This is an absolute beginner's introduction to making & performing music with a drum machine and a synth, plus setup and gear recommendations. I'm using the very excellent Roland TR-8 drum machine and T-8 "TB-303-style" synth. I'll explain the very basics of how to compose and perform on these machines, explain how they're connected, whether you need a mixer, and suggest other starter gear you might consider if you want to begin exploring computer-free music making.
🎹 LINKS TO IN-PRODUCTION GEAR SHOWN/MENTIONED
You can search for this gear at the store links below.
▶︎ Roland T-8 (all other products in this 'Aira Compact' range are worth looking at): https://www.roland.com/global/products/t-8/
▶︎ Arturia MicroFreak: https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/microfreak/overview
▶︎ Korg Volca Sampler: https://www.korg-volca.com/
▶︎ Also recommended, but not mentioned: https://novationmusic.com/products/circuit-tracks (Has editable synth sounds, it can take samples, it can sequence other gear, it has a 'mix' input, it's on the lower end of cost!).
🎹 OUT OF PRODUCTION GEAR MENTIONED
▶︎ eBay UK: Roland TR-8: https://ebay.us/wBsZETElektron // Digitakt - https://ebay.us/NG6hRE /
▶︎ eBay USA: Roland TR-8: https://ebay.us/eRDwHD // Elektron Digitakt - https://ebay.us/W2S9OD
▶︎ Mackie 1202 Mixer
▶︎ Mackie 1604 Mixer
Feel free to use the above links to then search for other gear/mixers mentioned!! These are afffiliate links, which help fund the channel at no extra cost to you.
💸 PLACES TO BUY IN-PRODUCTION GEAR
If you’re looking to research/order anything, please use these store links!!
➡️ Perfect Circuit (USA): https://link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/8-12626-312335-9759?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.perfectcircuit.com%2F
➡️ Sweetwater (USA): https://sweetwater.sjv.io/DKnn6y
➡️ Thomann (EU): https://www.thomann.de/gb/index.html?offid=1&affid=845
➡️ Gear4music (UK): https://tidd.ly/3ha7yhv
➡️ Plugin Boutique (Software!): https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=642c4629ec8ef
These are affiliate links! Anything you buy helps the channel keep going at no extra cost to you.
FREE VIRTUAL MODULAR SYNTHESIZER SOFTWARE:
▶︎ https://vcvrack.com
🙌 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL/OTHER INFO
▶︎ Join on Patreon (join the Discord community and ask me questions!): https://www.patreon.com/mylarmelodies
▶︎ Subscribe to my Podcast: https://www.whywebleep.com/
▶︎ Buy music on Bandcamp: https://mylarmelodies.bandcamp.com/
Or buy any gear via the affiliate links above!
▶︎ Here's some info on the Deer Shed Festival (family friendly festival that I do drop in workshops at the Science Tent at!): https://deershedfestival.com/
▶︎ Make a one-time donation via Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/KNLRQUDAUDUUJ
▶︎ Subscribe to my podcast Why We Bleep: https://www.whywebleep.com/
00:00 Anyone can make music!
00:49 Making a Beat
5:15 Introducing the Synth
5:57 Explaining Cutoff & Resonance
7:11 Explaining Env Mod/Decay (aka Envelope)
8:22 Adding Delay
8:51 Counting 8 Bars & Creating Contrasts
11:10 Faders In and Out!
11:43 Summary & Importance of Listening
13:23 Audio Connection Explained
15:36 Sync Connection Explained
17:40 Do I need a Mixer?
18:58 Beginner Gear: Roland T-8
21:51 Beginner Gear: Korg Volcas/Samplers
22:51 Beginner Gear: Roland TR-8
23:55 Beginner Gear: Arturia MicroFreak
24:49 Beginner Gear: Elektron Digitakt
25:14 Why you should try this