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What is dark techno music?

Dark techno is a subgenre of electronic dance music, typically involving heavy four-to-the-floor kick drums, highly rhythmic percussion, and chugging one-note bass lines.

What do people mean when they say dark techno?

Moody, sinister vibes have been an important part of techno since its inception, so there are many techno tracks that are dark. However, when people use the term “dark techno” it’s likely they are talking about the contemporary subgenre that includes such artists as Adam Beyer, Charlotte de Witte, and Amelie Lens.

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What are chord inversions?

If you want to understand chord inversions, you—of course—need to know what a chord is. If you’re not quite there yet don’t worry, just check out this guide on music theory.

Even if you know about chord construction, it makes sense to refresh your knowledge.

Chords are made up of alternating notes in scales—like a major or minor scale. Let’s take a look at how the notes of a scale help in creating chords.

The C major scale consists of these notes:

C, D, E, F, G, A, B, (C).

To form chords, we take certain notes from this scale and play them at the same time. The simplest kinds of chords (called “triads”) are made up of three notes. To create a C major triad, start with the first note of the scale (C), skip the next (D), include the following note (E), skip the next, and include the final one (G). That leaves us with C-E-G which is a C major triad.

But what happens if we play those notes (C-E-G) in a different order? Is it still a C major triad?

Chord inversions are variations of chords where we rearrange the order of the notes played within the chord, resulting in a different note other than the root in the bass position.

Here is a C major triad in root position (not inverted):

2. Ducked reverb

A reverb throw is a mixing technique where reverb is applied to specific words, phrases, or sounds in a vocal or instrumental track. Usually, this is used to create a dramatic effect or emphasize certain parts of the recording. Instead of applying reverb to the entire track, you “throw” it selectively to an aux track. Reverb throws often sound tight and controlled, but getting the effect right can be time-consuming. Additionally, a throw may sound too perfect or precise in certain situations.

Consider ducking your reverb if you’re looking for a quick and natural-sounding solution. You can set this up by inserting a plugin like the Bettermaker BM60 onto an aux track, followed by a compressor.

If you’re processing vocals, you’ll send the signal from the vocal track to your reverb aux. Then, route the vocal track into the compressor’s sidechain input to duck the reverb whenever the dry vocals are playing. This technique helps fill space between phrases without sounding as cookie-cutter as a throw.

The easiest way to create this effect is to use the Duck feature built into bx_aura, which acts like a reverse gate. It lets you completely cut audio levels (unlike a compressor) and control how audio is attenuated using Attack, Hold, and Release parameters. These features help sculpt the onset of reverb and avoid stuttering effects.

2. Ducked reverb

A reverb throw is a mixing technique where reverb is applied to specific words, phrases, or sounds in a vocal or instrumental track. Usually, this is used to create a dramatic effect or emphasize certain parts of the recording. Instead of applying reverb to the entire track, you “throw” it selectively to an aux track. Reverb throws often sound tight and controlled, but getting the effect right can be time-consuming. Additionally, a throw may sound too perfect or precise in certain situations.

Consider ducking your reverb if you’re looking for a quick and natural-sounding solution. You can set this up by inserting a plugin like the Bettermaker BM60 onto an aux track, followed by a compressor.

If you’re processing vocals, you’ll send the signal from the vocal track to your reverb aux. Then, route the vocal track into the compressor’s sidechain input to duck the reverb whenever the dry vocals are playing. This technique helps fill space between phrases without sounding as cookie-cutter as a throw.

The easiest way to create this effect is to use the Duck feature built into bx_aura, which acts like a reverse gate. It lets you completely cut audio levels (unlike a compressor) and control how audio is attenuated using Attack, Hold, and Release parameters. These features help sculpt the onset of reverb and avoid stuttering effects.

What is the best use of the 808?

The 808 has been used in inspiring ways by many of the greatest producers of the last 40 years. But when this unusual drum machine was first released, it wasn’t obvious how to get the best out of it. Roland thought the 808 would be used for making demo tracks – to be replaced later by a real drummer. The idea didn’t catch on, and the highly synthetic-sounding 808 sold poorly compared to other drum machines – like the LinnDrum – that offered samples of acoustic drums.

But this weakness became a strength as adventurous producers began to use the 808’s electronic sound to unlock new creative pathways, from hip-hop to house. Rap producers value the 808 for its booming kickdrums (these kicks are often what’s meant when people refer to “808s”). Electro producers, meanwhile, use the 808 to create snappy, syncopated beats, and pop artists have relied on 808 beats to give heartfelt songs an electronic edge. Each use shows a different side of this versatile, iconic instrument.

What songs use the Roland 808?

Some of the best-loved songs of the past 40 years feature the TR-808, from rap classics like Africa Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” to pop ballads like Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” taking in house and techno, speaker-busting trap, and more. The 808 is so widely used that we often don’t even notice it. This 808 Day, we’ll explore ten must-know songs that use the Roland 808, explaining how the drum machine is used, and shedding light on some production tricks to help you get the best 808s.

What song has the best 808?

There are many “best” 808 beats, depending on the kinds of music you’re into. If you’re looking for the heaviest trap 808s, you might find them in a Future track like “I Serve The Base.” For classic hip-hop, it could be T-La Rock’s “It’s Yours.” The best club track featuring 808 beats might be A Guy Called Gerald’s “Voodoo Ray,” or maybe Plastikman’s “Spastik.” We’ll look at all of these tracks (and more) in detail below, dissecting their use of the 808 and trying to explain the key to their success.

10 must-know beats featuring huge 808s

1. T-La Rock and DJ Jazzy Jay – It’s Yours

As the industry’s leading instrument-building tool, Kontakt is your gateway to the widest collection of sampled instruments available anywhere.

