I know this site is primarily about keyboards/synths but I do not know of any other forums that would be able to give an answer to this type of question.

How are fast or intricate drum beats made? I understand a drum machine would be needed for all the sample of the drums but all the intricacies that are set up are they done in software like Cubase?

I have loads of beats etc in my head but I have no idea how to get them down, is it just the pianstaking process of sitting down and clicking into rythm all the pieces?

In my head I always seem to think of some analogue input, i.e. using a keyboard somehow to input the individual beat layers? Can this be done, is it a good method?

On the otherhand, which Drum machine is best for a beginner like me. I wish it to be in a cheap price range as I am also a big fan of experimentation. There is no point just buying the best on the market outright as it isn't individual.

Cheers.

'Beats"? You some Hip-Hop dude? Just kidding...

....But in case you don't want anyone to LOL about it don't call them "Beats". Drums, loops, grooves...anything but "Beats".

learning how to make your own drum patterns (for any kind of music) is going to take some practice. ...And something to practice with. QUickest way to learn would be to get yourself some cheesy groovebox and start messing with it. See how the drum patterns are made. Dive into the user manual and don't be afraid to experiment.

I've learned by listenning to other people's music, drum loops etc. Just listenning for individual sounds and trying to recognize any patterns. dance music was probably the easiest. most of it was made up of electronic drums and a bit of synth sounds on top. In other words the mixes weren't too busy and it was easy to tell what was happenning. After listenning and sorting out what the drums were doing I usually went to my sampler, loaded a drum kit or two and tried to recreate or repeat what I've learned. Using sequencer programs that allowed inputing events step-time was big help too. ...But that was then.

Nowadays you should be able to learn a thing or two about making your own drum tracks by messing with any groovebox or drum synth/ machine.

cheers,

[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 09-05-2007).]

Ok thanks for the correction on terminology. I am not into hip-hop in the slightest, "Beats" has just become some generic term in our small circle. Although now you have pointed it out I will reffrain for using it on these boards at least, as the connotations are agrreably cringeworhty.

Thanks for the help though, I was also going to have a go at mimicing patterns out of music I hear as I think it would be a great way to learn. Are there any reccomendations for a "groovebox or drum synth/ machine"?
Thanks.

Either by using sequencers or arpeggiators/ step sequencers. Still the same thing pretty much... Just different approach.

Inputing sounds step-time or recording in a loop by playing each sound individually are probably some of the ways of doing it. I've been making drum tracks for so long I can just play most of it from the keyboard, then qquantize for better timing or just edit out whatever doesn't sound right. Usually recording at slower speeds for accuracy and then speeding it up on playback.

A lot of techno/trance/dance artists and DJs like to use drum loops as well. Sometimes just mixing several of them at once. Prodigy for example did just that with very little sequenced drum patterns involved. I personally like mixing in a bit of drum loops with my drum tracks as well. Helps start the groove sometimes. SOmething to play against before the drum pattern is complete.

cheers,

[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 09-05-2007).]

No problem man. NOt just here, any other music forumm. We're nice here. Trying to be anyway .

As for the specific groovebox I think Roland made a lot of them. Just Google for "Roland" and "Groovebox" and you're guaranteed to find some.


BTW, if its just drum sounds you're after any synth workstation would do. Nowadays most workstations have more drums than any old drum machines put together. The reason for why I've recommended something like a groovebox is because it has many different preset grooves and patterns to learn from. IMHO it would be much easier than to learn by trying to sequence or build your own drum patterns from scratch. Eventually you'll be able to but I think in the beginning it is good to have some examples you can dive into and see what they are made of. Solo just a kick or just a snare and so on. Very convenient stuff. SOmething you should be able to do with any drumm machine too but not too many of them are made anymore and the old ones would not be as much fun. Unless of course we're talking some old 808 but that would cost a fortune. Not worth it if you ask me.

I think what you should do is shop around. Go to music stores and check out everything you can. For example you might really like the groovebox, might hate it. Instead you may prefer a workstation like the Roland Phantom or yamaha MOtif. I have some ideas on what might work for your needs better but ultimately it is you who has to make the big decision.

If you fancy using software then there are killer drum synths like Native Instruments Battery, Spectrasonics Stylus RMX and so on. Of course your computer would have to be up to specs and you might need a good audio card.

Too many options... Way way way too many if you're looking for drum sounds.

cheers,



[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 09-05-2007).]

I ,like Ed ,program drum tracks mostly in realtime from the keyboard then quantize. I do sometimes then go into step editor mode to tweak things a little and add things like flams or rolls that would have been too hard to enter accurately from the keyboard realtime.

A combination of realtime recording with some final editing is certainly the easiest way to go and not nearly as tedious as trying to do the entire track in step mode.

Cheers, keyboard input seems the easiest option to me as well.