MY BUDGET DRUM MACHINE FX CHAIN

Here is my super ghetto budget drum machine effects chain. I’ve had a few messages asking how I’m processing drums, where I get my samples from etc so I thought I’d do a short video to explain.
I tried to build this all for the least possible amount of cash, focussing on low end effects pedals to dirty up the sound. I love the slightly out of time, distorted effects this gives me and I really enjoy using this more than anything else I own.
If you’re new to guitar pedals you could do a lot worse than pick up a few of these for £20 off amazon, they all add an extra something you just won’t enjoy trying to replicate in the box.
Even if I don’t have a track in mind it’s just a lot of fun to switch the machines on and twist some knobs. I don’t think hardware sounds better or worse than plugins, it’s just a lot more fun.

[@fincorrigan7139]

This popped up on my feed today and was most glad to hear these great grooves produced on inexpensive gear - a testament to the benefits of using your head and not your wallet - Well done Sir!

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Thanks a lot :)

[@LucIndustries]

@Hank Augustus fuck outta here with that bullshit. Great tune btw, just got angry at bots.

[@montxsuz]

This is about the first descent sounding drum + guitar pedal videos I have seen.

[@dunk8157]

I think another thing that makes drums sound good is playing them through a big soundsystem, thats the one thing thats hard to mimic at home. I've been to carnivals where some tracks are very simple and sound like a simple drum machine with no processing, but played through big speakers they sound great.

[@skoorbryan]

Escape from Horrorland was so sick back in the day!

[@jonison6847]

Thanks - in the process of putting together exactly the same sort of setup. It sounds really great, nice job!

[@syntheffects]

Behringer Bass Limiter Enhancer is a great budget pedal for drum bus compression and groove driving, will demo it soon. Also The Juicer by Mooer does wonders on saturating and adding air drums in a transparent way. For three modes of analog dirt the Behringer Distortion Modeler is a must, it features a Rat, DS-1 and a Distortion plus circuit.

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Great info, I’ll take a look

[@marcosrotllan]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho i just got mesmerized with that video. Im searching something similar to your drum rig. Drumbrute impact, same mixer, zoom ms70... Im doubting between the klark teknik and empress compressor and for 100 less bucks. Not only cheaper, smaller and much more options.... I would love to test both, but I cant.

[@trevor_mounts_music]

cheap guitar pedals work a treat on drum machines. I've tried the boutique stuff and honestly I don't think i'd spend like 200 on a compressor when this one is 30 dollars and does what it needs to do.

[@user-fi4yd2kf6g]

Wow, this is the bit that I didn't quite understand! I was already going to buy a drum machine but then I suddenly thought that the sound ALL of them produce is just meh. I didn't even know that it needs to be processed! You have achieved an amazing result! And I am definitely on a budget too so I find your video very helpful!

[@manmaas]

That's a nice rhythm. I was initially thinking 'Hmm, that's not going anywhere', then you proved your point! I produce a lot of ambient noise and have been thinking of bringing back some beats to liven it all up but I can't afford to go insane and I like the idea of using an analog machine, the Arturia could be it with the mix of pedals I have. Thanks for the demo. I love KZbin these days, it's been great for reviewing older gear and picking up musical ideas.

[@segerer]

Thank for sharing. Very impressive. Good job.

[@JornLavoll]

great stuff! and very inspiring

[@un11verse11]

What a great sound & setup! I'm look into that DrumBrute to potentially replace my my RX11 (thanks for sharing mate)

[@SamanInTheMachine]

Nice track, I'v looped it in the last half hour :)

[@andrebrown4677]

LUSH! Thanks For Sharing!

[@guiom77]

very good video !!!thanks

[@user-ep8cu3yn5i]

Damn, I wash everyone on KZbin was straight to the point like you on this video. Nice content, mate. Subbed.

[@AW-Services]

I love my Boss DS-1 and Roland TR-6s awesome 90s shaped hardcore kick drums

[@jamesbaynton1881]

Cool, this is the way forward.

[@stevenclaeys3602]

Drumbrute plus lots of cheap behringer fx is a great budget setup for drums, i went the same route and have not regretted it. Lots of possibilities and even a six year old could do it. Guaranteed fun

[@adamkrasneski3679]

U happen to find a way to turn a stereo distortion setup on and off with one button/pedal? Tryng to think of a way to turn a studio setup w this issue live.

[@stevenclaeys3602]

@@adamkrasneski3679 not sure how you could best tackle that. mine is completely mono. it has built-in fx on the mixer, 2 more pedals connected to the mixer through the send/returns, and then several others directly on the drumbrute's individual outs before they hit the mixer channel.

