The secret weapon of Armada Music is back on Armada University! In his second course, Rodg builds a brand-new track from scratch, teaching you how to build a solid Progressive record from the very first kick drum to the arena-shuddering finale and everything in between. His course also comes with the full project file, just so you can learn even more. And don't forget to grab his own Armada University sample pack on Splice.

Content:

Creating the Drums
Using some signature sounds, Rodg explains how to start a track with the drums and craft the initial groove.

Creating the Bassline
Using the Vengence Avenger, Rodg explains how he creates basslines with a few tips of how he uses Ableton's MIDI plugins to get a signature sound.

Layering the Bassline
Now the main sound is created, Rodg explains how to layer up the bass for even more energy and impact.

Adding Melodic Pieces
Understand melody as Rodg explains his techniques for getting the right sounds and effects when creating melodic lines and parts.

Break Melodies, Pads and Arpeggios
Again turning to Ableton's MIDI plugins for workflow speed, Rodg creates pad and arpeggio melodies, processing and automating the sounds as he works.

Bass Pad Melody
Using Lennar Digital's Sylenth synth, Rodg ass a bass pad melody to add to the tension and drama of the break

Developing the Melody
After analyzing the melody so far, Rodg explains how he'll often switch up melodic elements as he tires of them during the songwriting process.

Refining the Melodic Elements
Rodg keeps tweaking the sounds and melodic arrangement to refine the track.

Adding Vocal Elements
Learn how Rodg turns a simple vocal recording of himself into a vocoded hook for the track.

Starting the Arrangement
Now the main idea is together, Rodg explains his initial plans for arrangement.

Arrangement Part 2
Continuing the arrangement, Rodg uses automation, EQ and more to tweak the mix as he builds out the track.

Percussion
Rodg looks at percussion, adding and editing loops to create a new drum layer.

Percussion Part 2
Continuing with percussion and adding his signature with further arrangement tweaks, Rodg explains how to use analog synth drums for a top layer.

Adding FX
Rodg explains his method for adding FX, starting with crashes and moving into risers and transitions.

FX Part 2
Rodg explains how adding white noise and processing the sound can add depth, before moving on to some reverberated snare hits for detail in the mix.

FX Part 3
See Rodg returns to the vocal recording and learn how to transform the vocoded sound into a effected, lush pad.

Finishing
Rodg explains his processes of finishing refinement. Learn how to spot arrangement opportunities and elements of the track that need work.

Finishing Part 2
Watch as Rodg explains how to remove elements to add interest to the arrangement.

Finishing Part 3
Rodg creates snare fills, processing, adding automation and reverb. Lean how to continue to refine a mix as the final track comes together.

Finishing Part 4
It's time to add the intro to the arrangement. Rodg teaches you about the importance of the first minute for DJs while retaining interest.

Walkthrough and Basic Mastering
Rodg has a final run-through of the track before explaining his techniques for basic mastering allowing you to play the track out in the clubs.

Ableton Project Files

General
Complete name : 3 - Layering the Bassline.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42 (mp42)
File size : 239 MiB
Duration : 15 min 12 s
Overall bit rate : 2 195 kb/s
Codirector : codirector
Production studio : studio
ContentType : Unknown Type
Encoded date : UTC 2019-06-12 19:42:22
Tagged date : UTC 2019-06-12 19:42:22

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : [email protected]
Format settings : CABAC / 2 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, RefFrames : 2 frames
Muxing mode : Container [email protected]
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 15 min 12 s
Bit rate : 2 006 kb/s
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 25.000 FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.039
Stream size : 218 MiB (91%)
Language : English

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec
Format profile : LC
Codec ID : mp4a-40-2
Duration : 15 min 11 s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 183 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 44.1 kHz
Frame rate : 43.066 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 19.9 MiB (8%)
Title : Stereo
Language : English
Default : Yes
Alternate group : 1