I like to make techno and clearly the drums play a big part in that. I often find myself synthesising my own sounds (using synths and sample layering) only to get frustrated that samples often sound better leading me to abandon my own work. So, what do you use for drum sounds? Samples? Synthesize your own? Combination of both?
For something like (traditional) techno where a lot of sounds are constantly recycled or upcycled due to the popularity of certain instruments, a lot of the character of the drums comes from processing post synthesis. A 909 sample may sound just as good as a real 909 depending on who’s using it and most people enjoying the music aren’t going to scrutinize whether or not your kick drum is a sample.
If you focus on writing good tracks you can always substitute different drum sounds later, so I’d try my best not to get hung up on the part you seem to be focusing on and just enjoy the gear you own and the music that you want to make.
Easier said than done, but that’s the truth.
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Roland TR8-S
Some times.
Yes.
Yes.
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Hybrid of synth and samples, but leaning more towards samples. You get a more textured sound and character right from the get go. Synth as a basis, recorded, layered and processed is my ideal sound source for drums.