Beat Magazine #229 - January 2024

TECHNO MASTERCLASS – How To Create Hard & Hypnotic Techno

Whether melodic, hard or hypnotic – Techno regularly reinvents itself, but the essence remains: „The beat has to go on and on“. That‘s why we‘ve got the answer to all your questions about production here! From choosing the right kick to clever synth layering to the latest trends in sound design – we‘ll show you step by step how to build rumbles, create hissing hats and find catchy melodies. In other words, Techno with hit potential!

Hands-on Workshop: Sounds like Brutalismus 3000

The hard, dirty sound of the Berlin producer duo, which brings you back to the dance floor even after 10 hours of partying, is being celebrated by more and more people in the truest sense of the word. The rule is: it has to be a bang. We‘ll take a look at how you can get the sound of Brutalismus 3000 into your own DAW in just a moment.

Brutal Bass Unit for free: HALO-2 Lite by DHPlugins

Many sound designers have cut their teeth on the brutal bass and lead sounds of Drum & Bass, Future Bass and Dubstep. With this software highlight, DHPlugins HALO-2 Lite, they become child‘s play. This monster synth combines powerful synthesis with flexible samples and shines with massive Basses, screeching Leads and classic Reese sounds – perfect for bass-heavy genres!

Test: Behringer Syncussion SY-1 – Cult drums for under 200 euros

Syncussion SY-1 is a two-channel drum synth that drum manufacturer Pearl developed in 1979 to complement acoustic drums. As Techno music became popular in the 90s, the sounds were also used for hard bass and bone-dry percussion, which gave the Syncussion cult status and still leads to high used prices today. Beat have tested for you whether the inexpensive Behringer replica is an alternative to the rare original.

Test: Freqport FreqTube FT1 – Tube sound via plug-in

The sound of analog tubes, in particular their harmonic distortion, is probably one of the most common reasons why analog outboard equipment can still be found in many studios. On the other hand, good analog effects are also expensive and digital plug-ins are getting closer and closer in terms of sound. Freqport aims to combine the best of both worlds with FreqTube.

79 Basses & inspiring Chords: Synth Classics II for Zampler & MPCs

Synth Classics II takes you on a journey to the golden era of hardware gear: 79 presets shine with the remarkable flair of legends like Sequential Circuit Prophet, Odyssey, ARP2600, Oberheim SEM and Novation’s all time classic Bass Station – accompanied by bonus patches from Peak and the compact Prophet clone Toraiz AS-1. Ready to transform your tracks? Dive in and experience the magic!

12 GB plug-ins & sounds for inspiration and more fun while producing

Beat's full synth version HALO-2 is just the thing for anyone looking for fat bass and gripping lead sounds. Perfectly tuned to genres such as Drum & Bass, Future Bass and Dubstep, it will bring your tracks to life. As a second highlight, they have two instruments of your choice from AAS. Here you can freely choose your favorites from a total of 76 packs!

Beat have carved their Expansion Pack Synth Classics II from exquisite synth legends such as the Prophet, Odyssey, ARP2600 or Oberheim SEM. Here you‘ll find 79 presets with powerful basses, airy leads and inspiring chords for your Zampler and Akai MPCs.

This month‘s 6 GB sample package is a big rattle in the box. Fans of cultivated drum & bass will get their money‘s worth with their rolling drum loops, as will techno lovers who celebrate the UMEK sound. In addition, 1.6 GB are reserved for scoring sounds with which you can conjure up your next movie trailer from enchanting piano melodies.