In today’s video, we’ll dive into the world of breakbeats and learn how to unleash our creativity by chopping them up.
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Part 1: Chopping Break Beats
To begin our journey, we’ll start by choosing a drum loop from the sample pack “Mike Avenaim Burning Breaks” available in Pro Tools’ Sonic Drop. This sample pack is a collaboration with the talented drummer and producer, Mike Avenaim. He wanted to capture the sound of a 70s-style drum kit sampled from vinyl, giving it that authentic retro vibe.
First, we’ll set the tempo of our session to match the drum loop. Next, we’ll use elastic audio to correct the timing of the loop, quantizing it to hard sixteenths for a precise and gridded feel. After rendering and trimming the loop, we’ll proceed to the next step.
Part 2: Technique 1 – Slicing and Sampling
In this technique, we’ll cut each transient of the drum loop into individual slices and load them into a sampler. Using your preferred sampler, such as Kontakt, we’ll create a new sampler instrument called “Break.” We’ll import the slices into the sampler, assigning each slice to a different key. Adjusting the settings, such as max voice polyphony and release, will ensure the slices play smoothly.
Now we can recreate the drum beat by triggering the slices in our sampler instrument. We can experiment with the tempo, pitch, and apply effects like distortion and saturation to shape the sound. With this technique, we can create intricate and complex rhythms from a single breakbeat.
Part 3: Technique 2 – Performance Slicing
In this technique, we’ll take a different approach by time-stretching the entire drum loop to a specific tempo. We’ll then slice the loop into longer segments that represent different sections of the performance, such as drum fills or grooves. These longer slices will be loaded into a new sampler instrument called “Break 2.”
Using the sampler, we’ll trigger the longer slices to create variations and experiment with different patterns. The advantage of this technique is the ability to manipulate the performance as a whole, allowing for more creative possibilities. We can apply time-stretching techniques, granular synthesis, or any other effects to further shape the sound.
Part 4: Unleash Your Creativity
With both techniques explored, the possibilities are endless. We can create classic rolling breakbeats or venture into new territories by combining different slices and rhythms. The key is to experiment, have fun, and let your creativity flow.
Conclusion: Chopping breakbeats is an exhilarating way to infuse your music with energy and character. Whether you prefer the precision of individual slice triggering or the freedom of performance slicing, both techniques offer unique creative avenues. Remember to check out the Pro Tools Sonic Drop program, where you can access a wealth of exciting content, including the “Mike Avenue Burning Breaks” sample pack.
So go ahead and dive into the world of break beats. Explore, experiment, and let your imagination run wild. There’s a whole universe of sound waiting to be discovered. Happy chopping!