We review the Flax Pack from Rene Flächsenhaar
If you’re a fan of incredible bass playing, you probably know Rene Flächsenhaar from his jaw-dropping performances on the BassTheWorld.com YouTube channel. But beyond his presence in those iconic videos, Rene is one of Berlin’s most in-demand bassists, a versatile and seasoned musician who’s played across Germany with renowned artists like Udo Lindenberg, Lou Bega, Katja Riemann, Nevio, and Marteria, among others.
Rene’s immense talent spans virtually every genre, from funk to drum & bass, to pop and beyond. So, when we learned that he had released a set of HX Stomp presets for bass, we couldn’t wait to dive in and explore.
What Makes These Presets Unique?
Rene’s presets are not your typical “plug-and-play” rock or funk sounds. You won’t find a standard “SVT + Cab + Distortion” preset here—though the included compressor, amp, and cab settings are exceptionally well-crafted. Instead, these presets are tailored for players seeking something unique: atmospheric textures for intros and interludes, and heavy, synth-driven bass tones perfect for drum & bass, trap, drill, and other groove-heavy genres.
Inside the Pack
The preset pack includes five distinctive sounds, each thoughtfully designed and full of creative possibilities:
- Dub/Drum & Bass Preset
This preset is built around an octaver and features multiple momentary switches to engage effects like delay and ring modulation. It’s perfect for adding variety and depth to drum & bass grooves or dub-inspired basslines. - Ambience Preset
With two delays set to different times, a step sequencer, and a low-pass filter, this preset is all about creating lush, atmospheric soundscapes. There’s even a higher octave accessible via a momentary switch, adding a final touch of ethereal brilliance. - Vocoder-Style Preset
Based on multiple harmonizers and set in E minor, this preset creates a rich tapestry of harmonized notes from a single input. It’s ideal for experimental and progressive compositions. - Sidechain Synth Bass Preset
This aggressive, square-wave synth sound is paired with an “attacker” effect to emulate a classic sidechain-style pulse. It’s an excellent choice for creating driving basslines in genres like drum & bass, trap, or EDM. - Classic Synth Sound
The most versatile of the bunch, this preset combines octave, overdrive, chorus, and a Moog-style filter. It’s a fantastic out-of-the-box synth bass tone that also serves as a solid foundation for building even more complex sounds.
Who Are These Presets For?
Rene’s HX Stomp presets are perfect for bassists looking to expand their tonal palette. Whether you’re searching for inspiration, curious about how a pro player builds their sounds, or simply in need of some brutal synth tones, there’s something here for everyone. The presets are intuitive, versatile, and immediately usable in a wide range of musical contexts.
Final Thoughts
What makes this pack stand out is the creativity and versatility baked into each preset. Rene doesn’t just deliver sounds—he offers a glimpse into his innovative approach to tone and sound design. If you’re a bassist with an HX Stomp, this pack is a treasure trove of ideas that will spark your imagination and elevate your playing.
This preset pack is available for purchase here!
