making beats

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  • microkorg0

    @prophetone
    Damn you for pointing me in the direction of The Drum Broker.
    way too many good breaks on that site!

    I'd been on the site before but had stumbled across the Kingsway packs which I didnt quite get. A lot of cash for someone fannying about on analog gear ;)

    Breaks are magnificent too! There's one on there done by the drummer of the New Mastersounds. I used to have a lot of their 7inches.

    Going to invest in a couple of breaks packs.

    Have you bought from them before?
    If you fancy doing some swaps if i get some or pay each other half for a copy? ;)

  • Miguex0

    I just got one of these, so addicting!

    • Numark PT01 ScratchMiguex
    • Love mine. Pimp it up! Can recommend the Stokyo Platter & Stokyo Kutter. U can get start/stop switches too.microkorg
    • WHat I'd like to do is get a new tonearm that can fit Shure carts. You also need to fit a little amp inside for it to work.microkorg
    • https://www.turntabl…microkorg
    • Is it me or does 'scratching' sound just never sound pleasant? It's ok as a tiny sample in a track at the appropriate time.. but anything more than 1sec of it..shapesalad
    • just umantrakid
  • autoflavour1

    Never really ever intended owning a theramin .. but then this one came up super cheap and as it had cv out, it all of a sudden became more functional.

    Either way, it’s actually for the kids .. so hopefully they enjoy the weirdness ..

  • mg330

    What’s your preferred final mix / mastering plug in for warmth and saturation?

    I use the Waves J37 tape plugin and really like it, but I get some awful hiss with it depending on the setting I use. I use if on my master track when recording, and then in the final master with a bounced track.

    • UAD Ampex ATR-102 on everything! There's a noise level on it and J37, it's a big part of the effect but usually you'll need to automate it in and out...kingsteven
    • On the J37 its just down at the bottom beside wow/ flutter etc.kingsteven
  • autoflavour3

    Behringer with the clones..

    • First off, I’m very excited. Secondly, I think it’s clear that the RD-909 text needs to be bigger.prophetone
    • would love to see a linndrum or dmx clone...inteliboy
    • rd-909 text bigger? It needs nudging to the right a bit more to align with the left side of the grey 'accent' text box.shapesalad
    • i was only j/k'ing as it's already hideously humongousprophetone
    • Ah, the good old 909. I chose it as the number for my number plate...SimonFFM
  • mg331

    Whoa. WANT.

    I'm shocked this thing isn't $500+. It's getting rave reviews after being announced last week. Tycho had a video on Instagram that was pretty inspiring.

    • nice, wondering if the pitch shifter is polyphonic... would be a no brainer if it could take the POG's spot on my board.kingsteven
    • I think the combo of this and my delay pedals and/or Empress reverb could be incredible. i find myself veering more towards software effectsmg33
    • these days and avoiding some of my pedalboard staples, but this one could be so creative and fun to use.mg33
    • i use jam origin + soft synths for this sort of stuff on the computer works really well. pedal board is still needed live but resent the thing more by the day.kingsteven
    • That's interesting. I still use almost everything I used in my stereo setup in my band, but that all ended in 2010.mg33
    • So I've been thinking about scaling down my pedalboard and only focusing on essentials that I prefer or can't get in the computer, reduce noise, simplify.mg33
    • For example, I've got the Empress Reverb and it's just too many options, too many settings. Considering the Meris Mercury 7.mg33
    • I barely use my distortion pedals these days. Feeling much more like a dial-it-in, set it and forget it approach.mg33
    • Also, kingsteven, do you follow Tycho on Instagram? His videos and stories lately make me really want a drawer-based setup for pedals.mg33
    • Sweet - you can see IG stories on desktop now - https://www.instagra…mg33
    • oh, nice! mate of mine has a set up like this in his studio. but yeah same issue, maintaining 2k+ of pedals in an idiosyncratic arrangement for 5 shows a year!kingsteven
    • and all my parts on the new record i can do with Guitar -> DOD OD/Preamp 250 -> Amp! So it's a historical burden!kingsteven
    • Would consider a Line 6 Helix HX just for live but it's not going to be as good and I don't even need all those buttons!kingsteven
    • Maybe the next gen. of multifx will save me: small footprint / set up presets on the computer / just 2-3 assignable switches + knobs on the box.kingsteven
    • I barely even play through my amps anymore. Usually just guitar > effects > Apogee Duet 2 > computer + Bias Amp.mg33
  • autoflavour5

    pumped this out the other day..
    little bit fun

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BnxS…

    • nice track!microkorg
    • thanks, its a super crazy edit.. tried to get as much of the good bits into 1 minute.. but yep, its hardautoflavour
    • followed too.microkorg
    • supa' clean!keewee
  • microkorg0

    @prophetone

    Just got
    - SHrooms Vintage Drum Breaks 5
    - Rainy Day Breaks
    - Smoke Breaks
    - Backyard Breaks

    Want to trade any breaks? ;)

  • mg334

    Once in a while I get to make an ambient track to accompany video a friend of mine shoots of artist Phillip K Smith III’s incredible light installations. Got to make this for his current Detroit installation, Detroit Skybridge.

