Hey everyone! You first answer might be "Go to their webpage," but that's not as easy as it seems! Most DJ's prefer to keep their stuff confidential and I understand. Anyway, I listen to Delerium's "Nuages du Monde," cd and Tatana's "Tribute to Trance" cd religiously. Have any of you listened to either or both, and if so what DJ equipment are they using to produce these sounds? Knowledge is power!

Hi, welcome to the site, first of all. How open producers are about the "secrets" of their tracks depends. One example is the duo 7 Skies & Static Blue. They occasionally post videos on Youtube that go through many of the steps in how their tracks were made. They don't say how they make the sounds, but I find the videos very helpful in understanding ways producers like to bring in the various elements of the song. So, from my perspective, they're pretty open to sharing ideas. Also, I find many producers are very open about discussing techniques when asked or by their own volition. Darren Tate has done this. Arksun has done this. In general, many trance artists are not only accessible, but also helpful.

I don't know if you know all this, but here's a deeper explanation. Almost all producers will tell you they use so-called "VSTs", or "Virtual Studio Technologies" (producers who use Mac programs like Reason or Logic, such as myself, use "AUs", or "audio units." They do the same things basically, only certain ones may be only available to one type (either VST or AU.) Basically, these are plug-ins that can be worked into the program from which you are producing and have the ability to synthesize an assortment of unique sounds. So let's say I want a really lush pad for my song. I can find a VST or AU that specializes in pads or strings, then bring it into my program. That easy. The not-so-easy part is figuring out how to make something out of nothing. But it's also the most exciting part.

What sounds in those songs are you referring to specifically? Myself, I find it's rewarding to spend a few hours a day listening to tracks over and over, and then trying to recreate sounds based what I can learn about things like manipulating sound waves and adding effects. Listen out for nuance, then tweak the knobs in your program to find that perfect sound. Doing it yourself really educates you to understand how sounds function and ultimately give you more control over your music. Plus, it really develops creativity.

Thank you Rover, I appreciate everything you said and I'm studying it! My knowledge of Trance sounds, sort of in response to your question, is really limited to the basics (drum machine, synthesizer, etc...)  and I can pick those up pretty well when I'm listening to cd's. My whole goal here is to use someone like Tatana, who I really enjoy listening to, as a stepping stone to getting started as a dj. That means really just getting some kind of equipment in my hands for starters! Thanks again!

Hmm. As far as DJ's not divulging industry secrets i am of the impression that isnt a reflection on themselves as being secretive, more them seeking their own peace of mind by using managers and agencies to handle their PR. i myself managed to have a meaningful discussion with Leon Bolier and he gave me some handy info on windows based interfaces for music production some while ago. That was straight from the horses mouth so to speak and he was only to willing to spend his time helping another. I count myself as lucky for having the opportunity and i did actually do this through his webpage funnily enough. 

I may not be a pro but i think my comments may be valid. In terms of picking sounds its almost impossible for myself as a non musically trained individual to listen to a synth or drum loop and know precisely what instrument it came from or even generate a ballpark assumption on it. On the other hand, some have distinctive sounds i can discern. For example if the VST Toxic Biohazard was used i would probably know it has been. i have noticed it before in goa trance.

What i can do is listen to a track and break down the components as i hear them to surprising affect. Once i have done that i can easily open up FL or Reason and try to recreate them for my own sense of satisfaction. admittantly some are harder than others but i suppose the key here is not to go wasting time searching for the exact instrument when half the fun is using other ones to see how good you can listen and reciprocate.