Top 5: Free Plug Ins for Dub Techno
Dub techno is a genre of electronic music that blends elements of dub music and techno music. Here are some general steps to make dub techno:
Start with a steady and simple techno beat, usually around 120-130 BPM.
Add a prominent bassline that is typically deep and repetitive, with a sub-bass frequency range that provides a hypnotic groove.
Use delay and reverb effects to create a spacious and dub-like sound. Apply these effects to the drum tracks, bassline, and any other sounds you add.
Incorporate atmospheric sounds and samples, such as field recordings, ambient textures, and dub-style vocal snippets. These sounds should be used sparingly to create an immersive and hypnotic atmosphere.
Add a melodic element, such as a synth or chord progression, to give the track some musicality. Keep the melody simple and repetitive, as dub techno emphasizes repetition and minimalism.
Mix and master the track, paying attention to the balance and spacing of each sound. Make sure the bassline is prominent but not overpowering, and that the atmospheric sounds are properly spaced out.
Experiment with the arrangement of the track, using breaks, builds, and drops to create tension and release.
Remember that these are just general steps, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to making dub techno. Experiment with different sounds, effects, and techniques to find your own unique sound.
Now let's look at the top 5 free plugs for dub techno
TAL-Bassline - A free VST plugin that emulates classic bass synthesizers and is well-suited for creating the deep and rumbling basslines commonly found in dub techno.
TyrellN6 - Another free synthesizer plugin that offers a wide range of sound design possibilities and is particularly useful for creating atmospheric pads and evolving textures.
Voxengo OldSkoolVerb - A free reverb plugin that is great for creating the long, evolving reverberation tails that are a common feature in dub techno
Tal Dub - As the name implies its the perfect tool for dub, it's a versatile delay plugin that can be used to create rhythmic echoes and other dub-inspired effects.
A1TriggerGate - A rhythmic gate plugin that can create complex patterns and sequences for drums, synths, and other sounds. This is perfect to get those trance-like gated chord patterns.
Please note that if you are using a 64-bit DAW you may need a 32-bit converter like Jbridge for the tal plug-ins to work. You can demo this or its tenner to buy.