Producing Fast Paced Groovy Techno using Ableton Live with Audio Units

Step into the studio with Audio Units as they demonstrate how to create a groovy, modern techno track using Ableton Live 12 and a handful of trusted plugins. Watch them craft each element with precision—sharp percussion, rolling bass, and grooves that instantly connect. Discover their process to groove consistency, dynamic transitions, and delivering tracks with a raw hypnotic punch.

Preview The Masterclass:

What will one learn in this masterclass?

• Kick: Synthesising a kick from scratch using Live’s built-in DS Kick and processing it to get a beefy, fat, techno-oriented 909 style kick drum.
• Bassline: Making use of Live 12’s MIDI Generators to come up with a sequence, and using Operator to make a groovy bassline.
• Lead: Using MIDI Generators to come up with a sequence, processing the MIDI through built-in MIDI Effects and synthesising a groovy lead from scratch. Using Serum’s extensive modulation system to add movement.
• Cymbals & FX: D16 Drumazon 2 for sharp, punchy 909-style hats and cymbals. Using Sylenth1 for its randomizing capabilities to come up with quirky sounds that are then processed into percussive loops, textures, etc.
• Lead Support Elements: Using the raw MIDI data from the lead to extract supporting elements, including the use of Sylenth1 and Synplant 2 to keep things varied and interesting.
• Synth Tweaks: Using audio loops made from elements within the track and processing them through Granulator III.
• Mixing: Look at an extensive mixing workflow using EQs, compressors and other effects, that’s done along with ideation process to keep things quick and simple.
• Arrangement: Full process from start to finish, going from ideas in Session View to a fully arranged track in the Arrangement View with automations, transitions, etc. in the quickest way possible.
• Tweaks: Editing sounds and initial ideas to make them fit the final result, using Cableguys Shaperbox 3 and free plugins from Analog Obsession.

Disclaimer: This is a no-talking masterclass. We think is a great solution to overcome language barriers.

Requirements for opening the project file

You will need the following plugins in order to succesfully open the project: 

• FabFilter Pro-Q 4
• Analog Obsession FETish (Free)
• Analog Obsession LALA (Free)
• Xfer Records Serum
• Valhalla VintageVerb
• Valhalla Delay
• Valhalla Room
• Valhalla Shimmer
• Valhalla Supermassive (Free)
• D16 Drumazon 2
• Cableguys ShaperBox 3
• Sonic Charge Synplant 2
• PitchLoop89 (Free Max for Live Device)

Minimum Ableton Live Version: Make sure you have the latest version of Ableton Live 12 Suite. The project will not work with previous versions of Live (Live 11, Live 10 and so on)

About Audio Units

Audio Units craft a detailed, modern interpretation of techno while paying homage to its roots. The brother duo draw their inspiration from a myriad of subjects including art, science fiction, and technology. Staying devoted to the true process of creating techno, they apply a pragmatic hybrid approach to transform their ideologies and subconscious thoughts into compelling works that capture the cerebral brink of electronic music. Their works have appeared on enduring digital and vinyl imprints such as Molecular, Newrhythmic, Dynamic Reflection, and Illegal Alien.

Their production style combines pulsating up-tempo trips across landscapes that can be sophisticated and subtle or rhythmic and riveting. Omnipresent groove and power on their records manoeuvre and meld in the same streamlined motion they harness as DJs. Abstaining from hype and clout, they diligently choose to navigate the nexus of accelerated grooves, mechanic backdrops, subdued cadences, reinforced by a meticulous collection of crate-dug classics across their DJ, hybrid, and vinyl-only sets. Instinctually able to read the minds of dance-floors, leaving room for circumstantial improvisation and trailblazing mixing ability has earned them busy itineraries across imminent festivals and venues.

A desire for showcasing overseas artists and a push for immediate momentum of Indian talent inspired the inception of “Observant” in 2019 with dotdat. An unembellished record label that serves as a conduit to unite both worlds. They continue to contribute to this burgeoning ecosystem through their educational venture at “Beatworx” teaching music production, sound design and DJ lessons as well as organising bespoke techno events at “Afterworx” since 2010.

In 2024, they debuted a live show fulfilling a long-held aspiration of making music spontaneously on stage. An unfiltered portrayal of perpetual motion and candid outbursts capturing the amalgamation of sleek rumbles, slithering sequences, and blazing drums fosters the maximum intrigue of mature listeners.

SoundCloud
Instagram
Resident Advisor

Audio Units’ EP on London-based Molecular Recordings for their second outing:

Audio Units for the legendary Reclaim Your City mix-series featuring their unreleased works:

Audio Units singles and remixes playlist:

What’s included in this webinar?

• Recorded video for unlimited re-watching
• Ableton Live 12 project file