Today's article will focus on the role of a sequencer in hip-hop production. A sequencer allows one to be a virtual conductor, and it is the hub where a producer control the numerous hardware instruments, virtual instruments, and audio sounds that he/she has going on at once. The choice of sequencer is one of the most important decisions that an aspiring hip-hop producer can make and we'll discuss the reasons for this.
The sequencer is the medium in which a producer controls almost every other instrument in his/her arsenal. Often, in order to record a sound from a hardware synthesizer or virtual instrument, the producer first has to perform some sort of action on the sequencer. It is for this reason that the sequencer is important. A producer really needs to feel comfortable with the workflow that the sequencer provides him with. If the workflow feels awkward to the producer, creating music simply won't be as fun and the quality of music will suffer as a result. The ideal is to have a sequencer that you don't even realize is there. When you have this relationship with your sequencer, there will be nothing between you and the music and making music will be enjoyable. For educational purposes, we'll discuss 2 different types of sequencers:
Linear: With these types of sequencers, the interface is designed to record each track within a song from beginning to end. A producer must go track by track to record every part. If a track part repeats throught a song, the producer can cut and paste or duplicate the track throughout the song. Cubase, Pro Tools, and Sonar are examples of linear programs.
Pattern Based: In a pattern based program, a producer builds out different song sections. One section may have drums, bass, and a guitar playing. Another section may have just the bass and guitar playing. These sections are then organized to form one cohesive song. Ableton Live, Fruity Loops, and Maschine are examples of pattern based programs.
Which sequencer you choose is up to your individual preference. However, for the hip-hop crowd, a pattern-based sequencer is strongly advised. This type of sequencer complements the nature of how hip-hop is produced very well and will save you tremendous time when arranging parts. I have a few linear and pattern based programs in my arsenal, and for hip-hop, I use the pattern-based programs exclusively.
Whatever your choice of sequencer may be, a producer should thoroughly research the sequencer program before making a purchase. The choice of sequencer will have a tremendous effect on the music you make.
The sequencer is the medium in which a producer controls almost every other instrument in his/her arsenal. Often, in order to record a sound from a hardware synthesizer or virtual instrument, the producer first has to perform some sort of action on the sequencer. It is for this reason that the sequencer is important. A producer really needs to feel comfortable with the workflow that the sequencer provides him with. If the workflow feels awkward to the producer, creating music simply won't be as fun and the quality of music will suffer as a result. The ideal is to have a sequencer that you don't even realize is there. When you have this relationship with your sequencer, there will be nothing between you and the music and making music will be enjoyable. For educational purposes, we'll discuss 2 different types of sequencers:
Linear: With these types of sequencers, the interface is designed to record each track within a song from beginning to end. A producer must go track by track to record every part. If a track part repeats throught a song, the producer can cut and paste or duplicate the track throughout the song. Cubase, Pro Tools, and Sonar are examples of linear programs.
Pattern Based: In a pattern based program, a producer builds out different song sections. One section may have drums, bass, and a guitar playing. Another section may have just the bass and guitar playing. These sections are then organized to form one cohesive song. Ableton Live, Fruity Loops, and Maschine are examples of pattern based programs.
Which sequencer you choose is up to your individual preference. However, for the hip-hop crowd, a pattern-based sequencer is strongly advised. This type of sequencer complements the nature of how hip-hop is produced very well and will save you tremendous time when arranging parts. I have a few linear and pattern based programs in my arsenal, and for hip-hop, I use the pattern-based programs exclusively.
Whatever your choice of sequencer may be, a producer should thoroughly research the sequencer program before making a purchase. The choice of sequencer will have a tremendous effect on the music you make.
About the Author:
Looking to learn more about hip-hop beats for sale? Visit Frank Lubsey's site on how to purchase beats.