How I Went From Making AVERAGE Drums To PRO! (In Any Genre)

Summary

In this informative video, the host shares 10 practical tips to enhance drum production, transforming generic beats into dynamic and engaging rhythms. Starting with a unique approach to drum creation, the host emphasizes the importance of blending MIDI and audio, stepping out of comfort zones, and experimenting with different sounds. Techniques such as beatboxing for inspiration, manual timing adjustments, velocity variations, sample layering, and percussion addition are discussed. The video also covers the use of swing, sidechain compression, and accent modulation to create a professional and polished drum sound, all without relying on loops initially, allowing for greater creativity.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Embrace both MIDI and audio for drum production to expand creative options and avoid getting stuck in a single method.
• 🛑 Step out of your comfort zone by experimenting with different tempos and genres, and beatboxing to the loop to generate fresh ideas.
• 🎵 Prioritize creativity over technical perfection by recording and manipulating MIDI and audio to capture the human element in drum patterns.
• 🔄 Utilize the 'humanize' feature in Ableton to add natural imperfections and avoid repetitive, robotic drumming.
• ⚙️ Adjust velocities to create dynamic changes in the drum sound, avoiding a monotonous and repetitive feel.
• 🔁 Experiment with different modes in the sampler to manipulate sample envelopes and create unique drum sounds.
• 🎵 Apply swing to your drum patterns for a more groovy feel, and adjust it to suit the track's style.
• 🔉 Layer drum sounds to add depth and complexity, ensuring each layer complements the others without overlapping frequencies.
• 🔁 Use sidechain compression effectively to make room for the kick and bass, maintaining clarity in the mix.
• 🥁 Don't underestimate the power of percussion; use it to add accents and keep the drum patterns interesting.
• 🔄 Avoid relying on loops initially to foster creativity, then incorporate them to add new ideas and accents to the drum patterns.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to provide 10 tips to help producers transform their drums and make them sound more interesting and less generic.

Why does the video suggest using both MIDI and audio for creating drums?

Using both MIDI and audio for creating drums offers different options and can inspire new ideas, as each method has its unique approach and capabilities.

What is the significance of beatboxing or vibing to the loop at the start of the drum creation process?

Beatboxing or vibing to the loop helps to generate a natural and creative starting point for the drum pattern, allowing the producer to go with the vibe and create something unique without being confined by genre or tempo considerations.

Why is it recommended not to draw MIDI using the mouse or pen?

Drawing MIDI using the mouse or pen can limit creativity by restricting the natural flow and feel of the drums. It's better to play in the MIDI notes for a more organic and less mechanical sound.

What is the benefit of recording a performance without pressing the record button first?

Recording without pressing the record button first allows the producer to vibe with the loop naturally, capturing a more authentic performance. It can help avoid the pressure and potential timing issues that come with formal recording.

How can adjusting the velocities of MIDI notes contribute to the overall drum sound?

Adjusting the velocities of MIDI notes adds dynamics to the drum sound, making it less repetitive and more expressive by varying the volume and intensity of individual hits.

What is the role of swing in drum patterns and why is it used?

Swing adds a groovy, human feel to the drum patterns, making them less rigid and more danceable. It can be adjusted to suit the desired feel of the track.

Why is layering important when creating kick drums?

Layering kick drums helps to create a fuller, more professional sound by combining different samples that cover various frequency ranges, adding depth and character to the kick.

What is the purpose of using sidechain compression in drum production?

Sidechain compression is used to create space in the mix by making the drums and other elements like the bass or hi-hats duck in volume when the kick hits, ensuring that no elements fight for the same frequency space.

How can percussion elements enhance the drum pattern?

Percussion elements can add accents, create rhythmic variety, and introduce new sounds that keep the drum pattern interesting and dynamic throughout the track.

Why is it advised to avoid using loops at the beginning of the drum creation process?

Avoiding loops at the start allows the producer to explore their creativity freely without being influenced by pre-existing patterns. Loops can be introduced later to add new ideas or variations to the drum pattern.

What is the final tip provided in the video for making drums sound more interesting?

The final tip is to use accents effectively, either by adjusting the volume of individual hits or using tools like LFO to visually and dynamically control the accents in the drum pattern.