Dark VX Kick: Powerful Sampled Bass Drum by Chokehold
In modern music, a high-quality bass drum is a critically important element. It forms the rhythmic foundation, sets the groove, and gives the track energy. Developer Chokehold offers the Dark VX Kick plugin – a multifunctional sampled VST/AU instrument designed to provide a powerful, deep, and expressive sound for your kick.
Sampling and Dynamic Layers
Dark VX Kick is based on high-quality samples of a real bass drum. The plugin has four layers of dynamics (velocity layers) for realistic performance and expressiveness depending on the force of pressing the MIDI key.
Dynamic layers:
- 000-015: Softest layer (one sample). For subtle nuances.
- 016-066: Middle layer (3x round-robins). Adds variability.
- 067-111: Hard layer (3x round-robins). For accented hits.
- 112-127: “Power” layer (one sample). For the strongest hits.
Using round-robins in the middle and hard layers ensures a natural sound, imitating the behavior of a real instrument.
Independent Mixer and Processing
The main advantage of Dark VX Kick is its innovative mixer architecture with several independent channels, each with uniquely processed samples. This gives full control over the sound and the ability to mix the kick components for your own timbre.
Mixer channels:
- DRY: Samples processed with analog EQs Harrison 32EQ and SSL 611. The main formed sound.
- COMPRSD: Samples processed with the u-he Presswerk compressor. Adds density.
- SUB KICK: Channel with ultra-low frequency samples for a powerful sub-bass.
- ROOM Aux: Samples passed through Lexicon LXP Room to add space.
- REVERB Aux: Reproduces the sound of a modified Lexicon LXP Chamber reverb chamber.
Each channel is an independent set of samples, and they can be used separately or mixed. Channels are easy to enable/disable with the “Mute” buttons.
Ease of Use
Dark VX Kick is extremely simple. After loading into the DAW, play the MIDI note D1 (36), and you’ll immediately hear the kick. No complex settings at the start.
Conclusion
Dark VX Kick by Chokehold is a flexible and powerful instrument. It combines high-quality samples, multi-layered dynamics, unique processing (analog equipment, leading plugins), and an intuitive mixer. Independent channels (Dry, Compressed, Sub, Room, Reverb) allow full control over the formation of the kick sound for any style. If you need a kick that breaks through the mix and gives tracks a foundation, Dark VX Kick is a great choice. Available in VST/AU formats for Windows and MacOS.
