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Xperts of Techno | Remix Magazine

Rating: OVERALL RATING (OUT OF 5) 4 Back to Xperts of Techno product details

Because techno music relies so heavily on pre-or early-MIDI instruments like the Roland TB-303, TR-808, The Korg MS-20, and the Arp 2600 - as well as on the inherent quirks and limitations of hooking these instruments together through primitive sync technologies - the concept of a techno sample CD seems a bit misguided. After all, many techno artists like Richie Hawtin and Pacou are so into their classic machines that they eschew the use of computers and frown on the idea of sampling their beloved analog beasts.

But considering that most of the cornerstone instruments of techno now cost about as much as a black-label Armani Suit, the Xperts of Techno sample CD (audio, WAV, and Acid formats; $99.95) is a fine alternative for aspiring techno artists whose uninhibited ambitions outstrip their checkbooks. Fans of early Detroit techno (Derrick May, Juan Atkins, Carl Craig) and of the current roster of acts on the Mute label (Hawtin, Luke Slater, Mr. Oizo) who want to emulate their heroes will find plenty of mouthwatering and brainmeltinmg source material within the construction kits, loops, and effects included on this 74-minute disc.

The vast majority of the samples are 1-measure patterns-which makes sense because techno is predominantly patter-based music. However, the decision to include straight half-note snare, quarter-note bass drum, and 8th-and-16th-note hi-hat patterns seems a little wasteful, because users can easily program these simple patterns into their sequencers. Also, the stripped-down, minimalist nature of techno makes it difficult to use some of the more distinctive melodies and lines without risking the ridicule of sample CD train-spotters, who take great joy in revealing a sound's source. The producers of this CD should have provided single-note hits and chords to five composers more options for creating their own riffs and patterns.

Although the construction kits are all impressive, most users probably won't want to take such an obvious approach and will opt to combine patterns in a more creative manner. Fortunately, this is easy to do, as the tempo of all the loops is either 130, 135, or 140 bpm. This provides plenty of options for layering patterns without the hassles of time-stretching or chopping.

Even the most staunchly conservative techno purists should love the CD's quirky, personality-laden drum loops, which make a great foundation for building tracks. Quite a few of these loops scream "acieed!" and are apt to bring a nostalgic smile to the face of anyone who remembers fondly the days of unlicensed warehouse raves. But many of the patterns fit right in with the current crop of techno as well. Judicious use of distortion, phase shifting, filtering, and lo-fi equalization gives several of the loops highly appealing character and attitude.

Produced by musicians who obviously love and understand the genre, Xperts of Techno is an aptly titled disc that can transform anyone into a techno expert.

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