A perfect kick drum can make all the difference between a track that slams and one that falls flat. For beginners, creating the kick can be quite challenging.
Presets—often embedded in virtual synthesizers (VSTs) — are essential tools that help newbies produce high-quality kick drum sounds and serve as a springboard for crafting impressive kicks in their tracks.
KICK 2 presets are not only valuable for DJs looking to create banger tracks but also offer a wide variety of preset packs suitable for multiple genres beyond EDM.
In this quick-fire guide, we’ll be looking at the most essential things you need to know and understand about KICK 2 presets to help you get the most out of them, and start using them in your production right away.
Overview of KICK 2
KICK 2 is a comprehensive drum synthesizer that generates a wide range of kick drum sounds, from vintage-inspired thumps to cutting-edge low-end textures.
Equipped with unique features and functionality, this plugin provides producers with an extensive sonic palette with which to work.
Key Features of KICK 2
● High-quality Bezier Curves for smooth waveform generation
● Snap-to-key feature to keep drums in tune with the musical key
● Built-in compressor and limiter for enhanced punch and clarity
● Gate/Keytrack & Portamento Control for dynamic effects
● Full Graphical EQ to fine-tune low-end frequencies
● Quick Kick Export Function for easy sample creation
● Tube, Clip, and Wave distortion algorithms for grit and character.
Why Use Presets
While some producers may prefer to create drum sounds from scratch, presets can offer several advantages. They provide instant access to professional-quality kick drum tones, allowing users to focus more on the creative process rather than spending excessive time on sound design.
Exploring the Best KICK 2 Presets
KICK 2 presets library caters to a wide range of musical genres and styles. From trance to dubstep, they can elevate your productions and provide a solid foundation for your tracks.
Here are some of the best you can take advantage of:
● Vol. 14 - Trance: A resonant kick drum perfect for soaring trance anthems.
● Vol. 12 - French House: A groovy, filtered kick with a retro-inspired character.
● Vol. 3 - Future Bass: A stuttering, glitchy kick that adds a unique rhythmic element to your future bass productions.
● Vol. 10 - 808s: A powerful, sub-heavy kick perfect for creating those iconic 808 basslines that shake the floor
● Vol. 5 - Techno: a raw, distorted kick that anchors your techno tracks with unrelenting low-end presence.
Customizing Presets
While the provided presets offer a great starting point, the true power of this drum synthesizer lies in its capability to customize and personalize these sounds.
Users can transform presets into unique and distinctive kick drums that perfectly fit their musical vision by tweaking various parameters such as pitch, envelope, and distortion.
Steps for Customizing Presets
1. Select a preset that aligns with the desired vibe and genre of the track.
2. Experiment with the various parameters, including pitch, envelope, and distortion, to sculpt the sound.
3. Utilize the full-featured EQ to integrate the kick drum seamlessly into the mix.
Advanced Techniques with KICK 2
KICK 2 also offers advanced features that can significantly enhance the depth and dynamism of your kick drum sounds.
Layering and Combining Presets
One of the most powerful techniques of this drum synthesizer is its capability to layer and blend presets, creating multi-faceted kick drum sounds.
Start with a solid, foundational kick preset. Then, add additional layers, such as a high-end click or mid-range thump, to enhance specific frequencies. Balance the levels of each layer and use EQ to carve out space. Lastly, filters and effects are applied to blend the layers seamlessly.
Employing Automation and Modulation
Automation and modulation are key to making dynamic tracks. KICK 2 offers extensive automation and modulation capabilities, allowing you to add movement and variation to your kick sounds.
External Effects and Processing
While KICK 2 includes a range of built-in effects, integrating external effects can further enhance your kick drum sounds. Some of the external effects you can include are reverb, delay, parallel compression, and saturation.
Tips for Selecting The Right Preset
Finding the perfect presets requires a systematic approach:
1. Identify the primary mood or genre of your track.
2. Explore ones that match the desired sonic character.
3. Test them in the context of your mix.
4. Organize your favorites for easy access.
In Conclusion
KICK 2 is a versatile drum synthesis tool that transforms kick drum design. With its presets, advanced features, and customization capabilities, producers can create unique and impactful percussive elements.
Explore KICK 2, experiment with its presets and advanced techniques, and check out Sonic Academy’s tutorials to enhance your music production skills.
Which among the featured presets is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
(Photo credits: Sonic Academy)
