The drum machine is the beating heart of every electronic musician’s studio. Still, the best drum machines are more than mere timekeepers. In fact, there are often a wealth of features under the hood to explore. This series, with videos by JAde Wii and Peter Brown, explores powerful drum sequencing techniques in a variety of contexts, from trigger basics to complex Eurorack rigs. Whether you’re a producer, beatmaker, or DAWless jammer, these tips and tricks will inspire your creative process.
Dynamic Sequencing
Now that we’ve gotten creative with triggers, let’s dig a bit deeper into what else is possible using the same inputs and outputs. In this example, we have a dynamic sequence playing between two machines: the Roland TR-06 and the Roland TB-03. These two machines are talking to one another using a couple of relatively primitive control voltage signals. Listen as they create evolving sequences that become more than the sum of their parts.
First, the physical setup:
- The LT TRIGGER OUTPUT on the TR-06 connects (using a mono 3.5mm TS patch cable) to the TRIGGER IN on the TB-03. This allows the LT track on the TR-06 to advance the sequencer on the TB-03: each trigger advances the TB-03 one full step.
- The TB-03’s GATE OUTPUT connects to the TRIGGER IN on the TR-06 with another patch cable. This allows users to trigger several functions on the TR-06 with each gate output by the TB-03.
Step by Step
The first step is to enter notes on the LT track of the TR-06, to advance steps in the TB-03 sequence. This takes full advantage of all the TR-06 sequencer’s features to create an ever-changing bass line on the TB-03. Experiment with note probability, sub-steps (steps-within-steps or ratchets), and other settings. This allows us to manipulate the generated bassline. The results are much more than a simple static, looping sequence on the TB-03, driven by the TR-06 sequencer.
"Experiment with note probability, sub-steps (steps-within-steps or ratchets), and other settings."
As noted, we’re also sending the GATE OUTPUT of the TB-03 to trigger the TR-06. The default functionality is to have the TB-03 gates advance the global TR-06 sequence. Still, we can alter this using the TRIGGER IN target on the TR-06 instrument knob. Setting this to the SD track, we’re able to shift the snare drum one step to the right each time the TR-06 receives a gate. This creates cool rhythmic variations to the snare pattern.
Repatching Options
To make things even more interesting, see what happens when we repatch the cable from the LT trigger output on the TR-06 to the BD (bass drum) output. Then use the TR-06 instrument knob to switch the TRIGGER IN setting to random. The result? Instantly wild and dynamic playback. This can be great for bridging or breaking down more carefully-composed sequences in the context of a larger set.
"Two sequencers in conversation can create dynamic moments, both intentional and accidental."
This is one example of how connecting two machines can open the door to a wide range of possibilities. Two sequencers in conversation can create dynamic moments, both intentional and accidental. As the moderator, it’s the player’s job to find and accentuate those special moments.
