Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
All those expensive preset packs and "advanced" synth plugins you see? They're almost all based on the simple, classic sound design techniques I'm showing you for FREE in this video. I'm breaking down the "bread and butter" sounds that every single producer should know how to make from scratch. I'm using basic synths in Bitwig, but you can follow along in any DAW (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic) with any basic synth.
Find the sound you're looking for:
(0:00) Intro - Why These Sounds Matter
(1:19) Reese Bass (Method 1: Detuned Sub Oscillator)
(2:40) Monophonic Mode & Glide
(3:41) Reese Bass (Method 2: The "Phaser" Notch Filter)
(4:59) Reese Bass (Method 3: Stereo Detune Trick)
(8:04) Reese Bass (Method 4: "Static" Sub Bass)
(9:39) Modifying the Reese (Pulse, Triangle Waves)
(10:19) Adding Distortion
(10:59) Classic Pluck Bass (Pitch Envelope)
(12:37) 808-Style Sub Bass
(13:08) Jungle / Jump Up Bass
(14:27) "Cyberpunk" / Dark Techno Bass (Unison)
(17:11) Synthwave Bass (Kavinsky Style)
(18:55) Post-FX & Shaping with EQ
(20:57) EDM Pluck Lead
(22:39) Classic Rave Lead
(24:22) Acid Bass (TB-303 Style)
(26:20) Classic Pad Sound
(30:19) Making Pads Unique (Layering Samples)
(36:20) How Preset Libraries Make Pads (Wavetables)
(38:38) Intro to FM Synthesis
(39:45) FM E-Piano Sound
(42:38) FM Bell Sounds
(43:46) FM Percussion Sounds
(44:41) Final Thoughts & Conclusion
(47:42) Outro
Once you know these fundamentals, you'll realize you don't need to spend hundreds on presets. You can finally start making your own signature sounds. Let me know in the comments which sound was your favorite to build!
Video transcribed, summarized and Q&A on my Blog (no ads): polarity.me/posts/polarity-music/2025-10-29-classic-synth-sounds-in-bitwig-bass-leads-and-pads
--
💕 Support me on Patreon: bit.ly/3PgbxZz
💰 donate via Paypal: bit.ly/3cae9t8
🎧 my Music: polarity.bandcamp.com
💾 my Tools: polarity.me/posts/articles/2024-08-04-polarity-tools
💻 my Gear: kit.co/polarity/polarity-music-kit
👉 Discord: discord.gg/eWwFBww
👉 Website: polarity.me
--
🛒 Buy/Upgrade Bitwig Studio & Support me bit.ly/3yQEyDU
🛒 VST/AU Plugin Deals bit.ly/3zcvo66
All those expensive preset packs and "advanced" synth plugins you see? They're almost all based on the simple, classic sound design techniques I'm showing you for FREE in this video. I'm breaking down the "bread and butter" sounds that every single producer should know how to make from scratch. I'm using basic synths in Bitwig, but you can follow along in any DAW (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic) with any basic synth.
Find the sound you're looking for:
(0:00) Intro - Why These Sounds Matter
(1:19) Reese Bass (Method 1: Detuned Sub Oscillator)
(2:40) Monophonic Mode & Glide
(3:41) Reese Bass (Method 2: The "Phaser" Notch Filter)
(4:59) Reese Bass (Method 3: Stereo Detune Trick)
(8:04) Reese Bass (Method 4: "Static" Sub Bass)
(9:39) Modifying the Reese (Pulse, Triangle Waves)
(10:19) Adding Distortion
(10:59) Classic Pluck Bass (Pitch Envelope)
(12:37) 808-Style Sub Bass
(13:08) Jungle / Jump Up Bass
(14:27) "Cyberpunk" / Dark Techno Bass (Unison)
(17:11) Synthwave Bass (Kavinsky Style)
(18:55) Post-FX & Shaping with EQ
(20:57) EDM Pluck Lead
(22:39) Classic Rave Lead
(24:22) Acid Bass (TB-303 Style)
(26:20) Classic Pad Sound
(30:19) Making Pads Unique (Layering Samples)
(36:20) How Preset Libraries Make Pads (Wavetables)
(38:38) Intro to FM Synthesis
(39:45) FM E-Piano Sound
(42:38) FM Bell Sounds
(43:46) FM Percussion Sounds
(44:41) Final Thoughts & Conclusion
(47:42) Outro
Once you know these fundamentals, you'll realize you don't need to spend hundreds on presets. You can finally start making your own signature sounds. Let me know in the comments which sound was your favorite to build!
Video transcribed, summarized and Q&A on my Blog (no ads): polarity.me/posts/polarity-music/2025-10-29-classic-synth-sounds-in-bitwig-bass-leads-and-pads
--
💕 Support me on Patreon: bit.ly/3PgbxZz
💰 donate via Paypal: bit.ly/3cae9t8
🎧 my Music: polarity.bandcamp.com
💾 my Tools: polarity.me/posts/articles/2024-08-04-polarity-tools
💻 my Gear: kit.co/polarity/polarity-music-kit
👉 Discord: discord.gg/eWwFBww
👉 Website: polarity.me
--
🛒 Buy/Upgrade Bitwig Studio & Support me bit.ly/3yQEyDU
🛒 VST/AU Plugin Deals bit.ly/3zcvo66
