How to Make Techno Music with an MPC

A guide on how to make techno music with an MPC.

Introduction

Techno is a genre of electronic dance music that emerged in the late 1980s. It is characterized by a repetitive four on the floor beat and often includes synthesizers, drum machines, and enveloped baselines. If you’re interested in making techno music, you can use a variety of tools, but one of the best ways to create this type of music is with an MPC.

The MPC, or Music Production Center, is a sampler and sequencer that was first introduced by Akai in 1988. The MPC has since become an industry standard for creating techno music, and many Techno producers have created classic tracks using nothing but an MPC and a few synthesizers. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Techno with an MPC.

What You Need

In order to make techno music with an MPC, you need the following three things:

1. An MPC (MIDI Production Center)
2. A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
3. Techno samples

The MPC is the heart of your setup. It’s an all-in-one device that allows you to create beats, loops, and melodies. The DAW is your sound editing software. It gives you the ability to record, edit, and mix your music. Techno samples are the building blocks of your tracks. They’re pre-recorded sounds that you can use to create new music.

Making the Beat

In order to make techno music, you will need a drum machine. The most popular choice among techno producers is the Akai MPC, which stands for Music Production Center. These units are beloved for their workflow and the quality of their drum sounds. You can find MPCs in all different price ranges, from the entry-level MPC One to the top-of-the-line MPC X and MPC Live.

Techno beats are typically made up of four elements: a kick drum, a snare drum, hi-hats, and a clap. To program a basic beat on an MPC, start by creating a kick drum pattern. Once you have a kick pattern that you like, add a snare on the second and fourth beats. Then, add hi-hats on the off-beats (the spaces between the main beats). To add variation to your beat, you can program different hi-hat patterns or experiment with different combinations of drums.

Next, it’s time to add percussion. Percussion is an important part of techno music and can help to create a sense of momentum. Common percussion instruments include claps, cowbells, congas, and shakers. Experiment with different rhythms and textures to find what sounds best with your beat.

Once you have a solid foundation of drums, it’s time to start adding melody and harmony. Techno music is often based around simple chord progressions, so start by choosing one or two chords that you like. To create interest, try using different synthesizer sounds or samples for each chord. For example, you could use a bass sound for the root note (the lowest note in the chord), a lead sound for the highest note, and something in between for the middle notes.

Finally, don’t forget about the most important element of all: the groove! Techno music is all about creating a danceable rhythm that will keep people moving all night long. To make sure your track has plenty of groove, pay attention to the placement of your drums and bassline. The simplest way to do this is to line up thekick drums with the bass notes — this will ensure that your track has plenty of bottom end and will keep people moving on the dancefloor

Sampling

The MPC has the ability to sample sounds. This means that you can record any sound, and then play it back at any pitch. This is how many techno beats are made. You can sample a kick drum, and then play it back at a lower pitch to make a bassline. You can sample a hi-hat, and then play it back at a higher pitch to make a sizzle sound. You can even sample your own voice, and then use the pitch control to make it say something else.

Arrangement

A typical techno song structure consists of four distinct sections: the intro, the main section, the bridge, and the outro. Each section serves a specific purpose and has its own musical elements.

The intro sets the tone for the rest of the song and introduces the main melody. It should be relatively short, around 8-16 bars.

The main section is where the bulk of the song lives. This is where you’ll hear the main melody and chord progression. The main section typically lasts for 32 bars.

The bridge is a short section that provides contrast to the main section. It can be as short as 8 bars or as long as 16 bars. The bridge typically features a different chord progression from the main section.

The outro is the final section of the song. It should be relatively short, around 8-16 bars. The outro typically features a fade-out of the main melody.

Mixing

When it comes to mixing techno, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, the kick drum is the most important element in the mix. It should be prominent and have a lot of low end. Second, the hi-hats should be crisp and clear, and Third, the synth lines should be melodic and otherworldly.

Now let’s get into some specifics. When mixing your kick drum, start by EQ’ing it so that it sits well in the mix. Then add a bit of compression to even out the levels and add some punch. Next, add a bit of reverb to give it some space. Finally, automate the level so that it punches through in the drop.

For the hi-hats, start by EQ’ing them so that they sit well in the mix. Then add a bit of compression to even out the levels and add some snap. Finally, automate the level so that they cut through in the drop.

For the synth lines, start by layering them so that they have a full sound. Then add a bit of reverb to give them some space. Finally, automate the level so that they cut through in the drop.

Mastering

Building your sound in the MPC is all about finding the right balance between the different elements in your track. In this article, we’ll focus on the key of Cmin and explore how to add depth and character to our sound by modulating the kick, clap, and snare. We’ll also add a simple hi-hat pattern and use the onboard effects to give our track some space.

When you’re first starting out, it can be helpful to think of your sound in terms of its core elements: the kick, clap, and snare. These three sounds provide the foundation for most techno tracks, so it’s important to spend some time crafting them to perfection. In addition to nailing down the perfect blend of sonics, you’ll also want to consider how these three sounds interact with each other rhythmically. For example, you might want to try layering different kicks or snares to create a more complex groove. Claps are often used as accents, so experiment with different rhythms and see how they affect the overall groove of your track.

Once you’ve got your core sounds dialed in, it’s time to start thinking about texture. In techno, texture is often created by adding layers of percussion or synth pads. Percussion can include anything from shakers and tambourines tocongas and cowbells. The key is to find a balance between these elements so that they complement each other without overcrowding the mix. Synth pads are another great way to add depth and character to your techno tracks. Pads can be played chords or single notes, and they can be sustained for long periods of time or added in short bursts. When layeringsynth pads, it’s important not to go overboard – too many pads will make your track sound muddy and cluttered. Instead, focus on one or two key pads that really capture the mood and feel of your track.

Conclusion

Over the course of this guide, we’ve learned how to make techno music with an MPC. We’ve explored the different sounds and textures that can be achieved with this type of equipment, and we’ve learned how to create arrangements that are both danceable and exciting.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this journey into the world of techno music production, and we encourage you to keep exploring all that your MPC has to offer. With a little practice, you’ll be making your own hits in no time!