5 Tips for Dynamics in Programmed Drum Performances (+free SD3 preset)
TLDRIn this informative video, the creator discusses various techniques to enhance musical dynamics using both acoustic drumming and MIDI programming. They share insights on volume automation, velocity control, and the use of different articulations to add depth and excitement to the mix. The video also highlights the importance of balancing levels and experimenting with tonal characteristics of instruments for a more natural and dynamic sound. Additionally, tips on using stacked samples and adjusting velocity curves for a polished performance are provided, aiming to help musicians create a more engaging and humanized sound in their productions.
Takeaways
- π΅ The video discusses the importance of dynamics in music and how to create and maintain them using both acoustic drum recording and MIDI programming.
- π Volume automation is a crucial technique for maintaining dynamics, which involves adjusting the volume levels of tracks during post-production to match the song's intensity.
- π₯ The use of different drum velocities (MIDI values) can add dynamic variation and should not always be set to the maximum value of 127 for a more natural and dynamic sound.
- πΆ Utilizing different articulations in software instruments can change the dynamics and character of the sound, making the mix more engaging and less monotonous.
- π΅ Stacking additional samples onto a drum sound can enhance its presence in the mix, but care should be taken to ensure that these samples do not interfere with subtler elements like ghost notes.
- π€ The video emphasizes the importance of humanizing MIDI performances with techniques like ghost notes, which can add a more realistic and dynamic feel to the music.
- π§ The velocity curve feature in drum software can be used to adjust the velocity at which samples are triggered, allowing for quick post-production adjustments to the overall performance.
- π Listening to the entire song before diving into details is recommended to understand the overall dynamic structure and how each element contributes to it.
- πΉ The video provides a practical example of programming a song with MIDI and mixing it using a specific preset, highlighting the process and the importance of balance and level in achieving a good sound.
- π‘ Tips are shared for creating dynamics, including volume automation, varying velocity values, using different articulations, and stacking samples, all aimed at making the music more exciting and dynamic.
- π The video encourages engagement from viewers, especially guitarists and non-drummers, to share their experiences and techniques in programming drums and using velocities.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is about creating and maintaining dynamics in music using both acoustic drumming and MIDI programming.
What software and expansion pack were used in the video for MIDI programming?
-The software used for MIDI programming in the video is Superior Drummer, and the expansion pack used is the 'Death and Darkness' pack.
What is the name of the preset created by the speaker?
-The preset created by the speaker is called 'Maple Heaven'.
How does volume automation help in creating dynamics in a song?
-Volume automation helps in creating dynamics by adjusting the volume levels of the tracks during the post-production of a performance, ensuring that the volume of the drums, for example, keeps up with the overall volume of the song.
Why is it recommended not to always use a velocity of 127 when programming drums?
-It is recommended not to always use a velocity of 127 when programming drums because it can result in a lack of dynamic range and expression. Using different velocities can help to create a more natural and dynamic sound that better fits the context of the music.
What is the significance of using different articulations in software drum programming?
-Using different articulations in software drum programming can add variety and excitement to the sound, making it sound more natural and dynamic. It allows for a more realistic representation of how a drummer might play in different musical contexts.
How can ghost notes be used to humanize a MIDI performance?
-Ghost notes can be used to humanize a MIDI performance by adding subtle, quieter hits that give a sense of realism and natural playing. They can provide a more nuanced and human touch to the overall drum sound.
What is the purpose of the 'velocity gate' feature in drum software like Superior Drummer?
-The 'velocity gate' feature in drum software allows users to set a threshold for when a particular instrument or sample should be triggered. This can help to prevent overly loud or soft hits from triggering the additional sounds and can contribute to a more controlled and natural dynamic range.
What is the benefit of stacking additional samples onto a drum sound?
-Stacking additional samples onto a drum sound can enhance the overall tone and help the drum cut through the mix better. It can add extra character and depth to the sound, making it more impactful in the context of the song.
How can adjusting the velocity curve in post-production improve the dynamics of a MIDI performance?
-Adjusting the velocity curve in post-production allows for a quick and easy way to modify the velocity of hits across the entire performance. This can help to fine-tune the dynamics and make the performance sound more human and natural by ensuring that not every hit is played at the maximum velocity.
What does the speaker encourage viewers to share in the comment section?
-The speaker encourages viewers to share their experiences and techniques for creating dynamics in their music, their use of velocities, and how they program drums, especially for those who are guitarists or non-drummers.
