MFB-522, Slim Phatty, Mbrane, Clap Track, DM-100
“Just messing around with a MFB-522, Moog Slim Phatty, Jomox Mbrane 11, Electro Harmonix Clap Track and Boss DM-100 delay.”
MFB-522 is a drum computer with a fully analogue sound engine that offers plenty of editing capabilities. It includes a step-sequencer with popular TR-style running-light-programming. Memory locations are available for 72 patterns as well as for 8 songs.
The step-sequencer allows programming of 72 basic patterns plus 72 fill-ins. The latter being associated to the basic pattern memory location, resulting in a two-bar-pattern when using the fill-in. Patterns can be combined to eight songs that each hold a user-definable sequence of up to 64 patterns. In addition to the instruments, a global accent-track is available. When set, the corresponding step will be played with a higher or lower volume-setting in comparison to the standard level. The MFB-522’s sequencer offers three different steps of shuffling. A stereo output will carry all instruments minus those where individual outputs are in use (bass drum, snare drum/rimshot, claps and Hihat). Using the MIDI-In, drum-sounds can be played with a keyboard or external sequencer. Here, the sound sources act velocity sensitive. Finally, MFB-522 can be synchronized to incoming MIDI-clock.
New Groove Drums Synth from IMEA
Steelberry Clones reader Dan A from IMEA tipped us on their new Groove Drums Synth that now has been released, here’s what he tells about it:
VSTi plugin and Application, its architecture combines a sequencer, a sampler, a synthesizer and the randomization tool of Groove Drums that allows you to create easily and intuitively grooves and drums loops.
The standalone version allows you to use the plugin without the need for a host sequencer and so be able to export drum loops independently.
The difference with GROOVE DRUMS is to affect the channels to a sampler and a synthesizer that allows you to create synthetic percussions.
Features:
• Pattern based drum machine engine + Sampler + Synthesizer.
• Innovative tool for randomization.
• Ability to export audio loops.
• 12 channels.
• 3 parametric filters per channel.
• 2 effect sends per channel.
• Independent outputs.
• 16 patterns of 64 steps per channel.
• Drag & Drop patterns.
• SCALE mode for velocity on the tune that selects the closest note in an editable range.
• Master equalizer and insert effects.
• Comes with Chorus, Compressor, Delay, Filter, Flanger, Limiter, Reverb and Overdrive.
• Comes with standalone version allows the use of the VSTi without the need for a host sequencer.
Roland TR 808: All Hail The Beat
“The sounds of the Roland TR-808 drum machine inspire musicians around the world, even though the device hasn’t been made since 1984 and most of its avid users have never actually seen one.”
The TR-808 is a classic drum machine that used analog synthesis to create its sounds. The sounds have a very thin and pure quality and aren’t grungy like it’s successor the TR-909. In fact, the 808 has become the signature beatbox used in most R&B and hip-hop as well as a lot of dance and techno music. Booming bass kicks, crispy snares and that annoying cowbell sound made famous during the 80’s are all part of the 808 and its famous sound.
Its 16 drum sounds include the famous boomy low kick, snappy snares, low/mid/hi toms, low/mid/hi congas, rimshot, claves, hand clap, maracas, cowbell, cymbal, open hihat, closed hihat and accent. All of the sounds can be edited and/or tuned and have individual outputs. Unfortunately it is not MIDI equipped but it does use Roland’s DIN Sync.
The TR-808 was OK in its time. It just didn’t sound like real drums. When the Linn Drum machines appeared, the 808 seemed doomed. But its unique sound and analog allure have found it a long-lasting home in many forms of music. Clearly the 808 has been one of the more important and famous drum machines in the history of music, spawning imitators (ReBirth, DrumStation) and band names (808 State).
Review of the Nord Drum Virtual Analog Drum Synth
The four channel virtual analog drum synthesizer from Nord gets a good seeing to.
- Virtual Analog Drum Synthesizer
- 4 inputs for Electronic Drum Pads / Acoustic Drum Triggers
- MIDI In/Out
The Nord Drum is designed with the performing musician in mind and its extreme dynamic range and super-fast triggering add to the feeling of playing a real instrument. 4 high-sensitivity inputs and MIDI lets you play the Nord Drum with a wide range of Electronic Drum Pads, Acoustic Drum Triggers and MIDI-pads/Sequencers for easy integration into any existing drum-kit or the starting point for something completely new…
Create classic retro-futuristic percussion with analog waveforms or use the harmonically complex waveforms together with different colors of noise for results that both sound and respond stunningly organic.
