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.
Getting Creative with Triggers
At the core of every drum sequence is a pulse of voltage. It keeps a drum track in sync or in tempo with a BPM, stop/start patterns, and instruments. This pulse drives each step in the pattern that makes a beat. We call these pulses of voltage triggers. Learning to control them can open new doors in electronic music production scenarios.
In addition to the sequencer that’s connected to its internal sound engine, many drum machines boast trigger outputs and trigger inputs. Triggers offer a wide range of options for interfacing the unit with other gear, often in unexpectedly elaborate ways. The basics are simple: each drum track sends a note trigger on a selected step. We’ll explore the best ways to get started using triggers in your setup.
"At the core of every drum sequence is a pulse of voltage. It keeps a drum track in sync or in tempo with a BPM, stop/start patterns, and instruments."
Creative Sequencing and Trigger Tricks
After getting creative with triggers, we’ll 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 talking to one another using a couple of relatively primitive control voltage signals. In the process, we’ll cover how to create evolving sequences that are more than the sum of their parts.
"Eurorack represents an ecosystem of oscillators, envelopes, filters, and modules—even entire synths. All work together to extend existing production setups."
Sequencing Tips for Modular Rigs
Eurorack represents an ecosystem of oscillators, envelopes, filters, and modules—even entire synths. All work together to extend existing production setups. The core function of a drum machine’s inputs and outputs is to allow the device to interface directly with other gear. The MIDI and USB ports provide one way to do this. However, so do the trigger inputs and outputs. We’ll learn to utilize them to connect with Eurorack modular gear.
Taking Chances—Using Probability and Randomness
Probability and randomness create unpredictable dynamic shifts in electronic soundscapes, especially when using a Eurorack rig. Indeed, this kind of generative, semi-random approach to building sequences is a huge part of what’s made Eurorack such a popular creative toolset. We’ll learn to create a series of “conditions” for sequences to respond to rather than strictly adhere to an unchanging pattern. This type of sequencing can surprise the user, and by extension, the audience.
"Probability and randomness create unpredictable dynamic shifts in electronic soundscapes."
Drum Machine Motivation
Whether you’re a pro or just learning the rhythmic ropes, these lessons will provide a primer on how to maximize your drum machine. Along the way, enjoy six out-of-the-box example videos from a pair of machine maximalists. The secrets of advanced sequencing and trigger-based beat creation await. Keep reading—your electronic music-making is sure to receive a jolt of inspiration.
