How Techno Music is Made with Synthesizers
Contents
Discover how techno music is made with synthesizers and the different types of synthesizers available for music production.
Synthesizers in Techno Music
Synthesizers play a huge role in techno music. Techno is an electronic dance music that is made with the help of various electronic instruments, and synthesizers are one of them. Synthesizers can create a wide range of sounds, which is why they are so popular in techno music. In this article, we are going to talk about how synthesizers are used in techno music.
The Roland TB-303
The Roland TB-303 is a bass synthesizer released by the Roland Corporation in 1982 that went on to become a key instrument in the development of house and techno music. It was originally designed as a bass line machine for live performances, but its capabilities were quickly discovered by DJs and producers who used it to create new and innovative sounds.
The TB-303 features a distinctive sawtooth waveform that gives it a unique sound, and its simple one-octave keyboard made it easy to use for creating bass lines. It also features an accent control, which allows the user to add emphasis to certain notes, and a resonant filter that can be used to create different sound effects.
TheTB-303 was originally released as a standalone unit, but it was later integrated into the Roland TR-606 drum machine as part of the popularRoland TB-303/TR-606 Bass Line/Drum Machine Combo. The combo became known as the “acid box” due to the distinct sound of the TB-303, and it was used extensively by producers in the early days of house and techno music.
Although theTB-303 is no longer in production, it remains an iconic piece of equipment that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. In recent years, there have been a number of software emulation’s and reissues of theTB-303, making it easier than ever for contemporary producers to create tracks with that classic acid sound.
The Roland TR-808
The Roland TR-808 was one of the first programmable drum machines. It was introduced in 1980 and became a staple of early techno music. The 808 was used on some of the most iconic tracks of the 1980s, including Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” The distinctive sound of the 808’s bass drum has helped define the sound of techno music.
The 808 is a powerful tool for creating rhythm tracks. It has a wide range of sounds, including acoustic and electronic drums, cymbals, and percussion instruments. The machine can be programmed to play almost any type of rhythm. The 808 is also very popular for its “humanization” features, which allow it to create rhythms that sound more natural than those made with other drum machines.
The 808 has been used by some of the biggest names in techno music, including Derrick May, Juan Atkins, and Kevin Saunderson. These artists have helped to shape the sound of techno music and make it what it is today.
The Roland TR-909
The Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer is a drum machine that was produced by the Roland Corporation from 1983 to 1985. It was one of the first drum machines to use samples of real drums, and was also notable for its distinctive bass drum sound. The 909 was used on a number of hit records, including Madonna’s “Music” and Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock.”
The 909 features 16 programmable pads, each of which can generate a different sound. The pads are divided into two banks, A and B, which can be selected with the bank button. The 909 also has a pitch control, which allows the pitch of the drums to be raised or lowered.
The 909 has two onboard sequencers, one for drums and one for melody. The drum sequencer can store up to 12 patterns, each of which can be up to 32 steps long. The melody sequencer can store up to 6 patterns, each of which can be up to 64 steps long.
The 909 was succeeded by the Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer mk2, which was released in 1985.
How Techno Music is Made with Synthesizers
Techno music is made with synthesizers by producing sounds with electronic instruments or by manipulating digital audio recordings. These sounds are then arranged into patterns, called loops, that are repeated throughout the song. The tempo of techno music is usually between 120 and 150 beats per minute.
The Roland TB-303
In the early 1980s, a new type of electronic music was born: techno. This new genre was characterized by its use of synthesizers to create Hi-NRG sounds that were perfect for dancing. One of the most popular synthesizers used in techno music was the Roland TB-303.
The Roland TB-303 was originally released in 1982 as a bass line synthesizer. It quickly gained popularity among electronic musicians for its unique sound and its ability to create robotic, robotic-sounding bass lines. The TB-303 became especially popular in the Chicago house and acid house scenes of the 1980s. In fact, many believe that the 303 is responsible for giving techno its distinctive sound.
Today, the Roland TB-303 is still used by many techno producers. If you’re interested in creating your own techno music, then you’ll need to get your hands on a 303!
The Roland TR-808
The Roland TR-808 was one of the first programmable drum machines. It was introduced in 1980 and featured a 16-step sequencer. The machine was popular with hip hop and dance music producers. The TR-808 was not a commercial success, but it became an underground hit. It was used on many classic tracks, including Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing.” The 808 has been used on more tracks than any other drum machine.
The Roland TR-909
The Roland TR-909 is a drum machine that was first released in 1983. It was one of the first drum machines to use sample-based synthesis, and it quickly became a staple of electronic music. The TR-909 is known for its distinctive, gritty sound, which has been used on countless techno tracks over the years.
To create a techno track with the TR-909, you’ll need to start by programming a drum pattern. The TR-909 has 16 different drums sounds that you can choose from, including kicks, snares, hi-hats, and cymbals. You can program your pattern using the machine’s step sequencer, or you can record your own performance with the machine’s MIDI input.
Once you have your drum pattern programmed, you’ll need to add some bass and synth lines. For this, you’ll need a synthesizer that can create dark, bouncing basslines and screeching leads. Popular synths for this kind of music include the Roland TB-303 and theMoog Minitaur.
Finally, you’ll need to add some effects to your track. Reverb and delay are essential for creating the spacey, atmospheric sound of techno. Chorus and flanger effects can also be used to add movement and depth to your synth lines.