100% out of the Dave Smith & Roger Linn “Tempest” groove box
This track was 100% synthesized with a Dave Smith & Rogre Linn “Tempest” synthesizer.
“By the time i composed this track the Tempest was not fully MIDI implemented so there is only Note Triggering from my sequencer this time.
MIDI, Sampling(recording) and Mixing in Nuendo. Master in Peak with Waves and UAD softwares. The computer app. used in this production were 100% used by license. roCk and rolL”
Quicksilver 303 Introduction
The Quicksilver 303 CPU upgrade for the TB-303 is now available! For more information please visit http://www.socialentropy.com/quicksilver
The Quicksilver 303 is a complete drop-in replacement for the TB-303 CPU. It includes a completely rewritten operating system that extends and improves both PATTERN and TRACK modes.
The Quicksilver 303 CPU can be used with or without MIDI. So, you can still benefit from the new features of the CPU without drilling any holes in your TB-303!
Of course, there are also great new MIDI capabilities, such as “MIDI Control mode” which allows the 303 to be “remotely controlled” from any device that can send MIDI note messages. The sequencer can send and receive MIDI notes and MIDI clock and you can also record incoming MIDI to patterns in realtime.
World’s First Review of Fxpansion Tremor
Take a look at the cool new Tremor synth based drum machine from Fxpansion.
Tremor: a software drum machine with powerful synthesis, effects, modulation and step-sequencing. DCAM circuit-modelled sound generation is fused with new ideas to produce original sounds with the punch and extreme sound pressure of old-school analogue. Tremor’s dance drums, funky beatscapes, abstract machines and undiscovered sonic terrain are suited to all kinds of electronic, urban and experimental music.
Free Roland MC-202 Kick Drum Sample Pack By Robotik Audio
Robotik Audio has released a set of free kick drum samples recorded from the Roland MC-202 MicroComposer analog synthesizer.
The Roland MC-202 is capable – just like any other (monophonic) synth – of creating some very powerful kicks. Zeroing the oscillators using only a low freguency sine, resonance, envelope, ultra short attack, different decays and very little sustain and release. I’ve created my own little sample kit from it. The kit contains 26 dry WAV samples of the MC-202 with no normalizing or any eq’ing. Personally I really like the sound it produces so here you go.
The samples are available for free download via Robotik Audio.
This is an analog synthesizer/sequencer. It sounds very much like the TB-303 and SH-101 bass synths. Sometimes considered the “poor man’s 303”. It has a very evolved form of TB-303 like programming (more like the MC-4) and SH-101 like controls of the VCO, VCF, VCA, LFO, Envelope and Mixer sections. The LCD display is a great feature too.
The MC-202 was sort of a next-generation TB-303. So the idea was to program sequence/patterns into it internally which would give you those 303 basslines that we’ve come to love. But programming the MC-202 is a bit too intense and over done for the simple monophonic bass line. However you can control it externally by hooking up a MID-CV/Gate converter. Then you basically have yourself an SH-101!
The sequencer is actually a 2-channel CV/gate sequencer, with both channels being capable of driving a separate external synth. It’s a very useful unit, also, for its DINsync capabilities; it can receive on one port, and send over two, and also can ‘split’ DINsync to branch a sync signal out to multiple devices.
This machine is best for those who want to get 303-like patterns (it has accent just like the 303) and basslines with an SH-101 sound. If you can handle programming the notes into its sequencer you can have a lot of fun.
Checking out the NordDrum – new video from Absolute Music
Mark demonstrates the Nord Drum, a virtual analogue drum synthesiser module that can be triggered with most drum pads and triggers.
*PRODUCT LINKS*
NORD DRUM – MORE INFO
http://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/store/drums-20/percussion-205/electronic-percu…
Introduction to Stochastik Drum Programming
This is a brief introduction to Stochastik Drum Programming using the Stochastik Drum Machine for iPad. It shows you how you can use probability to enhance your step sequencing so you won’t have any boring loops in your drum tracks.
Stochastik is a full-featured Drum Machine with one outstanding difference. And many killer features. Unlike any other drum machine, Stochastik lets you set a probability that a note will trigger for each of the steps in your pattern.
Once you add chance into the mix, you can generate thousands of unique variations automatically, in the time it takes to sequence two bars. It’s as easy as programming a loop but it generates a dynamic track: no more boring loops! Hundreds of high-quality samples are included, from classic analog drum machines of the past to pristine acoustic jazz and rock kits. Plus, you can import your own samples through iTunes File Sharing, Dropbox or email.
Create an awesome kit, pattern or song and you can easily share and collaborate with your friends through email, iTunes File Sharing or the Dropbox iPad app.
DATAMASKIN