But more than a sampler, this shapeshifting platform has powered two decades of blockbuster film scores and chart-topping hits, plus thousands of incredible instruments. And with hundreds of officially licensed instruments available from NI and other leading manufacturers – alongside thousands more from boutique developers, sound designers, and composers – you’ll never run short of inspiration.

Whether you’re just starting out with Kontakt, or looking to add some additional flavor to a well-seasoned library of your own, here are 100 free must-have instruments for your sound sculpting collection.

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Utilize the new polyphonic aftertouch presets in Hypha, a Kontakt instrument with an array of sounds inspired by nature.

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What is the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard?

In the mid-1970s, a need arose for a touring instrument that could capture the sound and feel of a grand piano with added portable capabilities. The Yamaha CP-70 was built in 1976 as a solution to this problem.

Though it followed in the footsteps of a few other electric pianos, this Yamaha electric piano still pioneered a sound as it aimed to retain some of the timbres of a traditional piano. Unlike traditional pianos though, the CP-70 lacks a soundboard and uses shorter strings with pickups similar to a guitar’s. It also has its own built-in pre-amp.

As the instrument was designed for touring musicians, the CP-70 features detachable legs and a split design – meaning it can be broken down quickly while on the road. The build of the CP-70 gives the instrument a unique sound of a bell-like tone and a slightly metallic sustain.

The piano’s portability and built-in pickup system that could be plugged directly into a sound rig made it a trendy choice among popular musicians at the time, but its iconic sound has also been immortalized in many legendary studio recordings.

Who has used the Yamaha CP-70 keyboard?

Since its release in 1976, the CP-70 has been a favorite electric keyboard of artists from across the genre spectrum. A few of these musicians include Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Toto, and Phil Collins, who, among many others, all use the keyboard’s signature sound in their songwriting. Listing all the users of the CP-70 is a mammoth task, as the keyboard’s distinctive sound has graced countless albums.

The use of the Yamaha CP-70 sound in so many recordings is what makes the keyboard an all-time classic electronic instrument, standing amongst legendary synthesizers like the Minimoog and drum machines like the Roland TR-909.

10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70 Keyboard

With our historical context and understanding of the instrument out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the best songs of all time that feature the iconic and distinctive Yamaha CP-70 sound. It’s always difficult to narrow down a list like this, but here is our pick for the 10 best songs featuring the Yamaha CP-70.

1. “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys

It’s only natural that Alicia Keys would be first on this list. In “Girl On Fire,” she uses the Yamaha CP-70 to craft a powerful, emotive backdrop to her intense vocal performance. The piano’s unique tone enriches her modern R&B vibe, perfectly complementing Keys’ belting vocals. The Yamaha CP-70 sound adds depth and warmth to create a well-rounded production.

Advances in technology have made beatmatching easier. Use Traktor’s Sync function to match the tempo of two tracks together. For Sync to beatmatch perfectly, the beat grids on each track must be set correctly. If your tracks fluctuate in tempo, Traktor Pro 4 features new flexible beat grids so that any two songs can be beat-matched together.

7. Placing a mix

Placing a mix is about blending the tracks exactly where you want to transition. Most dance records have similar song structures; learning where to mix tracks together can become an intuitive process if you study their arrangements. A simple example of placing a mix is the intro to outro mix. Dance tracks (at the least extended versions) usually have a percussive intro and outro. When the percussive outro of track one begins to play, mix in the second track. Once you master this mix placement, you can work on tighter types of mixes.

8. Phrase mixing

Phrase mixing is the art of using the song structure of each track to create a smooth-sounding, professional mix. A phrase is a short section of music, generally eight to sixteen bars in length. Prepare your tracks by marking the phrases using cue points on your tracks in Traktor Pro 4. Cue up the incoming track so its first beat begins at the start of a phrase, and start the mix at the beginning of a phrase in the track that’s playing. If you get it right, the musical timeline in both tracks should line up nicely.

To learn more about counting music, check out our beginner DJ guide here.

9. Try different types of transitions

A DJ transition is the technique of changing from one song to the next while maintaining the steady beat of the music’s rhythm. The type of transitions you use in your sets will depend on the style of music you play. A few common transitions include the fade, the cut, and the bass swap transition. Master these transitions to start out, and you’ll be well on your way to creating interesting mixes!

10. Harmonic mixing

One of the best techniques that a DJ can learn is harmonic mixing. Harmonic mixing means mixing together tracks in compatible keys. Each track has been composed in a certain key and will sound good mixed with certain tracks but clash with others. Harmonic mixing allows DJs to mix together music that has melodic elements and create live remixes using vocal and instrumental stems. You don’t need to be a music theory master to use harmonic mixing, as Traktor Pro 4 and programs like Mixed In Key have built-in numeric systems to simplify this technique.

To get back to basics, a remix is a reinterpretation of a track using elements from the original as a foundation. In the simplest form of a live remix, DJs loop an instrumental section from one track and mix in a vocal and/or instrumentation from a second track, adding a fresh twist on the vocals.

The difference between a traditional remix and a live one is that the live remix is performed during a DJ set, while a traditional remix is created entirely in the studio. Live remixing is not just a fun way to get creative with your mix, crowds love it when they can connect to a track they recognize with a twist.

Tips for live remixing in your DJ set

1. Prep remixes to play

Taking the time to create a few remix ideas during a preparation session will help to improve your sets immensely. Start by creating one playlist of instrumental tracks. They could even all be in the same key. In a second playlist, compile together vocal tracks that work well with the instrumentals. Select these vocal tracks based on their key and tempo.