What do techno artists use to make music?

Techno music first emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the 1980s. Though it evolved out of earlier electronic music genres like house, synthpop, and Kraftwerk’s electric explorations, techno was revolutionary and set itself apart by being entirely produced by electronic instruments like drum machines, synthesizers, and samplers. The result was a futuristic, machine-driven sound focused on texture and rhythm rather than traditional song structure. Pioneered by Black artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, techno was driven by the unique social and economic conditions of Detroit at the time. As the automobile industry declined, cheap electronic instruments became accessible, allowing young Black musicians to experiment with new sounds. The music was marked by repetition and minor harmonic shifts, giving it a trance-inducing effect on the dancefloor. Today, techno remains focused on texture, timbre, and technological experimentation across many subgenres. Key characteristics include a steady 4/4 beat of 130-150 BPM, an emphasis on rhythm over melody, and a synth-heavy, largely instrumental sound palette.

Drum Machines

Drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 provide the rhythmic backbone for techno music. The TR-808, first released in 1980, is one of the most iconic and influential drum machines ever made. Its deep, booming bass drum and crisp snare and hi-hat sounds define the classic techno drum pattern. The TR-909, released in 1983, is known for its strong kick, snappy snares, and distinctive cymbal sounds. Together, the 808 and 909 have shaped techno music for decades, providing a mechanical, pulsing rhythmic drive. Their pre-programmed patterns can be used as-is or tweaked by producers to create original beats. Even though they are older analog devices, the signature sounds of the 808 and 909 continue to be widely used in techno today, both as audio samples and modeled in software.

Synthesizers

Synthesizers are crucial for creating the sounds of techno music. The Roland TB-303 Bass Line is one of the most iconic analog synthesizers used in techno for creating the genre’s signature basslines and acid sounds (The 14 most important synths in electronic music history). The TB-303 was originally designed as a bass accompaniment for guitarists but was adopted by early techno producers in Detroit who used it to produce squelchy resonant bass patterns by tweaking the filter and resonance controls.

Techno producers also use digital synthesizers like the Korg M1 and Yamaha DX7 to create lush pads, arpeggios, and melodic hooks. The digital oscillators in these synths can produce clean and precisely tuned sounds not possible on analog synths (Synthesizers for Techno). Layering digital and analog synths together gives techno tracks a mix of solid bass foundation and ethereal melodic textures.

Samplers

Samplers are a crucial piece of gear for techno artists. Samplers allow artists to record and manipulate samples of other sounds to use in their music. This includes samples of vocals, sounds from movies and TV, and random “found sounds” from everyday life. Some of the most iconic sounds in techno come from creative sampling. For example, the famous Amen break is a drum sample from a 1960s soul track that has been used and manipulated in thousands of techno tracks.

Techno artists use samplers like the Akai MPC and Roland SP-404 to slice up and rearrange samples to create new melodies, rhythms, and textures. The ability to take small snippets of sound and turn them into something totally new is what makes sampling such an integral part of dance music production. Samplers give techno artists a versatile canvas to paint with sound.

DAWs

DAWs (digital audio workstations) are crucial for techno music production. They allow artists to arrange songs, mix tracks, add effects, and more. Some of the most popular DAWs used by techno artists include:

Ableton Live – This DAW is known for its excellent workflow for loop-based music like techno. It makes it easy to launch clips and manipulate them in real time during live performances. Ableton Live also has a large library of built-in instruments, effects, and samples useful for techno production.

FL Studio – Originally designed for loop-based hip hop music, FL Studio has become widely adopted by techno artists as well. Its pattern-based sequencing and strong sampling capabilities lend themselves well to techno. The DAW also has a reputation for being highly customizable and affordable.

Logic Pro X – Developed by Apple, Logic Pro provides a complete production suite for techno artists. It comes packed with software instruments, effects, and thousands of loops and samples in a variety of genres including electronic. Logic Pro makes it easy to quickly develop musical ideas and manipulate audio in innovative ways.

While there are many excellent DAWs available, these three are consistently utilized by top techno producers. Their specialized toolsets for loop manipulation, sampling, and creative freedom empower techno artists to efficiently arrange, mix, and polish their tracks.