[@adamkrasneski3679]

@@stevenclaeys3602 appreciate the reply. Thanks any way. Might have to diy it.

[@stevenclaeys3602]

@@adamkrasneski3679 feel free to report back if you get anywhere with it. knowledge is power!

[@ondrejtregler]

I was thinking about selling my Drum Brute but you may have convinced me to keep it and just add some effect pedals to it.

[@phuturemusic]

Fun!

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

sick

[@adnana7918]

That's a great Idea and really interesting and resourceful Video. I'm intrigued about the KT76 though as I've read only bad things about its lifespan. So three years later: how's your Klark Teknik holding up? Cheers

[@considercaption]

Greate video. I just got done watching noise London and thought you were him because your voice sounds the same!

[@brokenscart7989]

Shit man this sounds insane. Now I want a drum brute.

[@Ssspaceform]

Nice

[@reazallykhan8614]

I’ve paired my drumbrute with my korg er1 mk2 over midi ...I then run them thru a sp303 for effects and samples then clock to a korg kaospad for synth sounds run thru a tc electronic hall of fame reverb ..

[@adamkrasneski3679]

This is sweet. Im similarly trying to adapt a studio setup to a live one. Any advice from anyone here on the following. Have the stereo outs from a drum machine going through 2 distortion pedals (1left 1 right). What can i incorporate to enable turning the distortion on/off with the press of 1 button or pedal? Havent seen a stereo distortion pedal (2inputs) or a stereo line switch pedal (LRA&LRB). Ive got panning going on so it has to be stereo. Any ideas peeps?

[@marcosrotllan]

Underrated video. So underrated

[@olg88]

wow!!

[@garethgroove]

Cool

[@New_Zealand_Music]

Good work. I'm sure you know gas can be a problem. And yes I wish I knew about the tr8s, but you know the tr8 came out 1st. I bought that. It's kind of competition and I know. Bit like the dx7 with some people. It's kind of 50/50. The Akai Tomcat, it really shreds. As long as you don't use the sequencer. It's fantastic. Apart from this, beutes got t FM?. And workflow. They aren't world's apart. I'm sure I'm going to get disagree with by somebody. Lol. Like drum brutes as well. Anyway. I like to use two drum machines for Sonic variation. Normally one digital and one analogue. Nice to mix things up for variation. Thank you for your video. Immigrate when you can get delay . If it's not synced of course. And in time with your drum machine. You can basically make double time. It's great fun. Thanks for tips for the compressor. Cheers

[@andrewshee5746]

That's so fucking cool.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

Lit!

[@grazstarr]

Yo man this is awesome thanks so much for uploading it! REeeeeally curious where the sustained bass line is coming from though if you're only using two drum machines? I've got a tr-8 and seriously considering getting a drumbrute impact. next step is to get some pedals, so your video is perfect for what i'm looking for. Thanks again

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

I think I did that on the Minilogue XD which is just below the drum machines, just a really simple saw wave

[@grazstarr]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho Ah thank you!

[@taiyo.ichikawa_photographer]

Please tell me the filter for cowbell or rim(drumbrute)!!!!

[@southpolesurfer6936]

Agreed keep it cheap n you get great results

[@daddyfunk13]

Thanks for this, very cool! Have you found a way to effect each individual output with the same effects, while still being able to record each drum separately? I’m trying to do a similar setup but I would like to be able to record each drum on its own track. I’m guessing I’d have to upgrade the ol’ mixer...

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Yeah you'd need a decent send and return setup for that, this mixer is pretty, limited in that regard, I have another that would probably do it but I can't be bothered to rewire it all!

[@dunk8157]

You could solo the sound you want to record and record them one at a time. I suppose that you can't really do that with a compressor though as each sound affects the others, saying that even with multiple individual outs from the mixer I'm not sure how much you can seperate things out if you have a stereo compressor as it only has 2 channels.

[@ettoremariotti4280]

I am tempted to go hardware but it's also true that all of these pedals can be done in ableton... why did you choose the real pedals?

[@ahmadkanaan7714]

really cool ... would you recommend for industrial techno along with the tr8-s a dark matter distortion pedal or ms50g or skip the distortion?

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Techno drums and distortion are a match made in heaven. Plus it always gives you the option to change the sounds completely if you find them getting a bit boring.

[@ahmadkanaan7714]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho bt doesnt it always eat up the low end and leaves it bassless and without rumble?... and do you have any experience with TC electronic dark matter or zoom ms50 or zoom ms70... i want one for my tr8s / monologue but dno which to choose ... so your feedback will be highly appreciated

[@maxmatson1578]

My favorite pedal to use on my drum machine is the Behringer Super Fuzz used on my Korg volca sample the superfuzz has a boost option I just crank up the EQ, set the gain to about 10:00 and it gives it this punching us in your face sound without necessarily sounding distorted

[@johnmiddleton4291]

I don't think there's an instrument made that doesn't sound great through the super fuzz. Suck a great pedal.

