Drum machine vs samples

[aciddose]

The TR-909 uses sampled hi-hat and cymbals (crash + ride) and it is overall more effective to use proper zero-order hold anti-aliasing interpolation for sample playback. Anti-aliased ZOH interpolation isn't often available, I'm not sure why, as the technique is extremely simple and efficient. The last version of Xhip supports this by default with linear anti-aliased interpolation also available hopefully in the next version.

One machine isn't the only example. There are countless sampled sounds from near limitless sources. You can still today record your own sounds or create them entirely in-the-box. Having the proper tools to play back and control these samples is essential. Accurate PCM playback is just as important as any other synthesizer feature like an oscillator or filter.

The TR-909 is a solid example from the early hybrid drum sound sources which uses both synthesizer and sampled voices in combination. The PCM playback replaces an oscillator and is a type of oscillator like any other.

Getting the bit-for-bit accurate samples is difficult but not impossible for any of the old drum machines or other sample data sources. Recreating authentic playback is also difficult given that most PCM playback is far from perfect. Even given the minBLEP-style anti-aliased ZOH or 1OH interpolation techniques the particularities of the circuits used can differ by quite a lot between different sources. It would be great to at least have the "raw" and "perfect" ZOH PCM playback available as an option which would allow you to model other effects using rougher methods. You might for example place a comb or all-pass filter and wet/dry mix to approximate the high frequency cut seen in many hardware devices.

[pdxindy]

I had analog rhythms mk2, tr8s, syntakt.

For me, syntakt was the one where getting started was relatively simpler.

But too many manipulations (menus etc ...).

The samples seem to be more intuitive, quick to execute.

You just have to work on them in your daw, simpler and more visual too, so it improves my workflow and develops a more fluid creativity.

Samples or synthesis is not a hardware vs software thing. Hardware and software can each do both.

It may be the opposite for you, but I enjoy doing synthesis sound design While auditioning long lists of samples is one of the more creativity sucking tasks for me.

Some years back, Tremor was my favorite software drum machine, but it crushed my CPU at the time. Tremor was discontinued, and there's nothing in software quite like it now which is a bummer.

[Uncle E]

In fact, I had way too much equipment and I got a bit lost in a totally scattered workflow and therefore no productivity.

Glad to hear you found your direction. You might want to try MIDI FX to add back some of that spontaneity and randomness that hardware provides. Things like Groove Shaper, Rhythmizer, HY-RPE2, and Playbeat can be awesome for that. Playbeat comes with a lot of great sounds, too.

Also, in case you use Ableton, definitely give Fors Opal a try.

[discogsaddict]

As much as id like to get a 909 or even buy the Behringer clone. I know it would be a pain workflow wise and i'd end up sampling them. Or at the very least recording 16 bar phrases and arranging them (for the parts i want to vary in tone and timing on each hit. Not kicks)

Thinking about it the Behringer RD9 is more appealing due to it sounding different to a 909. There are so many 909 samples available already

[_leras]

Some years back, Tremor was my favorite software drum machine, but it crushed my CPU at the time. Tremor was discontinued, and there's nothing in software quite like it now which is a bummer.

Discontinued but are you not still able to install it?

[pdxindy]

Some years back, Tremor was my favorite software drum machine, but it crushed my CPU at the time. Tremor was discontinued, and there's nothing in software quite like it now which is a bummer.

Discontinued but are you not still able to install it?

Doesn't work natively on Apple Silicon... plus I don't have the installer or serial number.

[Trancer]

Thank you very much for your answers and feedback.

Yes, I agree with you.

You have to make a well thought-out choice for the samples.

Having thousands of samples complicates the choice and therefore, a considerable loss of time to find the right ones.

Really get to the point, be very selective and especially organize your libraries well.

Regarding the use of samples, to be tested.

Use directly in the daw or use a drum rack.

I join you for Trance, samples are a great solution, also simpler, more flexible.

I tried a lot of stuff and did not really find my happiness.

However, if I were to buy a single machine, it would be the Syntakt.

The latest update is really not bad at all.

What is missing in the Syntakt, is the perform kit.

But it’s unlikely that Elektron will integrate him into the Syntakt.

Regarding the creation of sounds, at first I prefer to take samples, to modify them to be effective.

Afterwards, I would like to take the time to design my own sounds.

Both for the presets and the rhythm part.

Tremor was indeed a super machine.

Thank you very much, Uncle E.

Indeed, it took me a long time to find the right path and stabilize myself in my choices.

Try to make choices that are relevant, consistent and useful.

Instead of overbidding with an unbridled overconsumption that is really harmful and anti-productive.

Thank you very much also for the software ideas.

Groove Shaper, really excellent.

Playbeat 4 is really interesting too.

[vitocorleone123]

It would cost a small fortune to get generally great drum machines (eg Perkons) and then you'd want more than one. And then you have to know what you're doing to mix them.

I tried a deducated drum machine that was even partially sample based, the LXR-02, but just couldn't ever fully connect with it, so I sold it and lost $100 or so on my experiment. I'll stick with sample and software for drums from here on.

[cryophonik]

My word of advice is to try to impose yourself some limitations on how many samples, because the big problem is managing them, you may end up spending a lot of time going through tons of samples looking for the perfect one (that's something I don't like about working with samples).

This is exactly why I like Splice, tbh. I've collected so many sample packages over the past few decades that they take up most of a 1TB drive and trying to organize, search, and find my samples can be a time-consuming PITA. Splice is a much more convenient solution because it has so many search and filtering options that it's pretty quick to find the one(s) I want, drag them directly into my project, and not waste drive space with a gazillion samples, most of which I've never used or even listened to.

[Quicheman]

My general cycle with hardware is getting really excited by all the possibilities, buying it, making one song/idea with it, forgetting to reach for it and eventually selling. Only because I'm so used to my workflow in the box, and have the most direct connection with my intentions and execution when using samples/plugins.
Whatever feels most fluid and least resistant is likely a good workflow to follow imo.