Tag: Techno

Oscillators are a fundamental building block of synthesis, they are responsible for generating the raw audio signals that are then processed and shaped to create sound. In the realm of analog synthesis, oscillators are typically controlled using Control Voltage (CV) and Gate signals.

CV is a method of controlling the pitch of an oscillator by sending a varying voltage signal to the oscillator’s input. This voltage signal is typically generated by a keyboard or other controller, and it’s used to control the frequency of the oscillator.

The voltage level sent to the oscillator corresponds to a specific pitch. For example, a voltage level of 0V might correspond to a pitch of C3, while a voltage level of 1V might correspond to a pitch of C4.

CV is often used in conjunction with a Gate signal, which is a binary signal that is used to turn the oscillator on and off. When a gate signal is present, the oscillator will produce a sound, and when the gate signal is absent, the oscillator will stop producing sound.

This allows for precise control over the pitch and duration of notes, making it possible to create complex melodies and rhythms.

It’s worth noting that CV and gate are not digital signals, they are analog, this is one of the main differences between an analog and digital synth. This allows for a more organic, warm and ‘imperfect’ sound.

Additionally, depending on the synth, the CV and gate signals may be sent via 1/8 or 1/4 inch cables, or via a standard MIDI connection.

Techno music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the underground clubs of Detroit in the 1980s. Today, techno is a global phenomenon, with fans and DJs all around the world. But with its popularity has come a proliferation of subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style. If you’re new to techno, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the different subgenres and figure out which one is right for you. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular techno subgenres:

• Acid techno: This subgenre is characterized by the use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, which produces a distinctive, squelchy sound. Acid techno is often fast and energetic, with a focus on repetitive rhythms and hypnotic melodies.
• Ambient techno: As the name suggests, ambient techno is a fusion of ambient music and techno. It tends to be slower and more atmospheric than other subgenres, with a focus on creating moods and atmospheres rather than dancefloor anthems.
• Deep techno: Deep techno is a subgenre that emphasizes atmosphere and emotion, with a focus on deep, atmospheric sounds and a slow, hypnotic groove. It’s often associated with the Berlin techno scene and is popular in clubs and underground events.
• Dub techno: Dub techno combines elements of techno and dub music, with a focus on echo, reverb, and other effects to create a spacious, immersive sound. It’s often characterized by deep basslines and ethereal melodies.
• Hard techno: As the name suggests, hard techno is a subgenre that is characterized by fast, aggressive beats and hard-hitting rhythms. It’s popular at techno festivals and raves, and is often associated with the harder, more industrial end of the techno spectrum.
• Minimal techno: Minimal techno is a subgenre that emphasizes simplicity and repetition, with a focus on stripped-down rhythms and minimal melodies. It’s often characterized by a repetitive, hypnotic sound that is meant to be danced to for hours on end.

These are just a few of the many subgenres of techno that are out there. Whether you’re into fast, aggressive beats or atmospheric, moody sounds, there’s a techno subgenre for you. So don’t be afraid to explore and find the sound that speaks to you – the world of techno is a vast and varied one, and there’s always something new to discover.

Techno is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that originated in Detroit, Michigan in the 1980s. It is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and synthesizers to create a futuristic, mechanical sound, and is often associated with electronic dance parties and raves.

The origins of techno can be traced back to the 1970s, when electronic music pioneers like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder began experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. In the 1980s, a group of DJs and producers in Detroit, including Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson, began incorporating these electronic sounds into their music, laying the foundation for what would later become known as techno.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, techno gained popularity in clubs and underground dance parties around the world, and various subgenres of techno emerged, including house, trance, and ambient techno. In the 2000s, techno experienced a resurgence in popularity, with the emergence of the “electro house” subgenre and the rise of electronic music festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Tomorrowland.

Today, techno remains a popular genre of electronic music, with a global following and a strong presence in the electronic music festival scene. It continues to evolve and incorporate elements of other genres, such as hip hop and experimental music, and has influenced the development of many other electronic music genres.