How to Make Melodic Techno Part 1(Sound Design/Composition) [Ableton Techno Tutorial]

Introduction to a melodic techno Ableton template created during a livestream session on the creator's YouTube channel.

Overview of each track will be explained including what it does, how it's made, and the MIDI notes used.

Part 1 covers sound design and composition. Part 2 will cover arrangement, automation, variation, mixing and mastering.

A brief listen to the complete track starting from the end of the break to demonstrate the final result.

A 909 drum track with a very sharp and short transient used as a trigger for sidechain compression.

• Classic eight to four clicky kick from Sub 37 Techno bank • Uses EQ to remove unnecessary frequencies and boost clarity • Reverb added to make the kick less dry and add air

• Tom plays right before and after the second kick with delay for movement • Closed hi-hat and open hi-hat layered together • Groove pool applied to shift hi-hats slightly off-grid for natural feel • Velocity randomization added for variation

• Shaker layers include granular and noisy textures • Crescendo pattern with velocity automation creates driving effect • 30 millisecond attack added to create aspiration effect • Additional percussion elements like woody percussion and reversed samples for variation

Track is in F minor with root note F, moving through octaves and intervals including G sharp (minor third), C (fifth), and variation with double notes.

• Uses Wavetable with detune and sub oscillator • Low pass filter modulated by envelope for plucky sound • Prodigy 24 dB filter with drive and subtle resonance • Glide effect between notes for smooth pitch transitions

• Sidechain compression for pumping effect • Saturation and distortion to add harmonics and beef • Hybrid reverb with convolution algorithm • EQ to remove low frequencies and very high frequencies, boost around 3 kHz for clarity

Bass is placed in mono. High-pass filter removes rumble. Tom plays important role in emphasizing the bass line throughout the track.

Phantom track that adds harmonics and presence without being prominent. Follows the main chord progression of the track.

• Wavetable selection is crucial for rich harmonic content • Low pass filter 24 dB Moog style with drive • No resonance applied • Glide modulation creates smooth pitch transitions between notes

• Sidechain compression for pumping • Saturation for additional harmonics • Hybrid reverb with longer decay to push to background • EQ to remove unnecessary low and high frequencies

When removed from the mix, the track feels like something is missing. Adds harmonic content and presence to the overall sound.

• F minor chord (F, G sharp, C) with octave variations • Second chord adds C sharp for weird tonal effect • C minor chord with D sharp and G notes • A sharp minor chord completing the progression

Uses arpeggiator in chord mode with automated rate automation creating varying speed from very fast to slow playback of chords.

• Rich harmonic wavetable (Pulse Dual works well) • Low pass filter 24 dB Moog with drive, no resonance • Filter modulation for plucky envelope with no sustain • Randomness on filter, amp, and pitch for analog feel

• Vocoder adds noise and enhances wavetable character • Saturator adds grit and accentuates noise • Phaser enhancer preset for brightness and clarity • High pass filter, delay with specific timing, reverb with EQ filtering

Voice Box (Ableton pack) provides different phrases using root, minor third, and variations that fit the chord progression.

• Long decay reverb using Hybrid Reverb shimmer algorithm • Auto pan modulation during break section for scatter effect • Volume automation for arrangement purposes

• Two oscillators with detuning for rich tone • Low pass filter with slow attack for progressive sound entry • LFO modulation on filter for subtle movement • Extended reverb decay of 6 seconds using Hybrid Reverb shimmer

• EQ to remove very high and low frequencies • Stereo widening feature of Hybrid Reverb • Low pass filter for automation and arrangement control

16-note arpeggiator creating repetitive tension. Low pass filter 12 dB with drive, modulated by plucky envelope. Filter automation adds rising tension throughout.

• First horn: Rectangle waveform with unison and shimmer for brassy effect • Attack straight away with sustain for full in-your-face sound • Modulation moving fast up and slowly down • Large convolution reverb for atmospheric placement

• Two oscillators with saw and stairs slightly detuned • 30 millisecond attack for brassy character • Long release for sustained effect • Plays low notes (F0 or F1) to add weight and tension

• Chorus for detuning and excitement effect • Saturation to beef up the sound • Filter with resonance boost at specific frequency • Reverb and EQ for spatial placement

• Box SFX, noise hit SFX, and hat SFX created from original track samples • Heavy reverb with long decay applied to one-shot samples • Samples frozen, flattened, and reversed for dimension • Recycled elements from track ensure sonic cohesion

• Low pass filter with significant resonance for character • Manual automation on filter creates movement • Moogie resonant sound becomes focal point without automation • Essential element of transition design

• Solos and noise through low pass filter • One-second attack opening slowly, sharp decay closing fast • LFO modulation on filter with delay before starting • Perfect for transitions and building tension

• Saturation and reverb on all effects • Shimmer reverb used for character enhancement • Subtle modulation creates smooth transitions • Timing and decay control intensity of effect

• Pre-master (mixdown) track for DJ effects instead of placing on master • Pre-pre-master for return sends to ensure effects apply to whole mix • Return track with reverb from Make It Transitions rack • Allows wash-out and tension-building effects on full mix

• First EQ at intro with moderate frequency cutting • Second EQ later in track with stronger cutting • Helps manage frequency balance throughout arrangement

• Riser effect adds delay and reverb for wash-out atmosphere • Subtle application maintains track clarity • Removes tension when bypassed, indicates importance • Great for building anticipation in arrangements

Master effects will be covered in Part 2. Arrangement, automation, mixing and mastering techniques to be detailed in the follow-up tutorial.