Yes, exactly this. But I have sat down with the DN2 multiple times, and every time I just end up getting frustrated. The whole pattern/track/trig/preset thing just messes with my brain. It’s a particular paradigm, and most folks here have just grokked it. I am still struggling to even know where to begin.
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And yes, I have RTFM 
I think with the kind of stuff you want to make and the kind of stuff on your soundcloud that ultimately, you will accomplish more, faster, with sampling.
If you have time to learn the device, the DN2 can take you most of the way there.
Try and hear the patterns you want in the same way you hear and assemble the noise collage.
The structure is what you lack, but the superstructure or let’s call it “overall concept” of composition is already present in your work.
You just need some familiarity with your tools and the time to experiment.
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Oh totally…it’s all about building up skill and intuition.
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Realize that everyone wants to start the journey with the final step, nobody really wnts to take the whole winding path. That, however, is the only way to get there.
The first step is lowering your expectations. Then move slowly until you build up some speed.
If you’re a visual person, buy some graph paper and use it to help you visualize your track structure by filling in boxes to recognize the rhythm patterns that you’re using. Notes have rhythm too, not just drums or noises.
If you understand the grid as the basic structure of that 4 on the floor music, then realize that most music can be applied to a grid structure even if you don’t see that you’re doing it. Even most abstract music can be related to a grid if someone is looking for it to relate.
Like looking at shapes in the clouds. The clouds aren’t trying to have a shape but we see it regardless.
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Sounds to me like something that could be done with DTII. You’re going to have a hard time trying to mimic those sampled sounds with DNII
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Sure. But like I said above, I’m not looking to replicate this exact thing.
I guess I’m trying to figure out if the DN2 can be used in more experimental ways than most of the examples I find online, which to my ears (no offence intended to the hardcore Digitone fans) isn’t particularly interesting.
I think combining the DNII with a sampler is the way forward.
DNII is a multitimbral FM synth / groovebox. It can do all sorts of music, its more about a persons imagination than limits of the hardware IMHO
Think back to the days of 386 PCs and their games. Remember that OPL3 music? You can recreate all of it with a DNII, and much, much more
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this one too:
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Thanks! I was familiar with SBR’s vid - I did her “Learning Sound and Synthesis” course a couple of years back. Will rewatch though!
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Oh for sure.
I’m genuinely excited by the possibilities,…but I think it’s time to admit that I’m actually overwhelmed by this machine. Not the deep, complex stuff - just the basics. I sit down to try and figure out how to just start a basic track and within seconds I’m lost. It just doesn’t make sense (to me!)
Just keep watching videos until it makes sense
Give it a few months.
Getting 70’s musique concrète vibes
