Dubstep Production Techniques by Dodge & Fuski

With numerous consecutive number 1 spots in the Beatport Dubstep chart, there’s no denying that Dodge and Fuski are one of the biggest names in electronic music, rocking dancefloors worldwide with their devastating beats. In this new online course from Producertech, you’re invited into the studio to see exactly how that signature sound is created. The 2-part set of tutorials guides you through the process of producing a Dubstep anthem, describing each of the elements in a track and how they’re combined and laid out to form a successful arrangement.

The first part of the course walks through brand new single ‘Killer Bees’, just released on Disciple Recordings, enabling you to listen to each part of the track individually and understand the reasons for including them and the treatment required to make them sit well in the mix. There’s also an analysis of the arrangement and a breakdown of each section, explaining the evolution of the track and how it was conceived.

The second set of tutorials applies all of these techniques and more into creating a basic Dubstep arrangement from scratch, including the laying out and processing of beats, creation of the bassline, sound design and application of FX layers and builds - which are woven together into a simple song structure. Although the tracks are made in Cubase, the techniques can be easily applied to any music making platform, so the course is suitable for anyone, regardless of DAW preference.
After signing up, the tutorials are available to watch immediately, along with a 150MB bonus download pack of Dubstep samples. For more information, check out the course trailer and the free sample module below.

Sample Module: Pro Dubstep Arrangement Tips

Module Details

Part 1: ‘Killer Bees’

‘Killer Bees’ Introduction

In this module, Rob Talbott from DNF gives you an introduction to the course.

'Killer Bees’ Drums

In this lesson, the fundamental drum sounds in the track are shown, how they were selected and the processing applied.

'Killer Bees’ Main Bass 1

Turning to the bass, Rob shows you the isolated sound, its use in the arrangement and the techniques used to create the characteristic dubstep vibe.

'Killer Bees' Main Bass 2

In this module, the additional bass layers are explained and how they are utilised to great effect.

'Killer Bees’ More Bass

Finishing off the section on bass sounds, Rob gives pro tips and tricks on different processing techniques and their applications.

'Killer Bees’ Structure and Arrangement

In the penultimate lesson in the first half of the tutorial, the structure and arrangement of the track are analysed - with a focus on how it would be mixed and played out in a set.

'Killer Bees’ Mix Bus Processing

Wrapping up the section about ‘Killer Bees’, the mix bus processing is explored, with a demonstration of an atypical use of limiters to sit the drums and bass together effectively.

Part 2: Creating a New Track

Drums

Going straight in to creating the beats, Rob goes through sample selection, placement and EQing the kick and snare.

Bass

In this module, Rob quickly sets up a bass patch in Massive. He then applies processing including reverb and demonstrates a creative use of multiband compression and other effects to sit the bass and drums together.

Brass Stab

Adding a melodic part, Rob goes to Kontakt and selects a brass ensemble. He uses a powerful multiband compressor, after the reverb, to create an unusual, synthetic effect.

Adding FX

In this section, FX are experimented with, which add interest to the track. Rob also alters some areas of the brass, to fix issues with clashing notes.

Creating a Build with an FX Riser

Rob shows you how to create a build by automating various parameters on the drums, including resonance. Next, he creates a riser using Massive - showing some basic techniques for creating an intriguing sound that pulls the audience in to the drop.

Sub Bass

In this lesson, the sub bass is split from the main bass part. This makes it possible to apply specific processing to the extreme low-end and mid parts, to add more depth to the track, without cluttering the bass.

Finishing the Arrangement

This module gives you an overview of Rob’s approach to arrangement including standard layouts and tips about placement of melodic elements, inclusion of parts and a general discussion of arrangement methodology.

Basic Mastering

In the final module, Rob gives you some basic mastering tips then sums up the course.