Dub techno sub bass uses two pitch-tuned copies of one sub sample for a minimal two-note riff

The sub bass in dub techno is kept minimal. A single sub sample is loaded into two drum-rack pads tuned to two different notes — the tutorial uses D# (root) and G# — creating a simple two-note bass riff. Shortening the sample and setting a short release in the sampler gives precise control over note length while drawing notes in the piano roll. A low-cut EQ below about 37 Hz and a limiter after the drum rack control sub buildup and prevent clipping, and the kick-sidechain compressor is applied here too so the sub ducks under the kick. This reflects the dub techno aesthetic of extreme economy in melodic content: two notes, one sample.

Examples

Tutorial step 6: sub sample tuned down two semitones (D#) and up three semitones (G#) in two Simpler pads, note length controlled by piano roll, EQ below ~37 Hz, limiter on drum-rack output.

Assessment

Design a dub techno sub bass using one sample tuned to two pitches. What low-end cutoff is recommended and why? How does sidechain compression interact with the sub in this context?