quantizing that beat...

[exitflagger]

Anyone want to share their tips for quantizing beats. I mean I know there is no universal setting or anything cause every beat has a different feel but I'm just curious as how other people go about it. I use cubase and reason... not new to electronic music but still green when it comes to hiphop production. To be more specific, after getting my kits set up, I'll tap out a six bar kick/snare pattern. I then want to quantize it to tighten it up but I just can't seem to find the right settings. I can go in and line it up by hand but quantizing would be better. I guess another alternitive is to use a step sequencer like in Reasons Redrum, I've got results with that but I'd rather do it the other way. Anyone have any thoughts? Insight? Not even quantize settings, just on how you go about making the initial drum pattern.

 

[soundboy2]

I like to start with a Click track or metonome and just build from their, also, I like to get my hats and snares good first. Let the mentronome be your guide basicly. Close your eyes and imagine the beat you want and vibe with the tip tock. I record with the time correct on. Try a different signature for each drum part your doing. Like do a snare at 1/8 then do it at 1/16 and see which sits best. You have to quantise each track by itselfs to its correct time signature, not quantizing all tracks together. You might know this stuff already but thats my 2 cent. But it your doing drums on a computer I would suggest a MPD16, that would make drum arranging more fun and hands on.

 

[erkl]

u should practice with an instrumental on, try to match it..

ie, the other night i was stoned on the mpc listening to killah preist and loading samples up on the mp, i ended up tap tempo'ing to the killah preist beat, adding in hihats, then kick and snare and it ended up real dope.. then i turned off the music to see what i had done

 

[classic]

experint
Me peronally I only like to quratize my kicks and snars. I ususally leave Quantize off for the hats and other percussion. Sligh tempo varitions can give a song a "live" feel(i got that tip from a neptunes interview). Also when u are doing any type of solo's make sure u turn the quantize OFF or your shit will sound robitic. Also I will layer a snar leave the quantize on for one and turn it off for another to give a slight echo and full sound. There are lots of little trick you will learn along the way.

This is one thing that i do like about the MPC sequncer is that it forces u to listen instead of use your eyes. I think thats the MOST important thing with quantize. If it dont sound right then it aint!!!

Hope this helps


class....

 

[Chisel]

It really depends on if you want your drums to sound like it came from a drum machine or if you want a more "live" sound. A lot of beats get that lazy sound by coming in a bit late on the snares. Personally, I almost always start with the kick drum. Then I usually lay down the snare, followed by the hi-hats. Always record each drum sound to a separate track. That way it's easy to drop out certain sounds to change the beat up a bit. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Just experiment until you have something that sounds good to you. I totally agree with trying to mimic beats that you hear on the radio/cd. It's a great way to learn beat-making. You can always take your own path after you learn the basics.

 

[exitflagger]

Damn, thanks for all the replies. This is exactly the type of shit I needed to hear. At least I know I'm on the right track now, just need to practice more.