Drum production techniques in the studio are boundless.Â
Over the years, many techniques have been developed by engineers to create larger-than-life drum sounds and one of the most frequently used is layering.
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Using the layer function in the TD-50 is a very effective way to significantly change and enhance any drum sound.
Using different textures combined well, results in rich and complex sounds.
One of the great creative features of the TD-50 is the ability to layer both internal and user samples on any trigger pad, for all sorts of creative possibilities.
In this drummer’s guide, we’ll show how you could add one of the factory element sounds such as the Attack 1-3 samples to the SUB layer on toms, to help them cut through a mix. Or, you could add a cowbell to a hi-hat or tambourine to a snare. You choose!
Contributed by Simon Ayton for Roland Corporation Australia
How to Layer your TD-50 Kick Drum
Layer a kick drum with another sound to enhance its character and beef up your kick.
Vastly different electronic kick samples such as TR-808 kicks can blend really well with acoustic kick sounds for a totally new and impressive kick sound even if you’re not playing electronic music.
[INSTRUMENT] | [F1] (INST) | [ENTER] (INST LIST) | [F2] (GROUP) |
+/- or data wheel to choose sound.Accessing the SUB layer
[INSTRUMENT] | [PAGE DOWN x4] | [F1] (INST) | [ENTER] (INST LIST) | [F2] (GROUP) |
+/- or data wheel to choose sound.
IDEA #1: Add sound 011 ‘Impact Kick’Â
Layer Type: MIX | Fade Point 50 | Sub Volume +6dB
IDEA #2: Add sound 398 ‘Low Frequency2Â
Layer Type: MIX | Fade Point 50 | Sub Volume +6dB
Adding a Sound to your TD-50 Snare
To give your snare sound more punch, add another sample layer.
The range of sounds are endless thanks to how easy it is to add samples with the TD-50.
Adding a sound to your snare is as simple as enabling the SUB layer and choosing a sound for it.
Percussion instruments and sound elements of all kinds can blend in interesting ways to give a truly original sound.
[INSTRUMENT] | [F1] (INST) | [ENTER] (INST LIST) | [F2] (GROUP) |
+/- or data wheel to choose sound.Accessing the SUB layer
[INSTRUMENT] | [PAGE DOWN x4] | [F4] (SUB ON) | Cursor to USER SAMPLE
+/- or data wheel to choose sound.
Try: Any sound | Layer Type: FADE2 | Fade Point: 26
IDEA #1: Alternative Snare sound.
IDEA #2: Add a Tambourine sound to Rim.
Layer Type: MIX | Fade Point 50 | Sub Volume +6dB
Tip: Turn H&R off to assign individual sounds to head and rim on any trigger, including cymbals.
Layer a Sound on your TD-50 Hi-Hats
Layering another hi-hat sound is a great way of making your hi-hats sound solid.
Adding a cowbell to your hi-hat is a simple case of of choosing and tuning one and assigning it to the SUB layer of the hi-hat in any kit.
[INSTRUMENT] | [F1] (INST) | [ENTER] (INST LIST) | [F2] (GROUP) |
+/- or data wheel to choose sound.Accessing the SUB layer
[INSTRUMENT] | [PAGE DOWN x4] | [F1] (INST) | [ENTER] (INST LIST) | [F2] (GROUP) |
+- or data wheel to choose sound.
Try:
IDEA #1: Add a Cowbell to the hi-hat.
IDEA #2: Add a China cymbal to the hi-hat.
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