TranceAddict Forums (www.tranceaddict.com/forums)
- Production Studio
-- Creating good sounding percussion/drum loops for uplifting trance

Creating good sounding percussion/drum loops for uplifting trance

Im currently using fruity loops and i find my drum loops always sound really bland and dull. Always the same thing like offbeat clap or offbeat hi-hat really basic stuff. But i really struggle making effective good sounding drum loops or atleast something tht sounds like an actuall drummer. Has anyone got ne tips for software to use for this in FL, advice, tips etc etc or even tutorials tht are known.. free soft synths? ANYTHING! im really really struggling with this

a quick read or search and you would have found this

http://www.tranceaddict.com/forums/...threadid=299037

Layers.

Layers.

Layers.

Even the simplest of drumloops aren't as simple when you really take a better look at them...

Also, you need to have good samples to begin with. No amount of processing/editing/composing/mastering/compressing/whatever is going to make awful samples sound good.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery No amount of processing/editing/composing/mastering/compressing/whatever is going to make awful samples sound good.

I don't agree with that. Though I suppose it depends on your definition of good.

quote:

Layers. Layers. Layers.

I DO agree with that =P

If you're a hardcore sample guy, I would honestly not recommend Vengeance. They're pretty muddy and most if not all, loops, are ripped from tracks themselves.

when you say layers layers layers.. what do you mean? creating diffrent drum tracks and putting them on top of each other?

Just think of a McDonalds Sandwich.

Bottom layer = Bun
In this case lets say the bottom bun is the Kick

Middle Layer = Meat
In this case lets say the middle layer is the main offbeat hi-hat

So far we got

x---x---x---x
o o o



o=hat
x=kick


Middle Layer #2 = Cheese
In this case lets say the middle layer is the supporting hats

Now we got

x---x---x---x
o o o
i i i i i i

i=supporting hats


Middle Layer #3 = Lettuce/Pickles/Ketchup/Mustard/Whatever you like
In this case lets say the middle layer here is all kinds of FX hats/bongos/congos/wierd supporting filler percussion


x---x---x---x
o o o
i i i i i i
p pp p ppp pp

These add more depth and dynamics to the track making it fuller and overall more enjoyable in many cases.


Top Layer = Bun
In this case lets say the top layer is more supporting hats but make it more present over the other supporting/filler percussion




You get the picture, layers, think of it as a burger. It's got lots of layers! The more layers can either spoil it or make it better. Just think would you want to eat a burger with just a bun and some meat?! It wouldn't be satisfying. Maybe to some who like it very plain, but, usually it's nastay.

The more variation and creativity and construction in a track the more fuller and more professional sounding it will be.





I don't know if that really makes much sense but I think it'll help



edit: i messed up on the x-o diagrams

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.Mystery Layers. Layers. Layers. Even the simplest of drumloops aren't as simple when you really take a better look at them...

yup!!

quote:

Also, you need to have good samples to begin with. No amount of processing/editing/composing/mastering/compressing/whatever is going to make awful samples sound good.

Yes to good samples...

Yes, it is *more difficult* to make bad samples sound good.

But bend the rules and smash all sorts of FX and stuff onto your loops to see how they're brought to life...

Here's a tip:

vary your individual instrument pitch and velocity to give it more of a movement and human touch. ^_^

good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by jupiterone Just think of a McDonalds Sandwich.

you can be the bun for my meat any day sexy

Bahaha, that McDonald's analogy was both informative and hilarious.

There's 10 drum links in the tutorials thread. Read those first, then come back.

use battery you could have many more layers than redrum or fruity

and you could effect each hit and ,program it in midi

quote:

Originally posted by newtrancer use battery you could have many more layers than redrum or fruity and you could effect each hit and ,program it in midi

you can do that in fruity too. its not hard.

use some moderated amounts of delay and reverb on hats and claps to get some nice results.

As said before, its all about layering up good sounding samples

Lots of background quiet hits that you cant even really notices unless yo carefulyl listen. They all add up to make the track sound more full and energetic. Getting your levels right is really important too. Try and emulate what you hear in an uplifting trance track you like. Take note of all the sounds and where they are in the mix. Then try and do it yourslef using similar sounding samples.

Its a good way to learn how to fill up your sound if you're struggling

Take it easy

Michael

Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright © 2000-2021, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.