This is an Ableton Live tutorial explaining how to create anticipation with a build by starting with a basic sample and using the built in Ableton reverb to add a thick tail  that can then be recorded and further processed with a chain of effects.

The tutorial explains the reverb freeze function and the resampling process before moving on to demonstrate ideas using a range of effects that come bundled with Ableton Live. An Auto Filter is automated to let in the high frequencies over 8 bars, an EQ3 is set to remove any unwanted muddy frequencies from the low end and Ableton’s Erosion plug in is then dropped into the chain to bring out some high end sparkle. Finally the excellent filter delay plug in thickens and widens the reverb tail whilst adding some additional movement.

To complete the effect we examine clip automation in Ableton and set up a unlinked volume loop to help pump the reverb sound in time with the track. The tutorial also looks at using the utility plug in to automate volume in a track. This is important because we do not want to automate the tracks output fader as it will overcomplicate things at the mixdown stage.

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This Ableton Tutorial is suitable for all varieties of EDM including deep house, tech house, progressive house, electro house, techno, minimal and trance.