Programming Dance, Techno & Drum’n’Bass - part one
This master class is about rhythmic patterns. All patches are linked to the INT or EXT MIDI Clock. The Nord Modular's internal MIDI Clock (Synth Settings > int), or an external sequencer/device as clock source (ext) can be used. Click on the pictures below to download and save/upload the patch to the Nord Modular synthesizer.
(For the Percussion Oscillator and the DrumSynth module, see
Manual V3 Page 115 and Manual V3 Page 116)The Midi Global module receives the Midi Clock, which is divided by the Clock Divider into a more useful tempo. The sequencer triggers the DrumSynth module on the beat.
To create a different and less DSP load kick drum, you can take the PercOsc module and add an Envelope Generator to the pitch modulation input:
Adding some hi-hats to this patch, two x-modulated SlaveFM Osc’s are used.
The hi-hat sounds too dull. To add more control to their envelopes and timbre, a Pattern Generator to modulate the filter and the env.’s Release is used. This adds opening and closing the hi-hat:
Adding a DrumSynth module to create a snare drum
Making use of a logic processor (see Rob Hordijk’s workshop Logic), places the snare drum into a rhythmic pattern, which can be changed by Knob 2
A different way to trigger the kick drum
A Control Sequencer can generate a signal, when used together with a Gain Controller acts as a trigger. Each value above zero triggers. The Constant Module (called Trigger in this patch), will add positive or negative values to the complete pattern. More positive values will result in more trigger pulses. Using Knob 6-12 will change the pattern. Tip: Add a Morph to the Control Sequencer:
The same trigger is used to emphasize the beat: a Control Mixer, a Control Sequencer input and a Constant Module (called accent). Knob7 morphs the beat.
Creating a melodic drum line
The Control Sequencer modulates the Perc Osc’s pitch.
Creating a drum set
Creating Reset slices
The Logic Compare Module compares the Pattern Generator to a level which will send a trigger to the Reset input of the Control Sequencer (knob10). Resulting a a sort of drum slices. Gain Controller2 is used as AM.
Coloring percussion with the Ring Modulator and automatic pattern changer added
Timbral FX by using a Ring Modulator. The Pattern Generator modulates the Sine Osc(modulator) as well. The Clock Divider triggers at the beginning of a new bar:
These hihats are created using FM synthesis. The bsas of this sound is the Noise1 generator filtered by FilterC1 at 124 Resonance.
A bass patch
Four "big" examples