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The pulsing momentum of techno is built upon some essential core components, here we’ll detail what you need, and how to use it…
Techno has branched out far from its roots in Detroit and has evolved into a wide array of sounds, including big room techno, main stage techno, soulful techno, purist techno, acid techno and lots more. One consistent element in all of these styles is that the kick is often the main focus of the track. With that in mind, it’s best to start production with the kick drum and build the rest of your track around the kick. To learn what type of kick sound is appropriate to use, use a reference track in the same style that you’d like to create. This will assist you to select or create an appropriate kick sound. You may want to choose the key of your track first and choose a kick that’s in the same key. There are many good quality sample packs available to use as a starting point. To really carve your own niche, why not spend half a day crafting kick drums so that there’s a custom-made library available for your personal use.
Choose a kick that has a strong transient that will cut through the mix. If the kick has a solid body but lacks a sharp transient, layer the kick drum with the transient from another kick. You could also try layering the kick drum with another sound, like a tom. To add some character, a third layer could be added to give the kick a click in the higher end. Adjust the levels of all three kick layers to have them sit in the mix together. Shape each kick drum using EQ to make them blend together. You can try this layering method instead of compressing the kick. All of the kick layers can be grouped together, and processed as one kick. Use a ‘notes to frequency’ chart to find the fundamental frequency using the key of your kick drum. Place an EQ such as FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3 on the main kick drum (or kick group) and boost the fundamental frequency of the kick between 1 and 3dB, and use dynamic EQ if your EQ offers this feature. Try a shelf EQ to roll off the frequencies below 30Hz to give the slope a more natural feel.
A popular sound is the techno rumble, which can be created from the kick. One of the best ways to create this rumble is by using a convolution reverb. Create an auxiliary/return track and put a convolution reverb on it. Next add a filter like FabFilter Simplon and apply a high-cut filter to cut off all the frequencies above 200Hz. Shape this sound further by adding a DI like Kush Audio REDDI. Send the grouped kick drum to this return track and mix in the rumble from the return track to your kick. You’ll need to determine the level that the kick should play at. Use your reference track as a guide for
