Drum Sounds

[blackwax]

Hi Dennis
Can you share your process for creating drum sounds and kits?
Do you sample from vinyl, use sample packs, create sounds with synths or a comination of all those?
Also how do you ensure that the sounds fit together and sound like they are from the same kit?
I have many thoughts on this and obviously have my own way but i'm interested in your process.
what hardware and software do you use when creating beats?

[dennis f]

ok...here ya go.

since i'm more of a synthesizer freak than most..I'm always looking to modify whatever sound i happen to get. So i look for programs and controllers that allow me to do this. For example NI's Machine or Guru if i want plugins and creating a simpler within an instrument rack/Drum Rack, pitch plug and bit reducer in Ableton live with all the simpler parameters mapped to a few macro knobs while the rest are mapped to a controller or automap. I need envelopes and various modifiers in order to play with the sounds i find. Sometimes i'll cut up drums off of old vinyl then modify them such as automatically changing the pitch down a few octaves or cents then shortening the ADSR Envelope or other stuff. The idea and concept is to keep manipulating until you find something that's interesting. That's the name of the game. So whatever you can find to allow you to manipulate...well that's a plug-in you want to own or a controller you need to buy. Another reason why Ableton Live is great...you can mangle things in just about any way you can imagine your heart would desire.

df