Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
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Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Pad & Drum Controllers
The times when DJing meant just a couple of decks and a mixer are long gone, and even modern DJ performance systems have started integrating electronic music production elements. Today, beat production can mean everything from creating tracks for DJs to manipulating a set of synth modules to create new beats and grooves in front of a live audience.
The Legends - MPC and co.
Traditionally, beat production started with a sampler or drum machine, like the legendary Akai MPC series. The MPC series has evolved in collaboration with many other modern drum machines and samplers. Currently, it is observed that the most popular sampling beat production setups are software/hardware hybrids, many of which bring together DAW-like flexibility and hands-on control. The most popular options from Akai, Native Instruments, and Novation are all integrated into software platforms that allow you to easily create complete, professional tracks.
Controller or More?
Essentially, a Midi drum controller is simply an input device that sends notes and control commands to another device or the computer itself. The controller works with the Midi protocol and does not generate sounds and tones by itself. However, the boundaries are blurred, and any sampler and drum machine that already has integrated sounds is simultaneously also always a controller. If flexibility is desired, a full-fledged sampler like the MPC X can be integrated into the setup as a Midi controller to control other devices.
Standalone Alternatives
At the standalone level, companies like Korg, Elektron, and Roland produce excellent all-hardware samplers and drum machines. Some of these hardware samplers and drum machines serve as independent sequencers, making them ideal central hubs for tabletop synthesizers. The rise of modular Eurorack synthesis and other modern analog synth technology, which uses control voltage (CV) instead of MIDI, has once again made standalone sequencers extremely important for the production of electronic live music. Depending on how one sets up their beat production system, a sequencer may be required.
Sounds and Control
All great beat production begins with the right sounds, and there's no better way to get them than with a top-notch synthesizer. Between feature-rich digital synthesizers and sonically flexible analog models, virtual synthesizers VSTs naturally enjoy some popularity, usable for both electronic music production and live performance. Here, manufacturers stand out distinctly, and especially Native Instruments offers a wide selection of products right from the standard.
Alternatively, with a good MIDI controller, you can unlock the full creative potential of your preferred soft synths and virtual instruments. Full-size controller keyboards are perfect for studio production, while compact pad controllers like the Launchpad series from Novation are just right if you want to integrate your laptop into the live performance rig.
As you can see, for anyone looking to produce electronic music, there are plenty of equipment options available. Recordcase has everything in stock and ready to ship, so your new beat production system could be just a day or two away.