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.
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.
