• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

need advice on a drum machine (with sound clips)

kernel666

kernel666

Sep 15, 2005
82
10
40
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
#1
hi there.. I'm looking to add some aphex twin-esque drum to some of my recordings, im looking for that really fast sounding snares heard in aphex and other industrial bands.. also most of my stuff is in odd time signatures, so I need one that handles them well.
anyone has any suggestions? Im totally clueless regarding this so any input is appreciated.
TIA
EDIT:
Here are some small clips of the type of sound im looking for, these first two are from King Crimson's Level 5, Pat Mastelotto on drums.
http://download.yousendit.com/8FC4C6266DCFD3E7
http://download.yousendit.com/B16BE72010D5A682
This is a clip from Aphex Twin's Girl Boy... Not really digging the sound, but its the kind of drums im looking for.
http://download.yousendit.com/000B5A8108098307
 
#6
Sounds mostly like chopped/effected drum loops (of real drums and some programmed/electronic stuff layered in) rather than a drum machine to me. You won't be able to get that exact (more organic) sound from just a drum machine.

Couple options can get you there if you already have a DAW to record into (assuming you're using this for recording and not live use)... get something like Ableton Live, or Propellerheads Reason/Recycle. Live or Recycle allow you to slice and dice your drum loops however you want, Live will also let you sequence them as does Reason. There are also a ton on sample libraries with this type of stuff already made with construction kits to put them together.

If you're still wanting a drum machine, take a serious look at the Boss/Roland stuff. I had used/programmed with Alesis stuff (the orignal HR16's and SR's for a few years then picked up a Boss DR660. The 660 was waaaaay more flexible, with more/better sounds features, and options. Not sure what their newer units are like since I haven't touched a drum machine in about 5 years, but I can only imagine they'd have gotten better.
---
c
 
#8
Live and Recycle do some similar stuff (can chop up and re-arrange loops), but are mostly different animals. They both include some limited loop libraries featuring drum loops, as well as other intruments.

The main difference between the 2 is that ReCycle is a 1-trick pony... it allows you to edit, cut up, and otherwise manipulate your loops, then export them to use/sequence in other software (which in this case is usually Reason). You can find more info on those here...
http://www.propellerheads.se/

Reason is essentially a sequencer/synth/drum machine with effects that also allows you to load "refills" which are sample libraries programmed specifically to run within reason. The Refills cover all types of genres, but are often geared more toward electronic music.

Ableton Live (http://www.ableton.com/) is more of a full-fledge all-in-one recording/sequencing app. You can import loops, cut and edit them, and even time-stretch/compress them (or as they call it "warp"). It includes a bunch of effects, a synth and other fun stuff. You can also trigger stuff via a MIDI controller and use it for live performance. If you get a recording interface for your computer, you can record audio (like guitar, bvass, or vocals) directly into your computer as well. Acid (PC only) is another app that's pretty similar to Live, but I don't have much experience with Acid.

Not sure about how well these would work into the workflow of a VS2000... you might want to consider just using your computer, or picking up a laptop (if you require portability) and a decent firewire audio/MIDI interface. This method offers you far more flexibility as far as editing and expansion options in the long run. It pretty much depends on your needs (how many things you need to input/record simultaneously) and your budget. If you're planning on producing the music you reference, a computer-based DAW would make more sense I would think.

I'd suggest taking a look at the links above, and maybe download the demos and play around with them if you can.
---
c
 
#10
Are there any loops out there pre made and sound like drums (not a machine) in odd time signatures i.e. 7/8, 12,8 etc? Looking for '80's King Crimson and Rush type of meters. I just got Sony Acid 6 and I'd prefer not having to piece everything out of 4/4. Yeah I know get a real drummer, but I don't have the money for a lap top to move around and since I live in a condo, the noise would be an issue.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back