Break beats
2003-01-27 by erik_magrini@Baxter.com
For me it's really mixture of all the recording modes. Typically I start out my drum patterns using Grid record, just to get the basic BD, Snare, and HH's out. Each gets it's own track and Preset, except the HH's which share the same preset so that the OHH cuts off the CHH properly. Once I get the basic 8 measure pattern happening, I then start trying different Swing quantize settings to help add some more feel to it. Swing usually is set at 53-58%, and the amount percentage is between 58-68%. When I get something that sounds pretty smooth, and not overly "swung", I'll start adding the little variations that make it sound more life like. These can be played in real-time, or added in Grid Mode. For really fast snare rolls (those nuskool stutters) and stuff, I jump into Note List Edit and use the Copy function there too. Other things that help break beats sound more natural: - Use a patch cord to assign KeyRand1 or 2 to Amp Vel +3. This will add subtle volume variation to each hit. - Double up your kicks and snares (very important for beefy drums!). The stock drum kit Presets almost all use only one layer, so assign another Drum kit tone to layer 2, then use the Preset Transpose amount to pick the right 'second layer sound'. - Use swing quantize, it really does help. Apply more and more until you can just hear the swing being applied, then back off one setting. - Practice. Yeah, the lamest answer, but it really does come down to practice makes perfect. rEalm I was listening to the emuCS and I came up with a question.. How do you guys program your brak beats realtime? grid? a mixture? mine ALWAYS sound LAME..any pointers? [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]