7. May 2025

RILEY

Master the Beatport Charts with pickyourselfofficial

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Ever wondered how to take your techno tracks from the studio to the top of the charts? Dive into pickyourselfofficial’s latest video as they break down mastering a Beatport number one hit using only Ableton Live stock plugins. It’s all about turning those basic tools into chart-toppers! Don’t miss out on the step-by-step insight into shaping a top-tier sound without breaking the bank.

Behind the Beatport Success

Take a stroll down the techno hall of fame with pickyourselfofficial as they recount the tale of mastering a hard techno EP that skyrocketed to number one on Beatport. It’s a Cinderella story of sorts for the artist Val C, a greenhorn to the music scene, with their EP ‘Satire’ landing success through a small label. This video is all about pulling back the curtain on the mastering session that made it happen, featuring work in WaveLab initially, but later on, everything’s recreated in the familiar territory of Ableton Live. We get a hats-off moment knowing this Beatport chart-topper emerged from stark, stock plugins.


WaveLab to Ableton: The Transition

Transitioning from WaveLab to Ableton, pickyourselfofficial unveils the naked truth about their mastering approach. In the original session of WaveLab, listeners are informed why the audio isn’t playing due to some quirky recording hiccup. Philipp, the mastermind behind pickyourselfofficial, reassures viewers that despite mastering in WaveLab, recreating it in Ableton with limited stock tools is the heart of this episode. We’re talking thorough breakdowns of mastering tricks, how subtle shifts in distortion can make or break your sound, especially in the low-end terrains. It’s all about moderation in distortion to maintain the thump without losing clarity, a hack sure to upgrade your track game.

"if you're producing hard techno and you're just distorting the hell out of every single sound, the mastering engineer will actually not be able to create such a loud master"

Decoding the Mastering Chain

Diving into the nitty-gritty, pickyourselfofficial offers a comprehensive look at the original mastering chain crafted in WaveLab. Starting with infrasonic filters to gentle EQ boosts, it’s a rollercoaster of subtle adjustments. Each move is deliberate, aimed at retaining the original essence while crafting a cleaner punch. The use of compressors and mid-side EQs showcases a medley of techniques to juggle between frequencies, ensuring a balanced auditory experience without overdoing it on the clippers. These insights are like peeking under the hood of a tuned-up muscle car ready to roar.


Ableton Unleashed: Stock Magic

"what you can do is you can activate a filter here to filter out some of the low end of the detection circuit"

A deep dive into Ableton’s native ecosystem reveals how stock plugins can pack a punch in the right hands. Philipp demonstrates mastering using only the tools at hand – EQ, compressors, and limiters – crafted seamlessly to mimic the original WaveLab master. Tricks like adjusting limiter release times for a natural groove and EQing with finesse transform basic tools into chart-dominating juggernauts. Across EQ tweaks, high-mid bumps, and low-end management, we’re shown how adept craftsmanship can turn even modest setups into powerful sonic scapes. For those craving those hard-hitting beats without splurging, this segment drops knowledge bombs repeatedly.

Push it to the Limit(ers)

It’s time to crank the limiters! With Philipp guiding the way, we step deeper into the mechanics of maximizing loudness without flattening those precious dynamics. He breaks down the importance of limiter settings, from ceiling tweaks to release time adjustments, showing how these facets contribute to achieving both clarity and punch. The segment illuminates how strategic limiter employment plays a crucial role, ensuring sounds hit with the perfect crescendo without spilling over into the realm of distortion. For those who crave clarity with their bass drops, it’s the ultimate guide to balancing loudness with crisp definition.

"this is when you will notice that the low end starts to just collapse"

Saturation and Sweetening

With precision akin to a top chef seasoning his dish, Philipp dives into saturation techniques to enrich the track’s texture. Utilizing the Roar plugin in multiband mode, he shows how targeting certain frequencies can add sweetness without overpowering the mix. It’s all about gentle enhancements, pulling out that additional flavor in the mids and top end while ensuring the foundation remains untouched. This segment exposes neophyte producers to the art of saturation, underlining the difference fine-tuning can make, turning bland into bold with just a touch of sonic seasoning.


Final Master Verdict

"it's always important to know your tools well"

Wrapping it all up, pickyourselfofficial compares the Ableton-only master to the original WaveLab version. While there are minor differences, especially in loudness and frequency balance, Philipp commends Ableton’s capabilities for getting close with limited tools. Emphasizing the familiarity element, he explains that while the GUI might feel ‘fiddly’, the outcome can be stunning when you know your way around. For producers seeking that final polish before hitting the upload button, this segment reinforces that with the right knowledge, even stock plugins can achieve near-professional results. It’s a nod to the DIY ethos, empowering creators to make waves without needing to break the bank.

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