How To Create Synthwave Drums

Synthwave Drum Creation Guide.

Are you a fan of the nostalgic sounds of 80s electronic music? If so, then you need to check out this guide on creating your own synthwave drums! It will provide you with all the necessary tips and tricks to create authentic sounding drums that perfectly capture the essence of synthwave music. With this guide, you’ll be able to take your music production skills to the next level and create drum beats that will transport your listeners back in time to the golden age of electronic music.

Synthwave Drum Samples: What are the best drum machines for synthwave drums?

Choosing the right drum sounds is crucial to achieving the desired synthwave sound. You want to aim for drum samples that have a vintage, analog feel to them. By selecting drum samples that have a lot of character and warmth, you’ll be able to create a drum track that sounds like it was recorded straight from a classic 80s album. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with layering different drum samples on top of each other. For instance, a layered kick drum sample can be what’s missing from your track. This can add depth and complexity to your drum patterns, making them sound more dynamic and interesting. When in doubt, choose drum sounds from classic drum kits like the TR-707 or the Linn Drum. Lastly, you can always find free synthwave drum sample packs on the internet.

Synthwave Drum Rack Effects

Crafting synthwave drums with an equalizer

Achieving the right sound can be a bit tricky, but with practice and experimentation, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. For starters, we’ll rely on audio effects. Adding an equalizer will help you shape the sound of your drums, allowing you to emphasize certain frequencies and cut out any unwanted ones. For example, you can boost the mid-range frequencies to give your drums more punch and clarity or cut out the highs to make them sound more muted and mellow.

Add compression to make your synthwave drums come to life

Additionally, we’ll need to add a compressor to really make your synthwave drums pop. This will help even out the dynamic range of your drum track, making the quieter parts louder and the louder parts softer. It will also add sustain to your drum hits, giving them more presence and impact. You can learn more about parallel compression in this step by step how-to article.

Show a little vintage warmth with saturation

The next effect in our audio chain is the saturator, which can add warmth and grit to your drum sound.
This will give your drums that vintage, analog feel that is so crucial to achieving the desired synthwave sound. Remember to always trust your ears and experiment with different settings until you find the perfect sound for your track.

By following this guide and incorporating these tips into your music production workflow, you’ll be well on your way to creating amazing synthwave.

Creating artificial spaces using reverb plugins

Another useful audio effect to add to your drums is reverb. This effect can add a sense of space and depth to your drum sound, making them sound like they were recorded in a large hall or cavernous room. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different reverb settings, such as longer decay times or higher wet/dry ratios, to create the perfect reverb for your synthwave drums.

Delays are useful for creating artificial spaces in a mix

The final audio effect in our synthwave drum effects chain is a delay. This effect can add a sense of space and depth to your drums, creating an ethereal and dreamy atmosphere in your music. Experiment with different delay times and feedback settings to find the perfect balance for your synthwave drums. Overall, incorporating these audio effects into your synthwave drum production will elevate your tracks and make them stand out in a crowded music industry.

In conclusion, adding these audio effects to your synthwave drums is essential for creating a professional and polished sound. Don’t settle for mediocre drum tracks when you can take your music to the next level with these powerful effects. Try out these audio effects on your synthwave drums today and hear the difference for yourself. Your listeners will thank you.