If Ableton Live is your software of choice for music production, surely you have spent some time programming rhythms in drum rack with native drum kits from the program. Without a doubt, it is an amazing digital device, as it can contain 128 elements that can be sequenced simultaneously. I intentionally say “elements” and not “samples” since in any of its containers, drum rack can work not only with audio samples, but also with virtual instruments, audio effect racks, and even (to my amazement), hardware devices via external instruments
This means that we can think Live, through drum rack as a complete music production and performance station. With this we necessarily cite the legendary MPC by Akai with its responsive pad logic and editable sampler. Since its appearance in the late 80s it posed a totally innovative perspective on music production. If you ever worked with an MPC old school and then you face drum rack With a MIDI controller, you’re going to find a ton of dreams come true. To name a few:
- Infinite storage: the memory of your computer is infinitely higher than the 2M Ram of memory available in a 1997 MPC 2000, to make an example. That tiny memory equates to roughly 10 seconds of audio stored in stereo.
- Sonic plasticity: the editable low pass filter, pitch and decay on the old akai rhythm cash registers may seem like a small thing today, considering the possibility that live provides for randomizing parameters, adjusting scales, auto slice samples, etc.
- Internal shipments and returns: many don’t know what drum rack has its own sends and returns section, ideal for parallel processing for musical forms such as DUB or TECNO.
- Friendly editing: everything we sequence in drum rack, whether playing live or drawing patterns with the mouse, is stored in editable MIDI clips in a fast and friendly way versus the intricate commands of oldschool hardware.
I would like to clarify I am a fan of the limits that exist in music production and in particular of the MCP and its older series. What I propose is to take the logic of these beautiful samplers and sequencers and add them to the infinite possibilities that Ableton can provide. The invitation is to try to produce a track entirely based on a drum rack , designing pads with tonal, percussive, randomized content, etc. I assure you that in this world of infinite audio and midi tracks, hyper editing, etc., you will not regret it. Limits often force us to use our best abilities during production. The infinite can overwhelm and leave us paralyzed in the mere possibilities. Define a limited range of action and get to work!
