How to make a tape stop before a drop

Use a tape stop: the audio slows down and drops in pitch until it stops, like a tape machine losing power. Put it on the last beat before a drop, then bring the drop in at full speed. Most DAWs have one (Gross Beat in FL Studio, a tape stop preset or plugin elsewhere), or you can automate the pitch and speed of a bounced loop down to zero.

How to do it

1. Bounce the last bar before your drop to audio, or put the tape stop effect on your master or drum bus.
2. Trigger the tape stop on the last beat before the drop: about one beat long.
3. Let it slow all the way to silence.
4. Bring the drop in exactly on the downbeat, at full speed.
5. Use it once or twice in a song, so it keeps its surprise.

Why it works

The slowdown feels like the energy running out, and the moment of silence after it makes the drop hit harder by contrast.