How to Create Build Ups and Impact

Aug 19th in Logic Pro, Production by Mo Volans

This tutorial continues with the track we have been on over the last few months. The last section was on creating a breakdown and you check it out here if you missed it and want to catch up.

Now our breakdown is complete its time to start thinking about where we go next. As this is a dance track, we want to come out of the breakdown on an energetic high and plenty of impact when our drum track is reintroduced.

This tutorial shows you some methods for creating the build up needed, and ensuring the reintroduction has enough impact without being to loud. I am now using Logic Pro 9 for these tutorials but they will open successfully in Logic Pro 8. Simply click through the warning pop ups and everything should play back correctly.

Author: Mo Volans

Mo Volans has been releasing tracks for well over a decade with many of the world's top electronic labels. Having worked with a long list of high profile artists, he has enjoyed top ten success on numerous of occasions. Mo records under the names MoHawk, Twisted Air, and Openair and also writes music for TV and film.  Mo is also a prolific writer and journalist writing for publications such as Music Tech, Remix mag and EQ.

Screencast - How to Create Build Ups and Impact After Your Breakdown

This is a one part video, and is quite long due to the amount of detail involved. I show each new element that has been added and revisit automation technique and also demonstrate one method for creating a rising build up effect.

There is also information on adding new percussion parts that add pace after the breakdown has finished and some techniques on how to make these sit correctly in the mix.

The next part of this series will see instruments being reintroduced as the arrangement develops, and a few different ways in which this can be achieved.

Download the Play Pack for this tutorial (21.4 MB)

Contents

Logic Source Files
Audio Files

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User Comments

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Björgvin August 21st

Question: Your subtractive synthesis tutorial. Is it going to focus on the Logic synths?
Cause I have been quite lazy with figuring out what all those buttons work. I kinda know what they do, but I’ve never really had a reason to jump in and tweak them.
Like a lecturer said about UltraBeat: “Usually, the first thing you do when you open Ultrabeat is looking at all the intimidating knobs and then promptly closing it again”. That always made me laugh, and kinda applies to some of Logic’s synths as well.
( Reply )
1. Mo Volans August 21st
  
  Hi Björgvin … thanks for the question. I’ve not decided which synth to use for the subtractive synth tutorial yet.
  I’m thinking of going for something that runs on all platforms and has a good demo available. The problem with choosing say a Logic or Reason based synth is that it may alienate quite a few people.
  If any of you have any suggestions please let me know… I’ll try and pick something that demonstrates everything clearly that most people can try.
  All this said the theory contained in the tut will be generic and you will be able to apply it to any synth. Once you have the basics down and understand each section you will be able to apply it to any instrument … so those Logic synths shouldn’t look so scary by the time we’re done !!
  ( Reply )
miniMAL August 21st

Abakos 2 Subtractive Synth…?
Free and Simple.
( Reply )
1. Mo Volans August 21st
  
  Hey Minimal, thanks for the the input.
  Unfortunately that one is VST and windows only. Really looking for something that is OSX and Windows, VST and AU and has a 30 day unlimited demo. The new Waldorf Largo is installed here and seems to fit all these criteria.
  Other wise i may resort to demonstrating with Reason’s Subtractor as it has a nice clear interface.
  As i said above it shouldn’t matter too much as the techniques will be pretty generic.
  ( Reply )
Björgvin August 21st

Yeah, I agree with using Reason’s Subtractor. It’s clear interface is a perfect candidate for a tutorial such as this. It has all the knobs they others should have as well, so other users, Logic, Live etc can easily learn from that and apply to their own.
( Reply )
MOnZYt August 25th

I really enjoyed that tutorial, very good website I don’t usually comment but I am really impressed its inspired me to make a tutorial myself.
( Reply )
andy August 25th

This is over explained and too slow, i preffer written tuts.
( Reply )
1. Mo Volans August 25th
  
  Hi Andy, I apologize for the pace of this one, to be honest I was suffering from a pretty bad cold, so there are a few pauses and edits in there. Am usually a little tighter
  ( Reply )
  1. andy August 25th
    
    Oh, sorry, thanks for the reply, get well u rock.
Viktor K August 25th

One of the best ways to create impact after a breakdown is to strip the song down (kick, bass, stabby stuff) and build it again. If used right it really makes the track bang.
( Reply )
Jason Hamer August 31st

Hi,
Mo i was wondering how you did the strip silence on your drum .wavs
I see you didn’t use the ESX24 in this project.
I’m using NI Maschine to make my drums, i export them and import them in logic on a audio track.
But still having the silence between the individual drumhits.
There is probably a way to do this without having a instrument track with a ESX24 on it.
Right now i’m gettin my hands dirty strippin down myself in the sample editor.
Thanks in advance.
Jason
( Reply )
Arjan December 3rd

Thank U !!! i preffer video tuts.
well done
( Reply )
Sebastian December 9th

great to have a look inside the project!
( Reply )
Sebastian December 9th

Sorry, but does somebody know how to reverse crashes etc. in logic? I’m not able to find it…
( Reply )