One of the best bits about the Hyperbits Master Class, is exposure to new concepts and ideas that can get the most out of a track. After watching Zach use this to great effect, I immediately had Ableton Envy and to quash those feelings, decided to set about working out how to do this in Logic and other DAWs. First off, if you have Ableton, download from Bass Klepth’s website (here). It is a genius effect and I am in awe of Bass Kelpth’s work on this. For Logic Pro and other DAWs, delve in to today’s post.
TLDR; I am looking for an alternative to Bass Kleph’s Easy Washout in Logic Pro. Coulsdn’t find one – so looking at a rebuild.
Solution Number 1: The Rack Container.
Easy solution this – BlueCat Patchwork. It can hold many plugins in a chain and run multiple chains in parallel. All parameters can be learned and se to one dial, just like Bass Kleph.
I will need to automate the following effects and find usable alternative:
| Rack Item | Logic Pro Alternatives |
| 1. Grain Delay (or Granular Delay) | Soundtoys Cristallizer, Alchemy, KTgranulator, Soundhack, Valhalla (Free) FreqEcho, GlitchMachines Fracture (Free), Bedroom Producers List, Lunacy Audio, |
| 2. Auto Filter | Fab Filter Simplon, Volcano 3, ProEQ3/4. |
| 3. Reverb | Any. I went for Valhalla Verbs, |
| 4. EQ | |
| 5. Filter Delay | Timeless 2, Waves Metafilter, D16 Repeater, |
| 6. Compressor | |
Grain Delay
Finding a good grain delay can be tricky. I opted for Arturia’s eFX and switched off effects PAN and FX2 and assigned FX1 to Delay, which I assigned to slot 1. I then added Speed (Spray set to <>) and Dry/Wet to the BlueCat Wash Out Automation dial. I think I assigned GRAIN MIX and DRY/WET from the delay to the Macro. Either way, I was pleased by how close I got with this part. I remember getting it for a crazy low upgrade price and it fit the bill.
Autofilter
Next step is to create an AutoFilter type EQ shape with the correct emphasis at the peak. In order to complete this with precision, I used Bertom’s Curve Analyser plugin to find the end point of Bass Kleph’s Autofilter setting and then mirrored this using FabFilter Simplon and then Volcano 3. Volcano 3 proved to be the best because I could get the high shelf at the correct point and keep typical filter options. However, the Q of the main peak is tighter but I think it is good enough. ProQ4 would provide a decent alternativem maybe even provide a better output with the right auotmation.
3. Reverb
Image of Bass Klepth’s Reverb – I always find it hard to replicate from GUI alone
For the Reverb, the mix goes up to 50% while the volume drops to -15db. I struggled. I will have to isolate the reverb, run an audio sample through it and the rebuild in something I am familiar with such as Valhalla Vintage Verb or Room.
4. EQ
As the effects come in, the EQ makes sure that they blend nicely and gel together without overpowering the low end. The end point of the EQ can be found as per above and it’s easy enough to replicate this in any EQ. I went for ProQ4 and used a low cut with a -6dB slope and a bell with a wide Q, coming down at around 500Hz as the cut moves from left to right with the increase of intensity.
4. Filter Delay
Image of Bass Klepth’s Filter Dekay Settings – I always find it hard to replicate from GUI alone
I found this hard to analyse and replicate. I usually use SoundToys EchoBoy but the macro controls do not work properly for this and had to delve into unfamiliar terriroity. For the Filter Delay, I had FabFilter Timeless to hand and Waves H-Delay. I ended up using H-Delay due to being more familiar with it but need to refine this. to make this more authentic, I need a delay with mid and stereo control.
5. Compressor
For the compressor, I dialled in the same settings, ratio 3:1, attack 1ms, release 20ms and gain threshold to a maximum of -30dB. As the effect increases, the quieter elements rise in volume and the louder elements shrink.
An example of where I got to can be found as per below but I need to refine and improve:
If you have been able to build on this concept, please let me know in the comments below.
If you have found better alternatives, also, please let me know and if you’re happy to share, I can post on my site. I will post my preset when I have it refined.
Finally, I start thinking about other Wash Outs. I was listening to other tracks and realise that there are other styles out there. I have been working on another for one of my favourite tracks.