Apopular sound in techno today is a hybrid of modern production techniques and the rave sound of the ’90s.
In this merging, faster tempos, detuned synths, melodies and acid basslines are fused with modern techno sounds. A multitude of music production techniques were born in the rave scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the emphasis for producers from this era was firmly on inventiveness and experimentation. Plugins and software synths can allow us to creatively recreate sounds that bear resemblance to sounds from the rave era. In this month’s tutorial, we’ll look at how to create rave-style techno, including building an atmospheric synth and trance synth using Ableton’s Operator. To lay the foundations for your track, program in a kick drum with a strong transient, and sub bass. Use closed and open high hats and a clap from a 909 drum kit (NI’s Battery, or D16’s Drumazon are good choices). Rolling basslines come next, and then it’s time to start thinking synths…