Content supplied by Patch DNA.
Patch DNA The Techno is a preset generator for Serum 2 that helps musicians discover sounds while working in their usual recording software. It runs inside compatible digital audio workstations, or DAWs, on Windows and macOS.
The product focuses on Peak Time & Driving, Raw & Hypnotic and Hard Techno. Musicians choose a direction, generate a preset and play it with their own music. The aim is to put fresh sound ideas within reach during a studio session, including for people who enjoy using synth presets and have little interest in programming them from scratch.
A musical idea can begin with the sound
A studio session might start with a drum pattern and a few notes. Hearing those notes played by another sound can change what the musician wants to do next. A longer tone could suggest holding a note across the bar. A more abrupt character might encourage a shorter phrase with room around it.
The Techno makes that kind of exploration part of the session. Pressing Generate provides a new preset to audition in the DAW. The musician can play it from a keyboard or use MIDI notes already recorded in the project, then hear how the part sits beside the other instruments.
The product generates the preset. The person using it writes the notes, chooses the rhythm and builds the arrangement. Those decisions can develop together as a sound makes a different phrase appealing.
An unfinished project also provides somewhere to try a discovery. A bass that seems interesting in isolation might take a supporting role when the drums return. Another sound could become the part the whole sketch grows around. Listening in the project gives the musician a way to make that choice.
Three techno directions within one product
The Techno has a defined genre palette, with sound types including basses, kicks, acid sounds, sequences and effects. The three directions give musicians a place to begin according to the music they want to make.
For a Raw & Hypnotic idea, a producer could explore sounds for a short repeating figure and listen to how it feels over several bars. In a Peak Time & Driving project, a generated sound might suggest a more insistent phrase against the drums. Hard Techno provides another focused direction to explore within the same product.
These are musical choices to make by ear. The genre setting narrows the world of sounds being explored, while the producer decides which discoveries suit the track.
Return to a promising discovery
When a result holds the musician’s attention, More Like This provides related variations. They can keep playing the same phrase while comparing those sounds, or record a new part if a variation suggests something different.
Creations and Favorites let users keep their finds. That makes it possible to explore further and return to an earlier choice. Recording a short musical sketch in the DAW can help preserve the idea that went with it.
The process can appeal to musicians who already collect preset packs. A pack contains a fixed selection of ready-made sounds. The Techno adds a way to generate new presets within its genre palette and investigate variations around a result they enjoy. Saved discoveries can sit alongside the sounds they already use.
The Techno is part of Patch DNA’s Sound Design Dream Machines range. The Bass focuses on Drum & Bass, Neurofunk, Dubstep and Bass Music. The House covers five house directions, including Afro House and Melodic House & Techno.
Active macros and Pitch provide further adjustments to generated sounds. Presets remain fully editable in Serum 2 when more detailed control is wanted. A separately purchased, installed and activated copy of Serum 2 is required, and the product page lists the compatible formats and system requirements.