[@henkloorbach]

delicious

[@claudiostano]

Hello Alfonso! Great Video! I have a question: In a perfect world, it would be desirable to have each sound routed to it's own compressor or it's common habit to route all sounds together to a single compressor unit ? thanks ! =)

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

It would be quite expensive, you’d need 8 + compressors. I don’t think the perceived benefits would be worth the investment.

[@claudiostano]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho thank you !!

[@ironman1290]

Say hey, bud! Quick favor to ask. Would you put a guitar reverb pedal before or after a drum machine, such as, the BeatBuddy for live use?

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Reverb would probably go way down the chain, but usually on a send if possible.

[@bernyboss]

Which effect do you suggest on which drum instruments? :)

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

I like delays on snares and claps, toms too. Reverb works on everything. Claps and phasers work well together, same with hats. The only effect I’d possibly use on a kick would be an overdrive.

[@DJMOFUNKTV]

Nic3 1n3

[@sonicultura]

How did you connect all of this? I don’t understand the chain from the source to end... :/ It’s great sounding!

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Drum machines into mixer, all the effects pedals on a send channel, mixer out to compressor then into audio interface.

[@sonicultura]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho thanks a lot! So drums and effects are set to mono? I mean since you have only one channel of compressor or does the compressor go into one channel and stereo from mixer into stereo on soundcard (three channels in total?) I don't mind mono just asking to know since I really enjoyed this! Thanks once again for your advices!

[@marcosrotllan]

@@sonicultura he might buy a 2nd compressor for sending stereo to the sound card, no doubt. And walk another month.

[@davidlstevens]

What is generating to sustained bass notes?

[@xeentjelief]

Wondering the same Thing actually

[@cristofersiech4692]

I beleve it's the flanger

[@grazstarr]

@@cristofersiech4692 But.. how? Where's it getting the sound from and how's it changing pitch? and holding the note? I dont gettit :(

[@outdatedgear5036]

I felt the same way about the akai rhythm wolf.

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

I really want one, I know it's crazy but I can't help it

[@outdatedgear5036]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho It's actually 1 of the few drum machines I still own. I pair it with my roland TR-08.

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

@@outdatedgear5036 I'll get one on ebay one day, I'm determined

[@klaasj7808]

even only for the sequencer its great

[@Nobody-hc2bo]

God that little bit of dust on the lens is so irritating lol Great video, I like the philosophy behind this. I’m not exactly rolling in cash during covid, but down the road this is a great idea

[@ab8817]

i could hear the signal noise from the thumbnail

[@Cowboy-Ben-Alman]

How do you have the drums routed into the mixer? Do you have the kick or other drums separated into their own dedicated inputs so they can be effected separately?

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

That's exactly it, each type of sound has it's own channel and EQ

[@Cowboy-Ben-Alman]

@@AlfonsoMuchacho give specifics tho! :D

[@sirgavalot]

"...it was delicious though"!

[@taewankim6283]

Brah, try OD on cymbals and crashes, my secret sauce.

[@hansfischer6148]

May I ask where in your chain the Klark Compressor is located? The video is very inspiring for me!

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

Depends on the situation, sometimes I run everything through it, but it's a mono comp so you can't pan any individual sounds. Usually I will run something like toms or the kick through it. This mixer doesn't have inserts but my other one does so sometimes I'll use it as an insert on that. It really depends on what I'm trying to do :)

[@OlExtraRegularBass]

I'm WAY too dumb to know what any of this is, but I can't afford a kit and I got like thirty songs I can record tomorrow if I could figure out how to get drums from a machine.

[@rough71]

Someone found a use for V+ boxes.

[@taewankim6283]

Dude, WTF!!! This is... was a state secret.

[@iamyourfuture808]

what is a boddle of wine?

[@AlfonsoMuchacho]

I'll tell you when you're old enough

[@marceloribeirosimoes8959]

Nice, but I confess that I was expecting to be knocked out of my socks by that fancy drum machine. But it sounds so soft that made me a little frustrated...

[@klaasj7808]

i did it even more cheaper, go myself some cheap fa-66 interface, had some old computers, downloaded illegal valhalla version and made some cheap ass midi interface so i can control the effects.

[@marcosrotllan]

After weeks of deep thinking my conclusion is : Analog rytm mkii. Saving money for this instead of buying tons of cheap gear. A rytm is better investment at 2nd hand market. And after picking the rytm you still can buy some cheap pedals too.