Create A Rumbling Techno Kick In 10 Easy Steps

Dark bass, driving techno is often created by processing the kick drum.

Here we used a selection of attack effects in Ableton Live to create what is commonly referred to as a "roar".

Step 1

We use the Sonic Academy Kick 2 plugin. Another option is to use a sample kick, usually from a Roland TR-909. However, the Kick 2 allows more flexibility with clicks on the duration, volume, and treble components, which are essential to fine-tuning and embellishing your song.

2nd level

The next step is to add harmonic bite to the Saturator plug-in's Drive knob beat. It's worth experimenting with curve type, DC and color controls, and dry/wet balance as they have a significant effect on the sound. Then we added eight EQ to shape the sound.

Step 3

We then added output stacks for multiple levels of parallel processing. The first string is the yank symbol. Added additional strings for dark verb, delay and clear verb. Each chain has a set of outputs and the sound from each chain is mixed together for the final sound.

Step 4

The dark reverb range follows the Amp plug-in setting the Convolution Reverb Pro to 100% wet. This distorted reverb should have been directly mapped to the Auto Filter, with the filter frequency set to 96.6Hz. The Gain, Amp controls type and EQ have marked effects on the sound, so in all Try settings.

Step 5

Using the Kick 2's sidechain compressor, we smooth out this dark resonance.Ratio, attack and release can all be adjusted to suit the mood of the track. The whole idea is pure rebbe that comes off the beat.

Step 6

A highly refined and distorted delay is another option that can be used instead of repetition. But, in this case, we've subtly added high-frequency repetitions to increase rhythmic interest. We add an amp, again 100% wet and hold. Since the repeater is stereo, we added a utility plug-in to control the amount of delay.

Step 7

This frequency should also be controlled by the self-filter, but to a much lesser extent than setting the vague verb. Filter type, drive and loop slope determine the filter's behavior. Similarly, the delay to increase the pump is connected to the compressor plug.

Step 8

The Clear Verb channel uses Convolution Reverb Pro, but the goal here is to add to the overall vibe. The built-in equalizer is used to limit the frequency of the output. A stereo wide control can be used to widen this sense of scene or center it in a stereo field.

Step 9

The mixed output from the four Effects Rack chains is now routed through the EQ Eight set to Mid/Side mode to filter low frequencies to the sides of the stereo field. This is followed by a standard EQ Eight to filter out the ultra-bass and remove some square frequencies at 135Hz.

Step 10

The final step is to add a utility plug so that all frequencies below 120Hz are summed by the mono bass converter. Finally, a Threshold plugin has been added to compress the kick and rub elements. Alternatively, separate Rack of Effect elements can be streamed to individual tracks for further processing.