Quick tip

How to Build a Big Hardstyle Lead Layer

Having a huge lead layer is super important when making hardstyle.

My notes from this Short

01

Saws an octave apart with 16 voices

First I load up a saw wave, duplicate it and make sure that one is one octave up. I put the unison on 16, because we want as many voices as we can.

Now duplicate this sound and detune it more, then duplicate it again and detune it even more. We've now created a very big layer.

Serum oscillator A with a plain saw wave and unison set to 16 voices, the start of a big hardstyle lead layer
A saw wave with the unison on 16.
02

A clear saw and a raw lead on top

What you want to add now is a very clear saw layer, and then a very raw lead.

03

Saturation, a little distortion and Oxford Inflator

Then I add some saturation, remove the bass and add a little bit of distortion. I add Oxford Inflator to really push the sound, compress it a little bit and cut the bass.

Then just add your reverb and delay, and add a drop kick.

What I use in this video

Sonnox Oxford Inflator·Serum

Want the full version?
Layering Masterclass 3: Lead LayersFull tutorial, 25:34
Access hundreds of harder-style sounds, presets & project files

Want some free packs? Unlock our freebie vault.

We only send you harder-style content. Unsubscribe anytime.