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How to Record Drum Machines

Recording drum machines is a very common practice in modern music production. The process of recording a drum machine is very similar to that you would use to record a keyboard or any other digital instrument. Once the proper connections are made, you need to make sure to set levels correctly to maximize the sound quality of the drum machine. Using a drum machine is a great option for recording demos or when a "real" drummer is not available for a tracking session.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4 inch cables
  • Audio interface
  • Recording software
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the outputs on the drum machine. Most drum machines with have two outputs, one labeled L (left) and one one labeled R (right). You will use both outputs if you want to record the drum machine in stereo. For mono recording, only use the left output channel.

    • 2

      Using a standard 1/4" instrument cable, connect one or both outputs of the drum machine to an available input on your audio interface.

    • 3

      Turn the volume all the way up on the drum machine. Always make sure to record drum machines with the volume set to maximum to capture the highest quality signal possible.

    • 4

      Put an open track in your recording software into record mode. This will arm the track and make it ready to receive the audio signal being sent by the drum machine.

    • 5

      Set the levels. Play the drum machine and watch the level meter in the recording software. You want the meter to be as high as possible with "clipping." Clipping occurs when the signal level is too high. This will be indicated by the meter turning from green to red. Turn the gain knob on the input track up or down on the audio interface until the optimal recording level is reached.

    • 6

      Press record. Now that the levels are set, you are ready to begin recording the drum machine. Once you press record, any sound that is outputted by the drum machine will be captured by the recording software.

Recording Music

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