How to Get an Overdriven Sub in Hardstyle Kicks

Let's say this is your kick. I add an EQ and simply automate the sub going up and down with a low shelf. The rough shape I follow is no boost during the punch, and taking it down at the end again.

This is because when the sub is very boosted, the mids are very overshadowed. But at the end of your kick, you usually want a little bit of movement.

Now it just needs to be properly clipped, because it's going over 0 dB. I use a wave shaper for this, and FL Studio comes with some very convenient soft clip settings. Start with a very big boost and decrease it while playing the kick, to find the perfect balance.

You can control the tone as well by playing around with the frequency. Low, it just takes over the sub, but higher it also takes the low bass part, which helps with adding some overtones in your bass if you need it.

Just make sure you're not overdoing the effect, because it can take over your kick very easily.