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 can come either in software or hardware form. In short, you can simply regard is as a piece of music making equipment. Although existing in software form, it falls within a larger system of programs which work together to create sounds. Today, a single piece of music making equipment is capable of handling multiple tasks.
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.
The second function of the drum machine involves creating different drum parts through a programming function. That is, the sequencer feature on the drum machine can be used to create different drum sounds. The sequencer is used in the creation of constant sounds on a bar. This is done by either filling in spaces on the sequencer or, using drum pads. These techniques are fairly easy to learn and implement.
The two functions that are discussed above, which are creating drum sounds and beat programming are the most important parts of a drum machine, without which the machine would be meaningless. However, thanks to modern technology, it would not be right to assume that the drum machines can only achieve those functions. There are some other hidden functions that a drum machine performs and that are still critical in producing hip-hop sounds.
The drum machine can come either in software or hardware form. In short, you can simply regard is as a piece of music making equipment. Although existing in software form, it falls within a larger system of programs which work together to create sounds. Today, a single piece of music making equipment is capable of handling multiple tasks.
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.
The second function of the drum machine involves creating different drum parts through a programming function. That is, the sequencer feature on the drum machine can be used to create different drum sounds. The sequencer is used in the creation of constant sounds on a bar. This is done by either filling in spaces on the sequencer or, using drum pads. These techniques are fairly easy to learn and implement.
The two functions that are discussed above, which are creating drum sounds and beat programming are the most important parts of a drum machine, without which the machine would be meaningless. However, thanks to modern technology, it would not be right to assume that the drum machines can only achieve those functions. There are some other hidden functions that a drum machine performs and that are still critical in producing hip-hop sounds.
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Learn more about hip hop beats. Stop by Delroy Wilkins's site where you can find out all about rap instrumentals and what it can do for you.