    /

  • ApeRobot1

    Latest remix

  • nocomply3

    OK friends, I know this is a dumb and loaded question, and I don't know if this is the best place to ask... but, like, how?

    How do you make and record beats?

    I have ideas for songs that have been kicking around in my head for years, and I made a promise to myself that in this next year I'm actually going to do some writing/recording.

    I play guitar and ukulele. I can do a little drumming and keys.

    But what if I wanted to make a beat/backing track to do my stuff over?

    Should I record live samples and loop them somehow?

    Should I just use the sample sounds in Garage Band (are they even any good?).

    Should I buy a drum machine thing (how do those even work?!)

    The last time I recorded was on a four track. I was playing trumpet in a ska band in high school that never made it out of my friend's garage.

    So, like, where do I start? How can I do it cheaply? I don't want a super-produced sound. I don't want it to be perfect. I want it to be real.

    Honestly, I kinda just want to do it all live on a 4-track. I want to make music – not poke around on a computer. But I'm sure there's a better way.

    Thanks for all who share any advise/wisdom here!

    • yes, get a drum machine. drum machine will be your best friend.futurefood
    • i would find a cheap laptop and run free software ( ie. Reaper) and get a small interface (focusrite). just as fun as 4 track but with flexibilityfuturefood
    • also, there are loads of vids on youtube of people with simple gear making great music.futurefood
    • If you can play a lot of instruments well enough to do a live-looping gig then get a nice looper pedal - Boss RC505 is super easy to use.microkorg
    • Fuck it and just buy an old 4 track on eBay. LOTS of synth and modular folk are recording their stuff to tape these days for the analog noise/sound.microkorg
    • Most important thing is that the method you choose is FUN and satisfying in some way. If its a chore then you're never gonna do it.microkorg
    • Got an iPad? Theres some great sequencing/sampling apps, drum machines, synths apps etc that you can make sounds and record on too.microkorg
    • Thanks for the tips! Going to look into the stuff you have mentioned.nocomply
    • Korg Gadget, Beatmaker 3, Akai iMPC Pro - all decent music making apps. You can hook up your ipad to MidiControllers too.microkorg
    • The guys at GuitarCenter would have a field day w this! jk. The cheap and easy way is pretty much poking around on computer.caterpus
    • i use AppleLoops ALL THE TIME for work in sound design and composition for tv/film the trick is manipulate them to make them original n appropriate.caterpus
    • that said, buy a simple digital interface n Logic n never use GarbageBand. U get a ton of great plugins and loops or just record ur own. HIT ME UP ; ]caterpus
    • i usually start with a break these days and try and get the structure of a song together as quickly as possible then go in to the studio with a drummer andkingsteven
    • track drums so i often just sample breaks off youtube as a catalyst (also means i'm not tempted to stick with them) there was some discussion of the drum brokerkingsteven
    • a few posts ago, i'd have a look at that if you don't fancy sitting on tracks for a year before they're done. honestly there's nothing better than a good breakkingsteven
    • as catalyst for writing good tracks. 3 parts of good break + good bass + good guitar + good synths. if i can't get it down in a few hours, and i don't think ikingsteven
    • can listen to it ad infinitum - i usually know it's not going to make it and start again!kingsteven
    • iMaschine app for phone and ipad is a cheap way to get in.stoplying
  • caterpus0

    Hey freaks, any of you know of some minimal/tech/ambient labels i can shop around a few tracks from a possible EP to?

    I've been out of the game since my DnB days 10-15 years ago. I had a few releases in my teenage years but moved back to actively playing PuNK RawK since i've been in NYC.

    I never stopped making electronic music. It's a therapeutic thing for me, pretty much equivalent to a dream journal. But I'm starting to produce with more intention of sharing and distributing.

    All the labels I know and love are UK based and pretty much "big time" (ha) and I've given up DJin (is that what the kids still call it?) long ago. Just looking for a label that would view my work as beneficial and offer some sort of distro.

    Thanks

    • Labels won't touch anyone these days without them having a big social following and tracks with lots of views on Soundcloud/YouTube/S... etc.microkorg
    • They want to know you can do most of your own marketing and promotion. Maybe you've got all that clout already?microkorg
    • I know I know! why cant they make it easy for lazy people!? im looking for young/small scale/indie labels. Even for my own listening pleasure. WAnt to get in itcaterpus
  • microkorg2

    Went to see http://www.themanfrommowax.com/ last night at a local cinema. Someone organised it through OurScreen.com. Was in a 50 seat screen room, full of early 40 something males like myself with little or no hair, all wearing hoodies or tees lol.

