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):
▶︎ Arturia MicroFreak:
▶︎ Korg Volca Sampler:
🎹 OUT OF PRODUCTION GEAR MENTIONED
▶︎ eBay UK: Roland TR-8: // Digitakt – /
▶︎ eBay USA: Roland TR-8: // Elektron Digitakt –
▶︎ 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):
➡️ Sweetwater (USA):
➡️ Thomann (EU):
➡️ Gear4music (UK):
➡️ Plugin Boutique (Software!):
These are affiliate links! Anything you buy helps the channel keep going at no extra cost to you.
🙌 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL/OTHER INFO
▶︎ Join on Patreon (join the Discord community and ask me questions!):
▶︎ Subscribe to my Podcast:
▶︎ Buy music on Bandcamp:
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!):
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
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