Synthwave Snare Drum Samples 8-Bit

The synthwave snare drum is a critical element that not only helps to define the synthwave genre, but offers an opportunity to craft a uniquely recognizable sound. With that said, a synthwave snare drum comes in a variety of sonic textures, of which the combination of detuning, pitch shifting and lo-fi artifacts, make up a tastefully designed snare hit. In this synthwave tutorial, we’ll use Ableton’s Redux native plugin to add character to our beloved snare sample.

Ableton’s Redux

Ableton’s Redux plugin adds crunch to any passing signal. Its settings allows for the downsampling of signals – and as a result, the resulting sound instantly takes you back to the 1980’s. Moreover, when the device’s bits controls are set to lower values, it will impart a recognizable sound that is reminiscent of video game consoles of the 1980’s.

Why Lo fi Snare Drums Matter

Ableton’s Redux plugin, when used on snares, offers a sonic characteristic reminiscent of old school video game consoles like the Nintendo and Sega Master System. While the video games of the 1980’s were on the cutting-edge of gaming technology, the soundtrack was basic yet musical. In fact, games such as Metroid had a rather sophisticated musical score while possessing an impressive sound design palette. Many of these consoles ran on 8 and 16 bits, which invariably contributed to the sound, texture and overall feel of a game.

Setting up 8-Bit Sends

For this synthwave tutorial, we’ll rely on Ableton’s Redux plugin. We’ll quickly set up a return channel which the redux and EQ Eight. Next, toggle the Redux’s algorithm to “Soft” and increase the downsample knob to 10.2. Next, use the snare drum track’s send knob to begin feeding signal to the redux return channel. Use the EQ Eight to remove unwanted sub and higher frequencies.

Equip Return Channels with a Redux

Inserting the Redux directly onto a channel may be a little extreme as the device doesn’t have mix knob. Alternatively, signals feeding into a return channel equipped with a redux plugin can quickly alleviate this problem with the use of sends.

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Applications

Not only are snare drums the only instruments that sound great once “reduxed” – kick drums and bass channels come to life with a touch of Redux. Experiment to taste.

Conculsion

As of Ableton 10, the Redux has a new look. It also boasts new controls and provides possibilities that warrants a deeper dive into its controls.