    Good film with great music. Well worth seeing. It does paint James Lavelle as a bit of a cock and user who can't seem to keep friends, lovers or work associates.

    • Yeah looking forward to this, he had final say on what was released so it's probably a fair... A few good interviews with him about it.fadein11
    • a fair account*fadein11
    • Regardless of some of his bad behaviour he released some fantastic music and from such a young age, he started it at 19! Gotta give him some slack imho.fadein11
    • Oh yeah definitely massive respect for him for when he first started MoWax and all those amazing releases. One of the best A&R of a generation.microkorg
    • yepfadein11
  • autoflavour2

    found one cheap, couldn't resist.
    I need to delete my PayPal account.. seriously.

    • I saw one go for £415 the other day on eBay. I was almost tempted to buy a second one and pair the two up with a DJ Mixer lol.microkorg
    • keen to see how it augments the octatrack.. it feels so weird to be owning samplers again.. I started with Emu sampler back in 1997... then Yamaha A4000 andautoflavour
    • MPC2000xl .. but then DAW and multitrack audio happened and they just seemed so antiquated.. octatrack is amazing, but I use it mostly for live.. I am hopingautoflavour
    • the digitakt is more hands on for production duties..autoflavour
    • Digitakt is great for creating melodies or textures that you'd never otherwise have discovered thanks to p-locks and other tricks.microkorg
    • yeah it was the p locks which really got me over the line..autoflavour
    • damn, 30 minutes in the studio and this is already becoming my favourite toy here.. its fucking greatautoflavour
  • nocomply0

    Thanks everyone for all of your helpful responses to my questions above.

    I've been thinking about this a lot over the past few days.

    For me, music is my escape from screens and computers. I'm finding myself dreading the process of learning any type of audio editing software or other similar stuff where I'm basically playing Photoshop, but with music.

    Not that I couldn't do it, and I know I'll need to do SOME of it. But I want to minimize it where possible.

    I'm finding myself really attracted to this device: https://www.amazon.com/gp/produc…

    My process would basically be recording live tracks straight into this machine, and then doing some final editing/tweaking with GarageBand or something similar if necessary. I have a Blue Snowball mic I could use, but the recorder also has a couple of built-in mics too.

    I plan on recording guitar/uke, vocals, keyboard, percussion, and various weird stuff like melodica, kalimba, etc...

    Anyone have experience with something like that? It seems like I can produce acceptable results with it.

    I'm basically starting from ground zero here. Not looking for amazing production quality. Rough is ok. I just want something better than totally shitty.

    Thanks!

    • nope, never used it. Have a Zoom R16 which I have just started using for podcasting.. same deal, only larger.. works welllautoflavour
    • I had dp004, great fun. Just make sure to use the largest SD card possible as mixing tracks to export basically doubles the file size and fills card space quickfuturefood
  • autoflavour0

    so the past few weeks I have been trying to finish this essay so I haven't had much time to make music (in the studio anyway)
    but I have been procrastinating by doing a bit of shopping.
    got a new zed24 Allen and Heath mixer, a second Motu midi express 8x8 switch, a TB-3, Alesis 3630 compressor and the digitakt..

    starting tomorrow I need to do some serious heart surgery and rip the old mixer out, re-order the patch bay to match the new zed24, run new lines for the other hardware..

    its going to be messy.

    will be dope when its done, but its going to take a day at least.

    which is bugging me out as I really really want to start making some new music.. but the desire to pull everything apart is too strong.

    first world problem I know.. woe is me

    • that said, everything except the mixer is second hand and cheap.. in some cases (like the Alexis compressor, was only like $60).. so not mega spend..autoflavour
    • it just is such a pain as the back of the patch bays are kind of awkward to get to and there is next to no space to reach in.. especially as there are 72 patchautoflavour
    • points back there.. which are like 80% filled in.. its the quirk of this studio.. its super neat out front, a birds nest in the back, but you don't ever see itautoflavour
    • heh, love a 3630. mine cost £30, gigged like fuck as a sidechain comp, now does the vocals in my rehearsal room! seemingly indestructible.kingsteven
    • FYI for cables the side-chain connectors on a 3630 are stereo inserts! use one side of an insert cable to connect to your trig... wont work with a mono cable.kingsteven
    • Wow someones been on a spending spree!microkorg
    • sell stuff, buy stuff.. hopefully break even most of the time..autoflavour
  • autoflavour0

    also, new $8000 Moog polysynth..
    because money

  • autoflavour2

    took 2 days worth of fucking around under tables and squeezing into the back of patch bays, but finally got it all swapped out.

