I am using my SP 404 and Audacity to make music (poor mans studio )

I have been working a on beat that I would like to add a bassline to. I tried using the subsonic effect on a kick drum trick but was not satisfied with the results.

There are several VST's that generate bass but I haven't found any that work with Audacity (I am using the 1.2 version, not sure sure if changing to 1.3 beta would make a difference).

I am not really interested in sampling bassline, I would prefer being able to create it from stratch.

I know I am limited with the tools I have but anyone have any suggestions?

a more flexible option might be to use Reaper...its free to try, does multitracking, and also can run vst instruments.

Isn't it only a 30 day trial though?

Try filtering a subsonic tone-knobs all the way left- layer that with some kind of bass stab or sustained note from a record, wichever you're going for (after you eq it to add more low end)..layer them so the sample is the slightly louder of the two. Then pitch them out-but don't use the original layered sample, it'll have a clearer sound then the rest- just use tones that have been pitched differently than the original. Maybe eq the final results a little more. This is a pretty dope technique i've used to have the low end of the subsonic without such a robotic unnatural sound.Kinda like layering an 808 under a kick in a break. Of course you could also just get some jazz records with mainly electronic or regular stand up bass, moog,etc..and chop tones/notes & eq/filter them.Imo- these techniques will always give you a better sound than software plugins/instruments. Hope maybe that helps a little- this is one of the most frustrating parts of the sp-no 12/16 level pitch function can make playing basslines a bitch sometimes. But that's what makes you think outside the box-kinda a gift and a curse.

You can use it longer than 30days. It's just a nag screen at the start up that asks you to buy it then you click "no thanks" and yer on your way. You will still get all the same features as the paid version

I tested out reaper last night and was able to get the VSTs running. I tried Tal Bassline but wasn't too impressed with the sound. I'll try some others later.

Usually, I'll sample a couple bass sounds from a keyboard (any will do do, even a POS casio lying around in your living room) then filter them and sequence them to my track. Quick and dirty, no multi tracking required!

Thanks how I've seen a lot of people do it on youtube. Unfortunately I don't have a keyboard.

i really need to stop taking the time to give away techniques to people that don't give a shit.But- if a decent old casio type keyboard is what you want- you can pick something up like c. scott is talking about for 20 bucks at pretty much any thriftstore.Pretty simple.

yup. also garage sales for like $5.

I posted some tone generators here , they make all sorts of bass sounds

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=9258 last post attachment,

i think they are pretty nifty

Sweet. I will play with these. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Man, i can´t figure out how to use the tonegenerator.

I want to make a phat bassline oldschool-style.

I tried sample moogs and apply effects and stuff, but it sounds real whack.

How did they do it in the old days? Early premier type?
When they didn´t use computers.

i use the subsonic method i pretty much just went "do ray me fa so la te do" and then matched the subsonic pitch with the notes in my head and resampled them to 8 pads. If im not sampling bass sounds then im usually using the subsonic method.

you mean you sampled yourself over mic saying doremi and used the subsonic effect?