Last Updated on September 7, 2025 by Mr. Card
You don’t need racks of gear to get that classic, deep dub techno vibe. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make dub techno chords with the Access Virus TI, using simple techniques you can apply to almost any synthesizer. While I’m using the Virus TI as an example, the approach is universal and works just as well on other synths with decent polyphony and effects.
The Idea Behind Dub Techno Chords
Dub techno is all about warm, evolving chords drenched in reverb and delay. You don’t need complex patches — the magic comes from combining basic waveforms, filter movement, and time-based effects. The Access Virus TI is perfect for this because of its lush onboard effects and flexible modulation options.
Here’s the core recipe I used:
Start with a simple sawtooth or square waveform.
Use low-pass filtering to mellow the tone.
Add envelope modulation for subtle movement.
Layer chorus, delay, and reverb to create space.
That’s it — a straightforward setup that instantly takes you into dub territory.
How to Make Dub Techno Chords with Access Virus TI
Watch the full video tutorial carefully:
Recording Chain in Tutorial Video
DAW:
Instrument:
No EQ, no compression – just internal effects from the Virus TI. Recorded via the instrument’s built-in USB. Pure sound.
Get the Full Tutorial Project
If you’d like access to the original DAW project from this video, check out my Patreon. I share exclusive audio and MIDI content from my tutorials so you can study, remix, and learn directly from my workflow.
Why I Still Use the Access Virus TI
In my older tutorials, you’ll see me using my Virus TI Desktop with the original Access Virus plugin. Unfortunately, Access has since stopped production and completely discontinued support for both the hardware and the software.
These days, I keep a Virus TI Snow in my studio — mostly because of its compact size and the fact that my desk space is limited. To integrate it with my DAW, I rely on the Aura Plugins Virus Editor, which is currently the only serious and actively updated solution for keeping the Virus TI alive in modern setups. It works good for parameter control, patch management, and total recall, so I can confidently recommend it to anyone still working with a Virus:
Best Access Virus Editor → Aura Plugins Virus Editor
Despite the countless plugins and digital synths available today, my love for the Virus remains strong. There’s something unique about its sonic character that just fits beautifully into a mix. It rarely needs heavy processing to sit right in a track. In fact, it’s the only digital hardware synth I still keep in my studio — and I don’t plan on letting it go anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make dub techno chords isn’t about mastering complex synthesis — it’s about understanding how simple sounds transform with space and movement. Whether you’re using a Virus TI, another virtual analog, or even a plugin, the principles remain the same.
Experiment with different filter settings, automate your FX, and let the chords evolve naturally. Once you get into the groove, you’ll see why this sound has been a staple of electronic music for decades.
