Ableton Hack-Gated Rave Techno Stab

If you're looking to create an old school rave vibe in your techno tracks, using a stab loop can be a great way to achieve this sound. Rave stabs are an essential element in techno music and have been used for many years to create that classic energy and excitement that we all know and love. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create an old school rave vibe in your techno tracks using a stab loop, along with some tips for enhancing the effect with Ableton and the kHz Trance Gate plugin.

First, you'll need to select a sample loop from a techno sample pack such as Out Peak Time Techno. Look for a stab sound that you like and load it into your sampler. Once you have your stab sound, set the start point to the first stab in the loop. Then, switch on the loop and adjust the loop length to 1.50% and the loop speed to 85%. These settings will help create that classic chopped up sound that is characteristic of rave stabs.

Next, create a long midi pattern to trigger your stab loop. You can use a simple half bar change, but longer notes are better to let the loop in the sampler work its magic. Once you have your midi pattern, you can begin to add some additional effects to enhance the sound.

One plugin that works great for enhancing the effect is the kHz Trance Gate. This plugin allows you to create that classic gated sound that is so essential to the old school rave vibe. Simply add the plugin to your stab loop track and start playing around with the settings until you find the sound you're looking for. You can adjust the gate timing, depth, and shape to create a unique sound that fits your track.

Another great tool for enhancing the effect is Ableton's Gate audio effect. You can use this to create a more pronounced gated effect by adding an open 808 hit sample in a new midi channel to trigger the gate to open. When programming the midi, use a mix of 16th and 32nd notes to create a cool stutter effect that will help bring that old school rave vibe to life. By experimenting with the different gate parameters such as threshold, attack, and release, you can create a unique and exciting sound that complements your stab loop.

In addition to these tools, you can also experiment with other effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion to add more depth and character to your sound. Adding some subtle reverb can help create a sense of space and depth, while a bit of distortion can add some grit and texture to your sound.

In conclusion, using a stab loop to create an old school rave vibe in your techno tracks is a great way to add some classic energy and excitement to your music. By following the steps outlined in this article and experimenting with the kHz Trance Gate plugin, Ableton Gate audio effect, and other effects, you can achieve the perfect sound to get your audience dancing and feeling the beat. So, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun with your sound design!