As music technology has evolved, so have the features contained within instruments such as the electronic drum machine. Today, we'll review some of the more advanced features you may find on a modern day drum machine which will help become a better shopper.
Sampler: Sampling drum machines are now the norm in today's generation of drum machines. A sampler allows one to play back audio that has been sourced from a variety of methods. A few methods include recording one's own sounds via microphone, sampling sounds from existing records/cds, or buying them from sound design companies. The importance of the sample feature is that it allows a user to customize his/her drum machine with the sounds desired. Also, a user can keep up with the latest sounds by buying or recording newer sounds instead of having to buy a brand new drum machine.
Sample Chopping (Editing): Today's line-up of drum machines have enough memory to sample more than just short drum sounds. Today's machines have enough memory to sample instruments with long sustain sounds and vinyl records. Sample chopping is aimed at the hip-hop crowd, and it allows a user to take one large audio recording and break it down into many small audio samples which can then be mapped to a pad on the drum machine for play back. This allows a producer to re-arrange the sample and construct a new melody. It also allows the producer to only play certain parts of a sample. This is a critical feature for sample-based hip-hop artists.
Sequencer: Most standalone drum machines feature a sequencer as well. A sequencer allows one to orchestrate a variety of instruments (hardware/software) and combine them into a cohesive arrangement via a user interface. Drum machines that come within other software packages (such as ReDrum), typically don't have this feature since they are part of a larger sequencing program. However, standalone drum machines such as the MPC series and Native Instrument's Maschine do. With these machines, you can orchestrate and control your other instruments in your studio.
Step Sequencer: A step sequencer allows a producer to program a beat versus recording it in real-time. They usually feature an interface where a producer can dial in the beats of a measure where he/she wants a drum sound to play. Step sequencers allow almost anyone to program complex rhythms.
The features above are core items that you may find on a number of drum machine packages today. When shopping for a drum machine, refer to this guide to ensure that you buy the drum machine that suits your needs.
Sampler: Sampling drum machines are now the norm in today's generation of drum machines. A sampler allows one to play back audio that has been sourced from a variety of methods. A few methods include recording one's own sounds via microphone, sampling sounds from existing records/cds, or buying them from sound design companies. The importance of the sample feature is that it allows a user to customize his/her drum machine with the sounds desired. Also, a user can keep up with the latest sounds by buying or recording newer sounds instead of having to buy a brand new drum machine.
Sample Chopping (Editing): Today's line-up of drum machines have enough memory to sample more than just short drum sounds. Today's machines have enough memory to sample instruments with long sustain sounds and vinyl records. Sample chopping is aimed at the hip-hop crowd, and it allows a user to take one large audio recording and break it down into many small audio samples which can then be mapped to a pad on the drum machine for play back. This allows a producer to re-arrange the sample and construct a new melody. It also allows the producer to only play certain parts of a sample. This is a critical feature for sample-based hip-hop artists.
Sequencer: Most standalone drum machines feature a sequencer as well. A sequencer allows one to orchestrate a variety of instruments (hardware/software) and combine them into a cohesive arrangement via a user interface. Drum machines that come within other software packages (such as ReDrum), typically don't have this feature since they are part of a larger sequencing program. However, standalone drum machines such as the MPC series and Native Instrument's Maschine do. With these machines, you can orchestrate and control your other instruments in your studio.
Step Sequencer: A step sequencer allows a producer to program a beat versus recording it in real-time. They usually feature an interface where a producer can dial in the beats of a measure where he/she wants a drum sound to play. Step sequencers allow almost anyone to program complex rhythms.
The features above are core items that you may find on a number of drum machine packages today. When shopping for a drum machine, refer to this guide to ensure that you buy the drum machine that suits your needs.
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