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.
The drum machine has evolved from being a piece of music making equipment to existing in different forms including as software. However, even in software form, it cannot function on its own and must come as part of a larger music making program. Days have changed and one piece of equipment can handle a variety of tasks.
The major function of a drum machine is that it creates drum sounds that a producer can make use of. The very first versions of drum machines came with stock drum sounds that the producer could not change. Back then, the only reason a producer would buy a drum machine would be because of the type of sounds that came with it. Due to this, there are some machines such as the Roland TR-808 which are known for their distinctive drum sounds. This has changed greatly as nowadays, almost every drum machine allows you to use samples of your own or from third party sources. You can also sample another person's records.
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.
The drum machine has evolved from being a piece of music making equipment to existing in different forms including as software. However, even in software form, it cannot function on its own and must come as part of a larger music making program. Days have changed and one piece of equipment can handle a variety of tasks.
The major function of a drum machine is that it creates drum sounds that a producer can make use of. The very first versions of drum machines came with stock drum sounds that the producer could not change. Back then, the only reason a producer would buy a drum machine would be because of the type of sounds that came with it. Due to this, there are some machines such as the Roland TR-808 which are known for their distinctive drum sounds. This has changed greatly as nowadays, almost every drum machine allows you to use samples of your own or from third party sources. You can also sample another person's records.
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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