There are various music production tools and programs that can be used when constructing an electronic music track. Some of the most popular and frequently used programs are Reason, Cubase and Flstudio. this article will focus on production techniques using Cubase SX. The latest version – Cubase 5 has recently been released yet each Cubase version functions in pretty much the same manner. Newer versions obviously sport some extra and features and capabilities, but the basics of electro styled music can be learned easily in any version.
There are a number of music production tutorials available online which teach the various techniques of musical production. Cubase Guru is a great source of information and offers various video tutorials and courses on different aspects of the production process. The Art of Psytrance production is a great course and will teach you to construct an awesome Trance track step by step, from scratch.
House or electro styles of music are perhaps a little more simple but the basis for all dance music is pretty much similar.
The Basics of Electronic music Production
Once Cubase has been opened, one needs to select a folder for storing audio files and edits. there is now a blank canvas in which audio and midi tracks can be added. one should have a bank of samples of any particular preference to use in their track. there needs to be an array of drum samples as well as some sound effects that appeal to the creator.
Generally every dance track works on a 4/4 beat time signature. The first thing needed is set the time signature and tempo on the transport panel at the top of the screen.
A good tempo for a house or dance track would be 140 – 145 bpm, also setting number beats in each bar to 1/16 is good thing to do as it makes placement of files easier. this can be changed while working. once this has been done, one can begin by importing a sound wave or wav file into an audio track or channel. Add a nice kick drum sample of particular preference and place one on each block in each bar.
The next thing process would be to add a hi-hat cymbal and a clap. The hi-hat will fit exactly between each beat and the clap will feature on every second beat. each sample must use a separate audio channel.
Combining Bass and Beats
The next step would be to add a nice round bass sound between each beat. this can be done by adding a midi track or channel. once opened, one can now add a vst instrument such as vb1 in the vst instruments menu. The midi track and vst instrument are then connected on the midi track via the output option of the midi tracks sidebar.
Now a midi bar can be drawn using the pencil tool for a length of 1 bar or 4 beats. a bass note can be placed anywhere on the notation board depending on the key desired. Place the note lower down for a deep bass sound. The bass can then be tweaked using the Vb1 vst instrument tools by clicking on the midi track and the little piano symbol on the left. Changing the position of certain bass notes can add to the effect of the bass line and it is possible to create some funky offbeat bass rhythms. this is the format for a basic electro house or dance styled beat.
One can now add various other drum samples or hats in between to create a fuller and more dynamic bass and beat.
Samples and Sound Effects
Once the beats and bass line have been laid down, the next step is adding the desired sound effects for the track. choose a nice sounding sample and place it into another audio track.there are a number of sites where free sample packs can be downloaded. Multiple effects can be added to the sound wave through the mixer. Play around with various filters, flangers and delays until the sound is good to the ear. Add a number of these samples to create a diverse an interesting feeling to the music.
Try and build it up to a point where the music can then break down again to something simple. a break is important for the sake of creating a climatic feel to the music.
After the break, introduce another build up and then finally a climax of melody by bringing in another vst instrument and creating a lead synth using your notation roll again. there are many free Vsti’s available on the internet for download.
Finally now, lead the track into and outro, simplifying it until it fades out into silence.
Sources:
- www.sonicacademy.com “Cubase tutorials” accessed 17 May 2010
- www.cubaseguru.com “The Art of Psytrance Production” video course , accessed 05 March 2010
- http://www.dj-tips-and-tricks.com ” Cubase tutorial”, accessed 17 May 2010
Eric Adams – Manowar
