demobook

Cubase 15: Sidechaining and processing bass with VST Bass Amp

Demo summary

Austin shows how to sidechain a bass track to a kick drum using the stock compressor and configures the VST Bass Amp with specific cabinet and microphone settings.

Step-by-step

  1. Add a stock compressor to the bass track
  2. Enable the sidechain trigger on the compressor to duck the bass when the kick hits
  3. Open VST Bass Amp and select the Valve Amp model
  4. Configure pre-effects using the DI Driver and Compressor
  5. Select the 8x10 cabinet in the cabinet section
  6. Set up the microphone configuration using the 409 and 121 ribbon mics
  7. Add an Enhancer in the post-effects section
  8. Adjust the Drive and Mid-range settings to add grit and presence

Options

  • Save your custom settings as a preset within the VST Bass Amp
  • Toggle the Frequency EQ on or off to clean up the tone

Tips

  • Use the stock compressor for sidechaining as it is easy to work with
  • Use an Enhancer in the post-effects chain to give the bass more 'pop'
  • Layer the bass with other tracks to thicken the sound

Highlights

I always use a stock compressor when I'm side chaining things. It's just super easy to work with.

All demos from “Learn Cubase 15 Step-By-Step in This Walkthrough | Demo Project by Austin Hull

  1. 3:042:34Mixing drum elements with Cubase pluginsThe narrator walks through processing kick and snare tracks using the EQP1A, Tube Compressor, Magneto saturation, and Stereo Enhancer to shape the drum sound.Cubase 15AI Audio Editor
  2. 7:561:16Sidechaining and processing bass with VST Bass AmpCurrentAustin shows how to sidechain a bass track to a kick drum using the stock compressor and configures the VST Bass Amp with specific cabinet and microphone settings.Cubase 15AI Audio Editor
  3. 9:531:20Creating melodies with the Melodic SequencerA demonstration of the new Melodic Sequencer in Cubase 15, showing how to draw in melodies, use the variation knob for randomization, and adjust density.Cubase 15AI Melody & MIDI Generator
  4. 18:051:03Sound design with the new Pitch Shifter pluginThe demo shows how to use the new Pitch Shifter plugin to tune guitars down an octave while utilizing the built-in drive and formant controls.Cubase 15AI Audio Editor
  5. 34:040:33Master bus processing and limitingAustin shows his master bus chain, including Tube Compressor, Frequency EQ, Maximizer, and Brickwall Limiter to finalize the project export.Cubase 15AI Mastering
  6. Watch “Learn Cubase 15 Step-By-Step in This Walkthrough | Demo Project by Austin Hull” →

AI Audio Editor

  1. 7:200:47Importing and looping audio samplesThe presenter shows how to drag a ride loop from the library, sync it to project tempo, and use the cursor to drag and repeat the loop.Cubase
  2. 10:141:09Adding insert effects to a trackThe presenter demonstrates adding Vibrato and Granulizer effects to a string part via the Inserts section to achieve a lo-fi sound.Cubase
  3. 6:030:36Performing a Quick Audio ExportThe host shows how to use the new Quick Audio Export icon to bypass the full mixdown window and export a project range instantly.Mixdown Online
  4. 6:421:14Managing Automation and Track ControlsDemonstration of the 'last touched parameter' automation feature and new track controls for volume and pan directly on the track header.Mixdown Online
  5. 16:001:15Real-time Pitch Shifting and DoublingThe host demonstrates the new Pitch Shifter plugin on a lead vocal, adjusting formants and using it as a stereo doubler.Mixdown Online
  6. 17:151:00Compressing Drums with Ultra ShaperA demonstration of the Ultra Shaper compressor on a drum bus, showing the threshold adjustment and parallel processing mix knob.Mixdown Online
  7. 0:594:43Create folder tracks with group channel capabilities in CubaseDom demonstrates how to select multiple tracks, right-click to move them into a new folder with a group channel, and manage the resulting summing bus with inserts, EQ, and automation in Cubase 15.0.20.Dom Sigalas
  8. 12:471:28Copy and paste automation between tracksThe demo shows how to use locators to select a range and use the new 'copy automation of selected parameters' function to paste automation perfectly onto a different track's lane.Dom Sigalas
  9. 14:160:14Visual feedback for automation scalingDom demonstrates the new visual DB feedback that appears when scaling automation points up or down in the project window.Dom Sigalas
  10. 17:580:32Audio analysis with WaveLab Go ARA extensionThe demo shows the WaveLab Go ARA integration inside Cubase, specifically using the spectrogram and harmonic selection tools.Dom Sigalas
  11. 9:160:59Sidechain pumping with Steinberg ModulatorsA demonstration of using the new Steinberg Modulators to create a volume shaper effect for a side-chained bass sound.Reid Stefan
  12. 11:050:27Syncing loops to project tempoThe video shows how to use the tempo link button in the sample browser to automatically time-stretch a bongo loop to match the project BPM.Reid Stefan