In our discussion for today, we're going to start talking about critical pieces of equipment used in hip-hop starting with the drum machine. In modern music production today, there is a much confusion about what a musical component does. This is mainly because in today's time, each piece of equipment does multiple things now. This is similar to how most phones nowadays are way more than phones. They have calculators, internet browsers, and email programs. However our article today will clear up the confusion regarding musical equipment.
It is important to note that in modern production technology, most equipment that exists today does a variety of tasks. Thus, one piece of equipment may be a sampler, synthesizer, and drum machine in one package. This can make it confusing at times to distinguish between the different functions of any give piece of equipment. However, the best way to overcome this confusion is to think of the categories of equipment as bundles of functionality rather than an actual program or piece of hardware. Once you understand what certain sets of functionality does, you'll be able to see if the software/hardware that you desire contains this set of functionality within.
The first function of a drum machine is that it has drum sounds for a producer to use. When drum machines first came out, they came with stock drum sound samples that a producer could not change on the machine. A producer brought the drum machine for the sounds that came with it. Thus, machines like the Linn drum machine, the Roland TR-808, and TR-909 are known for their unique drum sounds. However, almost every drum machine now is a sampling drum machine which allows a producer to buy samples from third parties, sample from records, or record his/her own sounds to use in the drum machine.
The second function of a drum machine is a beat programming function that allows the producer to program drum parts on the machine. This beat programming function essentially serves as a sequencer optimized for drums. This allows the producer to program constant 8th note hi-hats on a bar with ease by either filling in notes on a step sequencer type layout (think of Reason's ReDrum or Fruit Loops), or using drum pads that often have note repeat function like in Maschine or the Akai MPC.
The two core functionalities of 1) playing drum sounds and 2) beat programming are the critical components of what can be called a drum machine today. However, in modern times, even the most basic machines have more functionality than the two functions we just discussed.
In our next article, we will discuss some of the more advanced tasks of the modern drum machine. As a result, you will be a more educated producer and you will be able to have a better idea of what equipment exists that does the job that you want.
It is important to note that in modern production technology, most equipment that exists today does a variety of tasks. Thus, one piece of equipment may be a sampler, synthesizer, and drum machine in one package. This can make it confusing at times to distinguish between the different functions of any give piece of equipment. However, the best way to overcome this confusion is to think of the categories of equipment as bundles of functionality rather than an actual program or piece of hardware. Once you understand what certain sets of functionality does, you'll be able to see if the software/hardware that you desire contains this set of functionality within.
The first function of a drum machine is that it has drum sounds for a producer to use. When drum machines first came out, they came with stock drum sound samples that a producer could not change on the machine. A producer brought the drum machine for the sounds that came with it. Thus, machines like the Linn drum machine, the Roland TR-808, and TR-909 are known for their unique drum sounds. However, almost every drum machine now is a sampling drum machine which allows a producer to buy samples from third parties, sample from records, or record his/her own sounds to use in the drum machine.
The second function of a drum machine is a beat programming function that allows the producer to program drum parts on the machine. This beat programming function essentially serves as a sequencer optimized for drums. This allows the producer to program constant 8th note hi-hats on a bar with ease by either filling in notes on a step sequencer type layout (think of Reason's ReDrum or Fruit Loops), or using drum pads that often have note repeat function like in Maschine or the Akai MPC.
The two core functionalities of 1) playing drum sounds and 2) beat programming are the critical components of what can be called a drum machine today. However, in modern times, even the most basic machines have more functionality than the two functions we just discussed.
In our next article, we will discuss some of the more advanced tasks of the modern drum machine. As a result, you will be a more educated producer and you will be able to have a better idea of what equipment exists that does the job that you want.
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Want to learn about hip-hop beats for sale? Check out Frank Lubsey's website in order to purchase beats and to read articles on beat making.
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