Reply To: The new PULSAR-23 Bass Drum module

<h1 class=”font-600 text-2xl font-bold”>Understanding Bass Drum Settings in Drum Machines</h1>
<h2 class=”font-600 text-xl font-bold”>Overview</h2>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>The setting in question doesn’t alter the fundamental character of the Bass Drum (BD) sound. Instead, it affects the consistency of the BD, but only under specific conditions:</p>

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<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Very fast Attack (ATT)
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Relatively short Release (REL)
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>High Velocity

<h2 class=”font-600 text-xl font-bold”>Classic Mode vs. New Mode</h2>
<h3 class=”font-600 text-lg font-bold”>Classic Mode</h3>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>In this mode, one kick in a pattern may sound different from another because the oscillator is free-running. When the kick is triggered, the oscillator might be in a different phase, potentially resulting in:</p>

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<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>A more blurred transient
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>A duller kick sound

<h3 class=”font-600 text-lg font-bold”>New Mode</h3>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>In this mode, the oscillator resets for each trigger, ensuring consistency from kick to kick.</p>

<h2 class=”font-600 text-xl font-bold”>Making Your Choice</h2>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>The decision comes down to a simple question: Do you prefer each bass drum hit to sound identical (new mode), or do you enjoy the slight variations that occur in the classic mode?</p>

<h3 class=”font-600 text-lg font-bold”>Advantages of New Mode</h3>

<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Consistency: Every hit sounds the same, which can be ideal for precise, punchy beats. This is often preferred in genres like Techno.

<h3 class=”font-600 text-lg font-bold”>Advantages of Classic Mode</h3>

<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Subtle Variations: The slight differences between hits can add a more “organic” feel to your rhythm.
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Potential for Happy Accidents: The phase differences might occasionally produce interesting textures or grooves you didn’t anticipate.

<h2 class=”font-600 text-xl font-bold”>Listen for yourself</h2>
<p class=”whitespace-pre-wrap break-words”>Even with the new mode enabled, you’ll get classic mode behavior under certain conditions:</p>

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<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Slow attacks
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Longer releases
<li class=”whitespace-normal break-words”>Lower velocities