Unlocking the Power of Presets: What We Learned from Protohype’s Knights Demo

When it comes to music production, especially in the world of bass-heavy genres like dubstep and trap, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference.

One of the most powerful tools producers can use is presets, and in our latest YouTube video, Protohype dives deep into how to harness the potential of presets using the Knights Heavy Bass Bundle.

Meet Veteran Dubstep Producer Protohype

Protohype, the stage name of Max Hype, is a prominent DJ and electronic music producer known for his unique blend of bass music, particularly within the dubstep and trap genres. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Protohype has made a significant impact on the EDM scene with his heavy-hitting tracks and innovative sound design.

Over the years, he’s released music on major labels like Firepower Records, and he’s collaborated with a wide range of artists across the electronic music spectrum.

Known for his energetic performances and dedication to mental health awareness, Protohype has become a respected figure in the music community.

His ability to merge melody with powerful basslines makes him an influential artist for producers looking to elevate their sound.

Why Using Presets Is Cool:

Presets often get a bad rap in the music production world, with some purists arguing that creating sounds from scratch is the only “authentic” way to produce music. However, as Protohype demonstrates in the video, presets are far from a shortcut—they’re a crucial learning tool.

By analyzing and deconstructing presets, producers can gain valuable insights into sound design. This process allows you to understand the intricate layers that make up a complex sound, giving you the knowledge to recreate or modify these elements in your own productions.

"You shouldn't feel guilty about using presets, the best way to get good at sound design and music production is to take a look at a preset, find out what it is that you like about the preset"

Source: Protohype

So, if you’re thinking presets are just for beginners… the short answer is, they’re not!

How You Can Use Presets?

If you’re unsure how to use presets to your advantage, start by loading up a few from your favorite pack and really dig into the settings.

Disable different effects, tweak the wavetables, and see how each change impacts the sound. This hands-on approach will not only help you understand the intricacies of sound design but also show you how to craft something unique that fits your style perfectly.

For example:

In the video, Protohype uses the BS – Detuned preset from the Knights pack, specifically highlighting the BLA_FM_01 Wavetable.

He walks us through how to dissect a preset by turning off certain elements to identify which components are driving the sound.

For instance, he notes that the wavetable position and stretching effect are key to the preset’s unique character, while the filter also plays a crucial role.

This step-by-step approach shows that by toggling parts of a preset, you can isolate what makes it work, learn from it, and then modify it to suit your creative vision.

Why Presets Are Useful?

Presets offer a solid foundation for any producer.

Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned professional, presets provide a jumping-off point for creating unique sounds. They save time while allowing for creative exploration.

As Protohype emphasizes, you can start with a preset, learn from its structure, and then tweak it to create something entirely your own.

This approach not only speeds up your workflow but also expands your understanding of sound design techniques.

Final Thoughts

Using presets isn’t about taking shortcuts—it’s about leveraging the knowledge and creativity of sound designers to enhance your own production skills.

As Protohype shows in his Knights demo, presets are a powerful tool for learning, experimentation, and ultimately, crafting sounds that are uniquely yours.

So, the next time you load up a preset, remember: it’s not just a sound, it’s a lesson waiting to be learned.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the full video on our YouTube channel to see Protohype’s detailed breakdown in action, and don’t forget to grab your copy of the Knights Heavy Bass Bundle to start experimenting today!

Watch the full video

Aaron Roman

Aaron is an Australian SAE graduate engineer specializing in Electronic Dance Music. He's mastered songs released on Trap Nation, Lowly, UKF, Deadbeats, Spinnin Recs, Sabel Valey, Dim Mak, and many more