thought you were playing it!

[@mikelo303]

Logic Pro? Blasphemy! Where is Bitwig? :)

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Define Blasphemy Mikelo. 🦊 Logic rocks....Bitwig too... FL too... Studio One too...Ableton too (did I go over board now?)... my piano Beats them all though. Lol 😋🌞 hope you are well my friend.

[@waffleswaffs5072]

Logic! Logic!

[@slimeballdemon5273]

Where did the preset come from I don’t have it……

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Follow the tutorial, it's super simple to re-create.

[@keoganlarademusic918]

Thank you!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

U are welcome Keogan.

[@user-dv2vv1ch7u]

Thank You!

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Oh hi, how have you been? Happy to hear you enjoy this Logic Pro X episode with some Alchemy synth basics. 💫🌟

[@user-dv2vv1ch7u]

@@MattiasHolmgren yes I liked it very much. It is a pity that my platform does not allow installing Logic. But I enjoy Bitwig. And what you showed in Logic, I can apply as a general principle of synthesis. Useful, thanks! By the way, do you like Retrolog or Padshop?

[@MattiasHolmgren]

@@user-dv2vv1ch7u Hi, I never tried Retrolog. I still have Cubase but doesn't Even have it installed anymore so no Padshopping lately either. 😢 Fortunately there are many great granular plugins. Yeah most production techniques and synth tech can be applied to any other synth / DAW. Thats the beauty. Did you grab Phase Plant or Rapid? What do u think about them.

[@user-dv2vv1ch7u]

@@MattiasHolmgren I watched your reviews on these synthesizers and I really liked them. I personally did not use them, but it is clear that their potential is great. Phase Plant is probably not inferior to Zebra2 in sound design capabilities. But since my knowledge in the world of synthesis is very basic and initial, I do not get out of the comfort zone of Serum, mastering it for now and also Grid)