ReDrum: Automation Vs. Note/Drum Map editor sequencing....
The ReDrum is a straight foward drum machine based on various vintage anolog drum machines such as the ASR and Akai MPC series. Fruity Loops being the first introduction to computer music producing for many, leaves them scratching their heads when they move onto Reason´s drum sequencing.
This mini-tutorial a**umes that the reader has at least learned to make a simple 4 bar loop in 1/16th resolution. FL drum sequencing differs not in any way from its note sequencing and as a result many who move onto Reason draw their notes on the drum map editor instead of using the ReDrum controls located on the module itself thereby depriving themselves from the wonderful benefits of pattern track automation.
Now, this is only partly true because there are techniques that allow for automation of drum maps but that is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of scope for right hurr and now. Let me show a simple method of breathing life into your dead drum patterns. Make a 1 bar loop on the ReDrum ´MODULE(! not the drum map or note editor)´ using whatever samples you please. Then notice the pattern buttons at the bottom center of the Redrum, 1 and A should be highlighted informing you which pattern you are working on. Play the loop 2 make sure u are satisfied with it and then, while keeping the ReDrum selected, press Ctrl+C or Apple+C(whatever OS u use) to copy the pattern.
Select pattern 2 on ur with the pattern buttons and notice that it is empty. Press Ctrl+V to paste the pattern you copied. Listen to it and make some amendments....add a kick or snare somewhere. When u are satisfied go to the Note editor making sure the ReDrum is selected and its note properties shown. Notice above the velocity pane there is a pane with a long yellow stripe running alongs its horizontal perimeter which says A1. On it´s leftmost side of the pane there should be a dropdown button where you can choose patterns. FIRST, on the note size quantitize menu on the top options of the note editor select BAR then, go to the pattern selection dropdown button and select A2. Leave the first bar on A1 then draw A2 for the second bar, third as A1 fourth as A2 etc...till loop locator. Press play and notice that every bar the pattern changes.And there you have your simple variety.
Now get deep and make sum more patterns using the same method ascribed above, just use A3 A4 A5 etc.. if and when u run out of pattern space select B on the pattern buttons and continue till you fill that up and so on...then simply draw the corresponding bar on the automation pane and you´ve got a kicking drum pattern.
*Secretion*: If you have a grip on note size quantitization then you can understand how crazy you can make a pattern sound if 1/8 of the bar is playing one pattern let´s say A1, 1/4 of it plays a different one let´s say A2 and the rest A3 or whatever you have drawn on the ReDrum.......bwoiiiiii....no more intricate mouse work on the drum map for sick breaks on a hiphop track or drum and ba** or bounce style cuts.
.............Wind..........
