A while ago, there was not much information available on the internet concerning drum machines. It was easy to get confused by the variety of equipment available then. It was also much harder to discern which instrument did what as most of the equipment back then did almost everything at the same time. You could easily find yourself confusing a keyboard, workstation and a synthesizer. This article aims to help you understand about the different terms you may come across and what they mean.
It is no longer ideal to think of the drum machine as a piece of equipment, as it can exist in both hardware and software form. Even when it is in software form, the drum machine still does not exist as standalone equipment, but rather it is essentially a part of a much larger program. There are no longer the days when one piece of equipment handled one task only.
The main function of the drum machine is the creation of drum sounds that can be used in beat making. Early drum machines came with pre-created drum sounds that limited the producer's ability of making custom sounds. Music producers were therefore expected to buy a drum machine after carefully identifying the types of drum sounds the machine came with. The Roland TR-808 is one of the popular drum machines that were recognized due to its distinct and clear sounds. Today's drum machines offer more flexibility as you can now use your own sound samples. You can also download and use samples from third party sources as well as existing tracks.
Another function of the drum machine is to allow the producer to create drum parts on the machine through a programming function. In short, this function provides a sequencer that is tailor made for drums. This is a feature that allows the producer to create constant notes on a bar through filling in steps on a sequencer layout or through the use of drum pads. Both methods are fairly easy.
To recap, the drum machine serves two main functions, drum beat creation and beat programming. Without these functions, the drum machine is virtually useless. With technological advancement, drum machines can perform other different functions above these two. Today's drum machines come with other hidden but important functions. These functions are quite important in any hip hop beats production project. Do yourself a favor and invest a good drum machine. They are absolutely essential for hip-hop and will make you a better producer in the long run.
It is no longer ideal to think of the drum machine as a piece of equipment, as it can exist in both hardware and software form. Even when it is in software form, the drum machine still does not exist as standalone equipment, but rather it is essentially a part of a much larger program. There are no longer the days when one piece of equipment handled one task only.
The main function of the drum machine is the creation of drum sounds that can be used in beat making. Early drum machines came with pre-created drum sounds that limited the producer's ability of making custom sounds. Music producers were therefore expected to buy a drum machine after carefully identifying the types of drum sounds the machine came with. The Roland TR-808 is one of the popular drum machines that were recognized due to its distinct and clear sounds. Today's drum machines offer more flexibility as you can now use your own sound samples. You can also download and use samples from third party sources as well as existing tracks.
Another function of the drum machine is to allow the producer to create drum parts on the machine through a programming function. In short, this function provides a sequencer that is tailor made for drums. This is a feature that allows the producer to create constant notes on a bar through filling in steps on a sequencer layout or through the use of drum pads. Both methods are fairly easy.
To recap, the drum machine serves two main functions, drum beat creation and beat programming. Without these functions, the drum machine is virtually useless. With technological advancement, drum machines can perform other different functions above these two. Today's drum machines come with other hidden but important functions. These functions are quite important in any hip hop beats production project. Do yourself a favor and invest a good drum machine. They are absolutely essential for hip-hop and will make you a better producer in the long run.
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