    I had forgotten there were a few other bits that I had purchased over the past 4 months or so that handnt been properly installed.

    in the end, upgrade included

    zed24 mixer
    Elektron digitakt
    Roland TB-3
    Roland VT-3
    Hologram Infinite Jets
    Boss D500 Delay
    Alexis 3630 compressor
    MOTU Midi 128 midi switch

    The biggest ball ache was having to reorganise the patch bay as the ZED24 and the o1V had their stereo channels organised differently..

    I have kind of maxed out my studio now. I don't have any more space, I don't have any more patch ports free and no more space for more patch bays.

    anything new that comes in, something old has to go out.

    but it looks so pretty at night..


    • while reorganising the patch bay might sound easy, I pretty much had to take the entire patch section apart to get access to the back. and its a mad birds nestautoflavour
    • looks somewhat neat, but behind the desk its no country for old meautoflavour
    • lets hear your beats!dorf
    • Bloody hell, impressive collection and tidy! I'm doing the opposite, stripping right back to Digitakt, Faderfox PC12, Push2, Laptop & Numark PT-01 Scratch....microkorg
    • ... decided to get back into sample based trip/hip hop rather than electronic stuff. Back to my beatmaking roots, back to some soul :)microkorg
    • looks ace - i wouldn't know where to begin. as with microkorg i'm keeping it simple... some old units and reason...hans_glib
    • currently trying to get my head around grain synthesis. less beats, more noisehans_glib
    • Looks fun. Where do you put your cup of coffee?shapesalad
    • To run it for 1 hour, do you know the electricity cost? How does it compare to running a DAW on a laptop with a bunch of CPU hungry plugins?shapesalad
    • #droolprophetone
    • that warm gear smell...keewee
    • coffee goes on my desk, this is just the right side of the studio.. desk is at top, then there is also a right side with the keyboards..autoflavour
    • sickBANKattack
  • scruffics0

    anybody here sample from a turntable to an imac? how to you do it?

    On my old 2009 MBP i used to plug a 3.5mm audio cable straight into the microphone jack and get the perfect results straight in ableton without any effort. That laptop broke and I bought a 2017 imac which i found out doesn't have a mic jack and I've been struggling to figure out an alternative.

    ordered this audio interface, but it didn't work as the sound came out distorted. something to do with usb3.0 inputs, according to my research, i don't fucken know:

    sent that one back and ordered this one instead:

    it came today. sounds better but makes weird pop/crack sounds in the loudest passages and i can't adjust the input levels anywhere, only make them louder:

    i love music and have been dicking about trying to make my own, but i am nothing more than an amateur and have no idea what i am doing. Still, i can't but think, there is no way it should be this complicated, considering a simple mic jack used to work just fine, and i don't feel it should cost a lot to do something like this either.

    anybody tried one of these iMic ogger-doogers?

    TLDR:
    Simple way to sample turntable to iMac?

    • nevermind the second pic. im highscruffics
    • that Presonus one, not so bueno, I had one a while back... pops and clicks galore.keewee
    • https://www.sweetwat…keewee
    • << I don't own this one, but a friend of mine swears by it.keewee
    • thats like 125 bucks. there is no way shitty music i make can justify that.scruffics
    • I use the imic, tho much older version. It works wellhans_glib
    • Also what are you recording with? I use sound studio. Audacity is ok tho the interface is shite, but I s’pose it’s freehans_glib
    • are you connecting the turntable to mixer before hand or direct to the USB interface? how are you grounding the turntable?autoflavour
    • option a) find a cheap turntable that has USB connection option b) find a cheap mixer with a USB connection c)find the mp3 on the internetautoflavour
    • Turntable plugged into pre-amp then the interface. Grounded. On my Mac I have ableton. Before that I even used QuickTime (?!) to grab the audio.scruffics
    • Going to try bypassing the pre-amp tomorrow - waiting on some cables to arrive. Otherwise, fingers crossed for the iMic. Ordered it anyway.scruffics
    • use the iPhone voice memo app, put iPhone near speaker connected to record player.shapesalad
    • No way dude! Does that work?scruffics
    • Just an update. iMic arrived and it works like a charm! Thanks all for advicescruffics
  • imbecile0

    i hooked up my model d yesterday. seems limited. it makes a cool bass sound. i need stuff to plug into it.

    • limited? no.
      here are a few tracks from albums composed only on minimoog:
      futurefood
    • https://www.youtube.…

      https://www.youtube.…

      https://www.youtube.…
      futurefood
    • WIth a mono synth you need to either be a great player or have nice toys to hook it up with - sequencers, arps, effects.microkorg
    • Model D is limited in the way a 909 is limited. does a few tricks, amazingly.autoflavour
    • i feel like i'm of camp b, mikro. i tried using some of my existing patterns written with massive and sylenth and couldn't find anything I liked.imbecile
    • once i ran a simple pattern through it, i began to appreciate the nuances in sound difference that could be made. I'm by no means capable of playing the piano.imbecile