The main focus or sound that is repeated and usually makes up the chorus in a typical techno track is made from a synthesizer or software program with synthesizer capabilities. Most tracks take this sound or melody line and remix it to the point it becomes the main focus.
The rhythm of the track and what type of track it becomes is determined by the beat. The beat of techno music is created on an outboard instrument called the drum machine, or with beat-making software.
The sounds that give techno tracks depth and atmosphere are created by synthesizers, keyboards and other electronic machines that can be modified. Some producers have even miked or altered children's toys for this purpose.
The prominent sound or bass line is the "glue" that holds the other sounds together. This can also be made with the synthesizer. The bass line of techno music can often be very gritty in comparison to the other sounds.
The key vehicle that allows producers to put all the elements of techno music together within tracks is the production software. Production software usually includes added effects that musicians use to further develop and alter the sounds, which makes the software a type of instrument.