Andrew Benson

Drums and rhythm are a foundational element of electronic music especially, and every artist has their preferences in how they should sound. Drum voices can also be a fun sound design challenge for Max patching. For this community project, we invited four artists to each create their unique take on some classic percussion sounds - rimshot, clap, cowbell, and cymbal - along with a custom sequencer that puts this collection into action.

 first Collaborative Drum Kit project here.

sequencer-screenshot.png

nouserid-photo.jpg

"I always enjoy making music more when I'm not totally sure what's going to come out of the sequencers next. This sequencer has the ability to generate sequences with semi - predictable variation using just a few parameters.

An initial trigger starts a cascade of possible patterns from the input of the matrix. The matrix basically tells the sequencer its possible destinations after the current step, except for position 0 which is instantly triggered when the sequence restarts. You can also set a delay time for each step to wait before triggering (0 being no delay, 1 being a 16th note, and 16 being 1 bar, etc.). There is also a control for the probability of the delay of a step being applied or ignored. Step size is the note duration and it works on the same time system as the delay.

We also have the optional function to mute (choke) all other voices with each trigger, which can create some interesting variation and unexpected results on its own.

This is a basic implementation of the concept but there are so many different directions you could take it and features you could add, depending on your tastes.." - nouserid. Find 

Note: The sequencer patch download includes all of the patches listed below.

no.pinball_plusLabels.maxzip

takuma.jpg

"Mesh is a physical modeling cymbal synthesizer, implementing a 2D waveguide mesh as its resonator with downsampling at the end." - babumamusic. Find 

Cymbal.zip

Loveless_headshot_portrait.jpg

"This patch is inspired by the Roland 808 cowbell. I researched and reviewed how others were doing this, like reviewing old circuit diagrams and watching how others were recreating this sound in Ableton. It was a fun exercise." - melodycodes. Find 

Loveless_collabdrumkit_cowbell.maxpat

Z_photo (CYCLING 74 FINAL HEADSHOT).png

"rim_shot uses shaped noise, an envelope, a minimal feedback delay line with modulated params, and an optional chorus effect to produce a sound resembling a synthesized rim shot and other unusual percussive elements.” - onokio. Find 

rim_shot.maxpat

PP.Mjulev.jpg

"I would like to introduce you to my interpretation of a clap synthesizer. The entire module is inspired by the 808 clap and is divided into two voices. You can independently modify the "Punch" and "Release" with the patch. I like to build the instrument into a clear interface as well, as this usually determines how quickly I can generate and create sounds. Have fun trying it out!" - Mjulev. Find 

TheEightClap.maxpat

Drums and rhythm are a foundational element of electronic music especially, and every artist has their preferences in how they should sound. Drum voices can also be a fun sound design challenge for Max patching. For this community project, we invited four artists to each create their unique take on some classic percussion sounds - rimshot, clap, cowbell, and cymbal - along with a custom sequencer that puts this collection into action.
You can find the first Collaborative Drum Kit project here. 


This is a basic implementation of the concept but there are so many different directions you could take it and features you could add, depending on your tastes.." - nouserid. Find nouserid on Instagram  Note: The sequencer patch download includes all of the patches listed below.


"Mesh is a physical modeling cymbal synthesizer, implementing a 2D waveguide mesh as its resonator with downsampling at the end." - babumamusic. Find babumamusic on Instagram 


"This patch is inspired by the Roland 808 cowbell. I researched and reviewed how others were doing this, like reviewing old circuit diagrams and watching how others were recreating this sound in Ableton. It was a fun exercise." - melodycodes. Find Melody on Instagram 


"rim_shot uses shaped noise, an envelope, a minimal feedback delay line with modulated params, and an optional chorus effect to produce a sound resembling a synthesized rim shot and other unusual percussive elements.” - onokio. Find onokio on Instagram 


"I would like to introduce you to my interpretation of a clap synthesizer. The entire module is inspired by the 808 clap and is divided into two voices. You can independently modify the "Punch" and "Release" with the patch. I like to build the instrument into a clear interface as well, as this usually determines how quickly I can generate and create sounds. Have fun trying it out!" - Mjulev. Find mjulev on Instagram 


collaborative-drum-kit-in-max-part-2

I love this project, FWIW! Great idea. :-)

I have been blown away by the various approaches we've gotten back from each of these. Who knew that drum synthesis was such a rich field of exploration?

Looks great, ... I can't somehow open the squenzer patch:

Looks great, ... I can't somehow open the squenzer patch:
no.pinball_plusLabels.maxzip

Collaborative Drum Kit in Max, Part 2