Drum Machine Help

[nate_dennis]

I hope I have the right forum for a discussion on drum machines. I know they aren't good for making actual drum tones . . . but for what they are they're cool. I'm trying to figure out if the TR-X0X's (808,909,etc) can make 3/4 time beats or are they just for 4/4 time? Thanks for any info . . . and sorry if I have the wrong forum.

 

[soldierone]

You can make beats in 3/4, 7/8, 5/4 or whatever, but it looks like you have to take some extra steps while programming it to make it work. The default template on the 909 is 16 beats from what I can tell, and you have to change it for the mixed meters.

I looked through a copy of the 909 manual which I got here (http://www.vintage-manuals.com/manual.asp?ID_Manual=82) so I'd recommend reading through it to see if it will do what you want it to.

Another thought would be to look into some of the other drum machines or keyboards on the market if you're into the 909 and 808 sounds... a lot of newer instruments include an 808 and a 909 kit in them and will give you more options as well.

 

[Wireneck]

Also if you aren't set on having a piece of hardware, you can always buy drum samples/software to use in your favorite sequencer. Then you aren't limited by whatever limitations the machine may have.
I tap a lot of stuff into the midi editor of pro tools using a midi keyboard. It isn't exactly like using an MPC but it is a hell of a lot cheaper lol.