Outlines
πΆ Introduction to Dynamics in Music Production
The video begins with the host expressing gratitude for the audience's continued support and introduces the topic of dynamics in music production. The focus is on creating and maintaining dynamics using both acoustic drum recording and MIDI programming. The host shares a personal experience of programming a song using MIDI and the 'death and darkness' expansion pack for superior drama. The host also mentions a custom preset named 'maple heaven' and encourages viewers to find the related links in the description box. The importance of dynamics in music is emphasized, and the host teases upcoming tips on the subject.
π Volume Automation and Drum Velocity
The host delves into the first tip for creating dynamics in music, which is volume automation. This process involves adjusting the volume of a performance in post-production. The host demonstrates how the waveform of the drum track indicates an increase in volume throughout the song and explains how they adjusted the drum volume to maintain balance with the music. The second tip focuses on the velocity of drum hits, advising against always using the maximum velocity of 127. The host explains that varying velocities can add more dynamics and a natural feel to the music, as different velocities can change the character and tone of the drum sounds.
π΅ Utilizing Different Articulations for Dynamics
The third tip discussed in the video is the use of different articulations to add dynamics to a song. The host explains that changing articulations, such as using rim shots or alternative snare drum hits, can help emphasize certain parts of the music and create a more engaging sound. The host demonstrates how they used different articulations in the verses and during fills to add excitement and a more natural sound to the mix. They also mention the importance of using different articulations in the context of the music, rather than just for the sake of variation.
πΌ Stacking Samples and Ghost Notes for Enhanced Dynamics
The host moves on to the fourth tip, which involves stacking additional samples onto the snare drum to help it cut through the mix. They used a preset from the 'death and darkness' pack to add an extra layer to the snare sound. The host also discusses the use of ghost notes in the MIDI performance to humanize the drumming and provide a more realistic feel. They explain how to adjust the velocity settings to ensure that the stacked snare sample only triggers for hits above a certain velocity, preventing it from interfering with the ghost notes.
π§ Post-Production Tips for Adjusting Velocities
In the final tip, the host addresses post-production adjustments for drum velocities. They explain a feature in their drum software that allows for adjusting the velocity curve, effectively setting a threshold for when a hit should be considered at maximum velocity. This tool can be used to prevent the software from always triggering the maximum velocity, even if the input signal suggests it, allowing for a more human and dynamic performance. The host encourages viewers to share their own tips and experiences with drum programming in the comments section and concludes the video with a reminder to stay safe and a promise to return in the next episode.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Dynamics
π‘MIDI Programming
π‘Volume Automation
π‘Velocity
π‘Articulations
π‘Ghost Notes
π‘Stacking Samples
π‘Velocity Curve
π‘Mixing
π‘Preset
Highlights
The discussion focuses on creating and maintaining dynamics in music using both acoustic drumming and MIDI programming.
The speaker shares their experience with programming a song using MIDI and the 'death and darkness' expansion pack for superior drama.
A custom preset named 'maple heaven' was created using the DW collectors kit from the death library.
Volume automation is emphasized as a key technique for maintaining dynamics throughout a song.
The importance of not always using the maximum velocity (127) when programming drums is discussed to achieve a more dynamic and natural sound.
The speaker recommends using a velocity range between 100-110 for verses and intros to balance body, attack, and transients.
Different articulations, such as room shots and rim shots, are suggested for varying dynamics and emphasizing certain parts of a song.
The use of ghost notes is highlighted as a way to humanize performances and add excitement to the mix.
Stacking additional samples onto a snare drum can help it cut through the mix more effectively.
Adjusting the velocity curve in post-production can correct overly loud hits without having to edit the entire MIDI performance.
The video provides practical tips for drummers and non-drummers alike, including guitarists, on programming drums for their songs.
The speaker invites viewers to share their experiences and techniques for programming drums and using velocities in the comments section.
The 'maple heaven' preset is offered for free, and a link to download it can be found in the description box of the video.
The song used as an example starts very low in dynamics and builds up to be loud and big at the end.
The speaker's screen shows volume automation for drum tracks, illustrating how the song's volume increases from the beginning.
In the verses, the snare drum is programmed with a velocity around 100-107 to keep it from dominating the mix.
The use of different articulations, such as off-center and rimshot, can create a more natural and dynamic snare sound.