The drum machine has evolved over time to include many features that would have been unthinkable when drum machines debuted. In this article, we'll cover some of these features so that you may understand and compare some of the different functions that drum machines contain.
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): Sample chopping is an advanced editing feature which allows a user to break down a large sample into many smaller samples that can be mapped to pads on the drum machine. This gives the user more flexibility to play back only parts of a sample, or to re-arrange the sample to come up with a different musical idea. The thing to note is that with the expansion of memory on even the most basic sampling drum machines, modern day drum samplers are now optimized to handle more than just drum audio. They can handle sampling of instruments, records, and other sources.
Sequencer: Think of a sequencer as a program that allows you to be a virtual orchestra conductor. With a sequencer, you can record and playback all of your synthesizers, software instruments, and audio recordings from one central hub. Standalone drum machines such as the Akai MPC or Maschine by Native Instruments, typically have this feature. However, drum machines that are included within another software package typically don't have this feature because the host program for these instruments are typically the sequencer.
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 just listed are features that are included on many drum machines today. Use this as a reference when shopping for your next machine.
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): Sample chopping is an advanced editing feature which allows a user to break down a large sample into many smaller samples that can be mapped to pads on the drum machine. This gives the user more flexibility to play back only parts of a sample, or to re-arrange the sample to come up with a different musical idea. The thing to note is that with the expansion of memory on even the most basic sampling drum machines, modern day drum samplers are now optimized to handle more than just drum audio. They can handle sampling of instruments, records, and other sources.
Sequencer: Think of a sequencer as a program that allows you to be a virtual orchestra conductor. With a sequencer, you can record and playback all of your synthesizers, software instruments, and audio recordings from one central hub. Standalone drum machines such as the Akai MPC or Maschine by Native Instruments, typically have this feature. However, drum machines that are included within another software package typically don't have this feature because the host program for these instruments are typically the sequencer.
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 just listed are features that are included on many drum machines today. Use this as a reference when shopping for your next machine.
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