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How to Amplify Drum Machines

So, you've figured out how to make beats with your drum machine. Now you want to play them loud. Whether you're playing through a small amplifier at home, or running your drum machine through a powerful PA system in a live setting, the same knowledge applies. Once you understand the basic method for amplifying your drum machine, you can amplify your beats in almost any situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Cable
  • Amplifier
  • PA sound system
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off your drum machine and set the volume to zero. Do the same with your amplifier.

    • 2

      Find the output jack on your drum machine. Depending on your drum machine model, the output jack may be labeled "Mix," "Mix Out," "Output" or something similar. The output jack is usually located on the rear panel.

    • 3

      Plug a cable into the output jack. Drum machine outputs are generally 1/4-inch jacks. Use either a 1/4-inch-to-1/4-inch cable, or a 1/4-inch-to-XLR cable, depending on what you are plugging your drum machine into.

    • 4

      Connect the other end of your cable into an amplifier input or a PA system's mixing board. Use a 1/4-inch jack for amplifier inputs or an XLR jack for PA systems.

    • 5

      Turn on the drum machine and amplifier.

    • 6

      Play the drum machine and slowly increase the drum machine and amplifier volume until it is suitably loud.

    • 7

      Adjust the amplifier or PA system equalization. For example, turn up the bass settings to emphasize the bass frequencies of the beat.

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Digital Music

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