Las Vegas-based DJ, producer, and label head Sara Simms has built a reputation for blending sharp technical skills with a forward-looking approach to techno. With releases on her own Simmetry Sounds and performances that span from underground clubs to international stages, her work continues to bridge artistry with production detail.
Her latest single Porsha featuring Karl Wolf highlights that balance. Built around a driving techno framework and accented by Karl Wolf’s vocal contributions, the track layers modern synth design with classic processing techniques. It’s a release that shows how polished production and collaboration can push a straightforward idea into something with weight and presence.
For this edition of How It Was Made, Sara takes us inside the production process for Porsha. From the layered Serum leads to the grit of Devastator 2 on the bass, all the way to the final polish of the Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor and UAD’s LA-2A, she shares the tools and approaches that shaped the track.
Serum
The lead synth in Porsha was created in Serum, a wavetable synth known for its flexibility and detailed sound design. The preset Sara used was based on a recreation of the main synth from Tiësto’s Lay Low. She layered variations of this preset inside Serum and added a fourth Sylenth layer processed with reverb. Each layer was treated with FabFilter Pro-Q 3 to cut resonances, FabFilter Simplon to roll off the lows, and automation with Endless Smile.
Every layer carried its own audio effect rack inspired by setups used in tracks like Tiësto and KSHMR’s Secrets. This combination of EQ Eight, Saturn 2, and OTT gave each layer a distinct character while working together as a cohesive whole.
Devastator 2
For the rolling bassline, Sara used Ableton’s Operator with a Saw D waveform, then processed it with Devastator 2. She first narrowed the frequency range with Pro-Q 3, filtering between 500–1000 Hz, before running it through Devastator 2’s “Drive 1 Mid” preset. To keep things clean, she blended the distorted version in parallel at a lower volume and finalized the sound with Kickstart 2, EQ, and Simplon.
Sara notes that Devastator 2 is especially effective for mid-range distortion on rolling techno basslines, helping them sound more aggressive and energetic.
Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor
The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor was placed on the master bus early in the process, using the “Mastering Loud PGM” preset. Its dual compression stages and switchable transformers glued the mix together while maintaining warmth. Sara finds it reliable for techno, often toggling between the Loud and Medium presets depending on the intensity of the track.
UAD Teletronix LA-2A
The guitar riff recorded by Jeff Eager was processed with the UAD Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier. Its smooth, optical compression allowed the riff to sit cleanly in the mix with minimal tweaking. Sara highlights how the LA-2A excels on both guitar and vocals, offering natural compression without losing presence.
A common trick she suggests is pairing the LA-2A with an 1176 compressor — the 1176 handles fast transients, while the LA-2A adds smooth leveling.
Quick Fire Hot Takes
Hot Take #1: I like a lot of the new techno releases I’m hearing these days with vocals on them. Using a vocal hook on a track, whether it’s a new or classic vocal is a welcome addition to an underground beat.
Hot Take #2: Making a good track starts with a good idea. I like to go into the studio with a vision of what I’m going to create.
Hot Take #3: We’re at the cusp of a new era in music production. I think it’s a good idea for music producers and musicians to learn about AI tools, and keep an eye on these new technologies as they develop.
Hot Take #4: Collaborating with other people, especially those who work in different genres can open new creative possibilities, and potentially help you to create a track that sounds unique.
Hot Take #5: There are a few trends in techno at the moment, and you’ll have to choose whether you follow one of these, or create your own sound. It’s always riskier and more challenging to be an innovator.
The post How It Was Made: Sara Simms – Porsha ft. Karl Wolf (Simmetry Sounds + Techno) appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.