Producing Fast Paced Groovy Techno 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

Hailing from Bangalore, Audio Units are brothers Ashwin and Ashrith operating with a shared sensibility shaped by structure, restraint, and an enduring curiosity for sound. Their work navigates tension, repetition, and atmosphere, pushing techno forward without severing its ties to tradition.

Their catalogue on Molecular, Newrhythmic, Dynamic Reflection, and Illegal Alien positions them among the most formidable names to emerge from India’s electronic landscape. Touring extensively across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, they have carved an uncommon international trajectory. At Goa’s iconic Hilltop, their residency Genesis stands as a considered curatorial statement — a monthly gathering where carefully invited figures from the global techno circuit meet a deeply rooted local vision.

Their music has found support from a wide spectrum of respected artists including DVS1, Richie Hawtin, Dax J, Ben Sims, Truncate, Chris Liebing, Luke Slater, Sandwell District, The Advent, Dasha Rush, Marron, and Rødhad, while appearing on revered stages such as Berghain, Bassiani, Stone Techno Festival, and Awakenings. The Mind Medizin vinyl EP, remixed by Ben Sims, further reinforces their presence within the international canon.

Beyond the studio and stage, Observant serves as their platform for dialogue connecting Indian artists with global counterparts through a shared language of sound. Their long-standing educational initiative at Beatworx has quietly shaped generations of producers and DJs, contributing meaningfully to the growth and sustainability of India’s electronic culture.

What emerges is not spectacle, but conviction — a body of work that rewards attention, values patience, and affirms Audio Units as a singular voice within contemporary techno.

SoundCloud
Instagram
Resident Advisor

Audio Units’ Latest Unreleased Music

View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

View this post on Instagram

Boiler Room stream from November 2025:

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