Effects

Effects like delay, reverb, and distortion are commonly used in techno music to create atmosphere and texture. As noted on Reddit, echo, delay, filters, and spiral effects are often used sparingly to enhance the overall sound (To all Techno Djs: What is your favorite effect? : r/Beatmatch). Delay and reverb in particular help create a sense of space and ambience in techno tracks. Long, dubby delays are frequently used on percussive elements like hi-hats to give a trippy, psychedelic vibe. Reverb helps situate sounds within the stereo field and provide a sense of depth. Distortion adds crunch and saturation, which can make basslines sound heavier and more aggressive (Berktmusic.medium.com). These effects all add to the hypnotic, trance-inducing qualities of techno music.

Mixing and Mastering

Proper mixing and mastering is essential for achieving a professional sound in techno music productions. Balancing levels between kick drums, basslines, leads, and other elements is crucial to avoid frequency clashes and create a cohesive mix. Techno producers often heavily compress kick drums and bass sounds to make them punchy and driving. Strategic EQ cuts can help seperate conflicting frequencies between elements like kick and bass. Mastering glues the mix together and optimizes it for distribution on streaming platforms or vinyl. Careful use of EQ, stereo imaging, compression and limiting during mastering gives techno tracks loudness and power while maintaining dynamics.

As explained on the DJ TechTools forum, many professional techno producers use techniques like sidechain compression to duck synthesizer parts under the kick drum to avoid muddiness in the low end (Source). High-passing instruments like hi-hats around 100-200 Hz makes room for the kick and bass. When mastering for digital formats, some engineers use EQ dips around 220 Hz on kick drums to prevent boominess. On the master bus, strategic boosts between 4-6 kHz can add clarity and presence. Limiting and brickwall limiting helps increase overall loudness while preventing peaks from clipping. Following established practices for mixing and mastering techno tracks will take your productions to a more professional level.

Hardware

Hardware instruments and gear are critical tools for techno artists to create their music. Hardware allows for hands-on control and improvisation in a way that software alone cannot replicate. Some key types of hardware used in techno production include:

• Analog mixers – Used for routing audio signals between synthesizers, drum machines, effects units, and recording interfaces. The tactile control of an analog mixer allows for creative real-time tweaking of levels, EQ, and effects sends.
• MIDI controllers – Enable hands-on control of software instruments and DAW functions. Options like knobs, faders, and pads provide intuitive real-time manipulation of sounds.
• Drum machines – Provide iconic techno drum sounds and sequencing. Machines like the Roland TR-808, TR-909, and Elektron Analog Rytm are staples.
• Synthesizers – Both analog and digital synths are used for basslines, leads, pads, and effects. Modular systems allow for endless sound design possibilities.
• Samplers – Allow musicians to load and manipulate samples, adding a personalized touch through chopping and sequencing.

While software and laptops enable immense possibilities for techno artists, incorporating dedicated hardware provides key tactile control and immediacy to live performances and productions.

Software Plugins

Software plugins like VST instruments and effects significantly extend the capabilities of a DAW for producing techno music. These plugins emulate hardware synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, and studio effects to provide techno artists with versatile tools for sound design and manipulation right within their DAW.

Popular VST instruments for techno production include U-He Hive 2, Reveal Sound Spire, Synthmaster 2, and Vengeance Sound VPS Avenger. These virtual analog and digital synthesizers offer extensive modulation options, effects, and wavetable/sample capabilities to craft unique synth and bass sounds.

Must-have effect plugins include distortions like Soundtoys Decapitator and iZotope Trash 2 for adding grit and character. Techno producers also rely on u-he Presswerk for beefy compression and Native Instruments Reaktor for unique spatial and modulation effects.

Conclusion

In summary, techno artists use a variety of tools to create their signature electronic sound. The main pieces of gear include drum machines, synthesizers, samplers, DAWs, and effects units. Iconic drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 provide the driving rhythmic backbone of techno. Analog and digital synthesizers generate all kinds of electronic tones, from deep basslines to melodic leads. Samplers allow techno artists to integrate found sounds and vocals into their productions. DAWs on computers facilitate arranging songs, mixing, and mastering. Effects like reverb, delay, distortion, and filtering help shape the unique techno aesthetic.

Together, these tools give techno producers complete control over sculpting rhythms, timbres, textures, and dynamics. The ability to craft original electronic sounds coupled with the hypnotic 4/4 beats define the techno genre. While techno began with hardware, producers now often work inside the box using software instruments, plugins, and DAWs. However the sounds are generated, the creativity and artistry of techno artists continues to evolve this quintessentially electronic dance music.