Choose a software program for creating your techno beat. Professional audio editing programs like Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Cubase could work for you. For less experienced musicians, consider using a simpler, more user-friendly program like GarageBand or Audacity.
Select your recording method. If you own live synthesizers or drum machines, plug them into your computer using standard instrument cables with computer adapters (available at most music stores). You can also plug your instrument(s) into a USB interface that connects straight to your computer. If you own a MIDI keyboard or controller keyboard, plug it into your computer using a MIDI cable and a MIDI-to-USB converter cable. If you use a MIDI or controller keyboard, you will need to use a program that has built-in software instruments. Most programs do have these settings, but some of the simpler and more inexpensive programs like Audacity might not.
Create a new project using your digital audio program, and set the tempo to approximately 120 to 150 beats per minute, a standard speed range for techno. You should see a "Tempo" setting on the initial project creation window, but if you do not, it will appear on your main mixer.
Begin with a kick drum. Click your first track, which appears as a long, horizontal recording space, and choose a deep kick drum for your initial recording. If you are using a MIDI keyboard, select a kick drum from your list of software instruments provided by your digital audio program. If you are using a live drum machine or synthesizer, choose a kick drum setting from the menu on your instrument. Choose an electronic drum sound with a very low frequency, and press the "Record" button in your mixer to begin recording. Your kick drum sets the pace for the entire song, so make the beat punchy, fast and repetitive in the classic techno style.
Add snare and hi hats. To add depth and complexity to your percussion, you will need to add the higher frequency drums to accompany your kick. Try adding a snare drum to track two on your mixer, and add a hi hat to track three. Place your recordings directly on top of another in their respective tracks so that they will overlap for one solid percussion sound.
Add effects. Good techno beats contain more than just pumping drum sounds. A stand-out beat will contain unique effects, like whizzing synthesizer lines, repetitive explosion sounds or looped voice recordings. Your instrument or software may have a list of "Effects" presets, and you can also download free pre-recorded audio loops online at sites like Looperman, Soundsnap and Free-Loops, featuring various voices, effects and unique sounds. To add one of these loops to your mix, just download it and drag it directly onto the mixer, onto its own track.
Add melody lines if necessary. If you feel that your beat would benefit from a catchy bass line or a fast-paced synthesizer melody, choose from instrument settings and add extra tracks with melody sequences.
Pan your tracks to the left and right. For a truly three-dimensional beat, you will need to designate certain sounds to the left channel and certain sounds to the right channel. Each track will contain a "Pan" slider, allowing you to adjust every individual sound in the mix. Always keep your kick drum and any bass tracks in the center to maintain balance, but try moving your hi hat approximately 50 percent to the left or right, and your snare approximately 50 percent to the side opposite your hi hat. Experiment by panning additional tracks as well.
Save your work.