Cubase vs Ableton: Producing Afrobeats with the 808 Bass

Sample Focus -

Afrobeats is everywhere and producers seem to be constantly getting even more creative with the genre. But to do that, you need to make sure you have the right tools.

Previously, we put Cubase and Ableton head-to-head in a blog that focused on their relevance to beginners. So this time we are going to see which one is the best choice for to make Afrobeats with a 808 bassline.

Cubase has many features to help you put together detail oriented music arrangements. On the other hand, Ableton is great for live performances and getting creative with an easy-to-use interface. Both DAWs are excellent to make deep bass lines.

Let's take a look and see if you should choose Cubase or Ableton.

What’s Better, Ableton or Cubase?

It basically comes down to your workflow and specific needs. Here's a quick rundown. To make things simple: If you need detailed editing and mixing, Cubase might be your go-to. For a more flexible and user-friendly experience, Ableton gets ahead.

Cubase

  • Pros:
    • Advanced MIDI Editing: Perfect for intricate bass lines.
    • Mixing Tools: Great for detailed track balancing.
  • Cons:
    • Steeper Learning Curve: Takes time to master.
    • Resource-Heavy: Requires a robust computer setup.

Ableton

  • Pros:
    • Intuitive Workflow: Ideal for quick setups and live arrangements.
    • Flexible Looping: Easy to experiment with loops and samples.
  • Cons:
    • Limited MIDI Capabilities: Not as robust for complex arrangements.
    • Basic Audio Editing: May need additional plugins for advanced tasks.

Producing Afrobeats Instrumentals

Creating an Afrobeats Instrumental involves layering rhythmic percussion with melodic elements. Here’s how both DAWs handle it:

Cubase

  1. Groove Agent: use this built-in drum sampler for authentic percussion sounds.
  2. Chord Pads: Quickly create smooth chord progressions to build your track’s foundation.

Ableton

  1. Session View: Perfect for laying out your song structure and experimenting with loops.
  2. Drum Rack: Easily layer different percussion sounds for a rich, textured beat.

Pro Tip: Use markers in your DAW to map out each section of your Afrobeats Song Structure. This keeps your track organized and ensures a seamless flow.

808 Bass in Afrobeats

The 808 bass is the heartbeat of Afrobeats. Let’s explore the Best 808 samples and how to make a 808 Bass Synth.

The Best 808? There's no direct answer, and it does also come down to preference.

The 808 Bass Synth: Pick your DAW

  • Cubase: Use Retrologue 2 for designing rich 808 sounds.
  • Ableton: Operator is your go-to for versatile 808 synthesis.

How to Mix an 808:

When mixing 808s you want to focus on EQ, saturation, sidechain compression, layering, and parallel compression for quality.

  1. EQ: High-pass around 60Hz to remove unwanted sub-bass.
  2. Saturation: Add warmth and harmonics to make your 808 stand out.
  3. Sidechain Compression: Sidechain your 808 to the kick for that punchy feel.

And from there, to focus on sound quality.

  • Layering: Combine your 808 with a sub-bass for a fuller sound.
  • Compression: Use parallel compression to retain punch without sacrificing clarity.

Can You Master with Ableton?

Of course! With Ableton use Multiband Dynamics and Limiter for mastering Afrobeats tracks.

Can You Master with Cubase?

This is a definite yes too. With Cubase use Frequency EQ and Maximizer to get a professional sounding master.

The Afrobeats Song Structure

So what makes a song Afrobeats? It essentially stands out with:

  • Syncopated Percussion: Creates that irresistible groove.
  • Melodic Bass Lines: Adds depth and movement.
  • Call-and-Response Vocals: Engages listeners and adds dynamic interaction.

And what are the elements of Afrobeats? Focus on these key elements:

  • Shakers & Congas: Essential for driving rhythms.
  • Talking Drum: Adds cultural flair and rhythmic complexity.
  • Synth Leads: Craft catchy melodies that stick.

Putting it all together

Here's a quick recap so you remember how to make a 808 beat and mix an 808 with your afrobeat track.

How to Make an 808 Beat

  1. Start with Kick Pattern: Foundation of your beat.
  2. Add 808 on Key Notes: Align with your kick for cohesion.
  3. Adjust Release: Tailor the decay to fit the groove.
  4. Apply Subtle Swing: Adds a human feel to your beat.

How to Mix an 808

  1. Layer with Sub-Bass: Ensures consistency across playback systems.
  2. Parallel Compression: Adds punch without losing dynamics.
  3. EQ Adjustments: Boost around 60Hz and cut any muddiness.

Final Words

Both Cubase vs Ableton offer powerful tools to create standout Afrobeats tracks with deep 808 bass. Whether you prefer Cubase’s detailed editing and mixing capabilities or Ableton’s intuitive and flexible workflow, both DAWs can help you craft the perfect Afrobeats Instrumental. Experiment with both and find what works best for your production style.