Computer Music

Tech house tips

Simple structures

The keys to a great tech house arrangement are to not overelaborate, and to make the most of every single sound in your track. While introducing new parts later in the arrangement can be a powerful way of increasing a track’s impact, it can often be more effective to instead use fewer elements initially, then introduce them as the tune chugs along.

A simple example of this is muting percussion for the first eight bars of the drop. The simplified groove instantly sounds different, leaving the other elements more space to shine and creating a huge impact on a club PA system. Using effects such as filtering, distortion and chorus on your drums or bass towards the end of a section is another easy, effective way to make the arrangement more dynamic and exciting without adding extra sounds to the mix.

Perfect panning

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Computer Music

Computer Music4 min read
Arturia V Collection X €499
One of the ‘safe bets’ in production software is surely Arturia’s V Collection. It’s always offered a lot of quality keyboard emulations for its price, and it’s regularly updated; great value when you consider its scale. However, it’s also a victim o
Computer Music1 min read
Computer Music
ISSUE 334 JUNE 2024 Future PLC Email: computermusic@futurenet.com Web: musicradar.com EDITORIAL Editor: Andy Price, andy.price@futurenet.com Art Editor: Mark White, mark.white@futurenet.com Senior Managing Editor: Kate Puttick, kate.puttick@futuren
Computer Music2 min read
Soundware Round-up
For this one, real drummers play nothing but fast and furious funk breaks, only to chop and edit them up to make the punchiest, most authentic-sounding, old-school live jungle drums. Think back to those iconic ’70s beaks from the James Brown stable t

Related Books & Audiobooks