clap

How to create FX from a clap

How to create FX from a clap

Audiotent Tip 412. How to create FX from a clap.


Effects can often help to enhance and smooth out the transitions in your track. They can also introduce a sense of movement and atmosphere.
Here are a few simple ways to create and process your own effect starting from a clap sample:


First, select the clap sample of your liking and import it into your project. In this example, we use the Clap 60 from our Tech House Claps library.
Clap dry

Next, apply a long reverb. Generally a length somewhere between 3 to 15 seconds is a good starting point. Reverb could be longer or infinite depending on the application. Make sure to pay attention to reverbs eq and damping functions. Tweak them to your liking.

If the reverb tail is overpowering your other instruments in the mix, reduce its frequency bandwidth. This way, only a specific narrow range of frequencies will decay for a longer period of time. In our example, we used Valhalla Vintage Verb.

Valhalla Reverb
Bounce the processed stem to audio and you should have a nice sounding clap impact effect.
Clap Bounce
Additional modulation FX could now be added to introduce extra movement. Have a listen how a stock DAW phaser plugin introduces almost a riser type of effect to our reverb tail.

Logic Pro X Phaser

Don’t just stop with modulation effects, try applying some distortion or filter automation too.

Lastly, you could also reverse the processed sound to achieve a tense buildup transition.
Clap Reverse

If you're looking to expand your library of FX be sure to check out our up & coming release called Drone. 107 FX, Noises, Ambiences, Risers and Falls for Techno & Tech-House.

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