In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a PS1-style hybrid bass using layered sound design techniques. This sound blends classic late-90s PlayStation grit with modern low-end power — perfect for retro game music, cyberpunk tracks, hybrid scoring, or drum & bass.

🎧 Understanding the PS1 Bass Sound

The original PlayStation sound engine was known for:

• Low sample rates

• Short looped samples

• Digital artifacts and compression

• Light but noticeable reverb

• Tight envelopes

To recreate this vibe, we’ll combine:

1. A gritty PS1-style core layer

2. A clean sub-bass foundation

3. Optional texture for character

4. Controlled lo-fi processing

🧩 Step 1 – Create the Core Bass Layer

Load Layer A

1. Open Super Audio Cart 2 inside Kontakt.

2. Select a PS1 sound bank (or 90s digital console bank).

3. Choose:

   • A short synth bass

   • Or a low electric bass-style sample

Adjust the Settings

• Tune: 0 or -12 semitones (if needed)

• Enable RAW mode for authentic tone

• Low-pass filter: 6–8 kHz

• Resonance: 10–20%

Envelope Settings

• Attack: 0 ms

• Decay: 200–400 ms

• Sustain: ~70%

• Release: Short and tight

At this stage, the bass should feel punchy and slightly digital.

🔹 Step 2 – Add a Clean Sub Layer

Load Layer B

1. Choose a simple waveform (sine or triangle).

2. Tune -12 semitones if necessary.

3. Apply a heavy low-pass filter around 150 Hz.

Keep this layer clean — no distortion.

Lower the volume until it adds weight without becoming obvious.

🔹 Step 3 – Add Texture (Optional but Recommended)

Load Layer C

Choose one of the following:

• Short digital stab

• Light noise sample

• Slightly detuned pulse wave

Apply:

• Subtle bitcrushing

• Very light LFO pitch movement

Keep this layer low in the mix — it should add character, not dominate.

🎛️ Step 4 – Add Movement with Modulation

Use the modulation system to add subtle motion.

Modulation 1

• Source: Slow LFO

• Target: Filter Cutoff

• Amount: Small (5–10%)

Modulation 2

• Source: Velocity

• Target: Filter Cutoff

• Amount: Medium

This makes the bass feel expressive and less static.

🔥 Step 5 – Apply PS1-Style Effects

Bitcrusher

• Reduce bit depth slightly

• Aim for digital grain, not heavy distortion

Saturation / Drive

• Apply lightly

• Preserve low-end clarity

Reverb

• Use a small room

• Mix level: 10–15%

• Slight high cut

PS1 mixes often had subtle but noticeable ambience.

🎹 Step 6 – Optional Sequencer Groove

For classic late-90s energy:

• Enable the arpeggiator

• Set rate to 1/16

• Short gate length

• 1–2 octave range

Or use the step sequencer:

• Alternate velocity levels

• Add slight swing

This gives you that retro RPG or action-game feel.

🎚️ Step 7 – Assign Macros for Performance Control

Map useful parameters to macros:

• Macro 1 → Filter cutoff

• Macro 2 → Bitcrusher amount

• Macro 3 → Reverb mix

• Macro 4 → Sub level

Now you can easily morph between:

• Clean cinematic bass

• Gritty nostalgic PS1 tone

• Aggressive hybrid cyber bass

🎧 Final Mixing Tips

• High-pass below 30 Hz (in your DAW)

• Keep sub frequencies mono

• Use light sidechain if layering with drums

• Pair with modern percussion for contrast