The Underexplored World of Hardstyle Production Tools
Most music software companies seem to overlook the vibrant world of hardstyle. While they might toss in a few hard dance presets or slather some distortion onto a sound and label it “raw,” these efforts hardly scratch the surface. In reality, the tools made specifically for producing hardstyle, rawstyle, hardcore, uptempo, and hard techno need to address how these genres actually work.
The Role of the Kick
In hardstyle, the kick serves a dual purpose: it’s not merely a drum but the backbone of the track. It drives the bassline and shapes the groove, often turning into the hook or main drop. The characteristics of a well-crafted kick—like pitch, movement, attack, tail, weight, and grit—are paramount to ensuring clarity in the low end, even when the sound begins to clip. This complexity calls for specialized tools aimed at capturing that elusive sonic signature.
Lussive Audio’s Unique Offerings
When I approached Lussive Audio to test their plugin suite, I was met with polite surprise; they seemed taken aback that someone had discovered their niche. As part of Lussive Media, helmed by the Dutch producer A-lusion (Onne Witjes), Lussive Audio offers a catalog rich in materials tailored to hardcore electronic music. Their products include distorted basslines, pitched kick tails, reverse basses, screeches, and hardcore kicks.
A Cross-Section of Tools
The suite of plugins I explored spans multiple dimensions of sound production:
- Bass Generator: Focused on crafting distorted low-end tones.
- ClipLAB: A powerful tool for clipping and adding sonic destruction.
- Kick & Bass Machine: Aimed at older Kontakt-based setups for kick/bass combinations.
- Hardcore Kick Configurator: A tool for crafting hardcore kicks with layers from Tha Playah.
- HardKick: A recent addition, created in collaboration with Psyko Punkz, this plugin emphasizes the intricacies of hard-kick design.
Each of these tools is thoughtfully constructed, drawing from a wealth of experience in the hard dance scene.
Kick & Bass Machine: A Deep Dive
Kick & Bass Machine stands out as a classic offering. It synthesizes kicks, basslines, and wavetable-style bass layers into a cohesive package. What’s more, it includes WAV files that provide supplementary flexibility beyond just the Kontakt instrument.
On the other hand, Hardcore Kick Configurator zeros in on the hardcore kick experience. Developed in collaboration with Tha Playah, it features preloaded kicks, attack layers, customizable sample slots, and even a randomization function. This allows producers to start with a curated selection of materials associated with a renowned hardcore artist instead of generic samples.
Contemporary Solutions: Bass Generator and HardKick
The Bass Generator feels particularly aligned with current industry needs. While it runs through Kontakt, it can work seamlessly with the free Kontakt Player, making it an accessible option for many. Conversely, tools like Kick & Bass Machine and Hardcore Kick Configurator necessitate the full version of Kontakt, limiting accessibility.
In contrast, HardKick breaks away from the dependence on Kontakt altogether, providing a native plugin solution. This modern approach offers increased compatibility, artist-specific banks, and a broader source library.
The Power of ClipLAB
Onne Witjes expressed particular pride in ClipLAB, and it’s easy to see why. This tool is a stand-alone VST3/AU clipping and distortion effect, showcasing pre-EQ functionality, symmetry control, hard clipping, and more. It even includes a “Chaos Mode” for those seeking unconventional sound design.
Speed and Simplicity
One resounding theme throughout Lussive Audio’s catalog is the concept of efficiency. General-purpose synths can certainly replicate these sounds, but often require extensive trial and error. Lussive Audio aims to streamline the process, allowing you to work closer to the targeted sound from the get-go.
Specialization for Specialized Genres
All these tools are finely tuned for producers immersed in hardstyle, rawstyle, hardcore, hard techno, or even adjacent genres like hi-tech psy. However, for those working in pop, trap, house, or cinematic styles, there might not be much of interest within this suite.
A Focus on Distortion and Low-End Control
Given that hardstyle and hardcore are specialized genres, they clearly benefit from dedicated tools. Lussive Audio recognizes this need, positioning its offerings as not just mere supplements but as essential instruments for crafting distinctive tracks characterized by aggressive kicks and robust low-end movement.
This dedication becomes evident in how these tools are designed to foster creativity while ensuring that hard-hitting soundscapes remain clear and captivating, making Lussive Audio a standout player in this niche but growing field.
For producers seeking to delve deeper into the world of hardstyle and related genres, Lussive Audio’s offerings might just be the key to unlocking new creative possibilities.
