Rap Music Beats: Pimp Your Beats Using Dynamics
You don’t wanna lay down your rhymes over dull, mechanical beats, trust me. To really make an entrance into the hip house of hop you need beats with life.
That’s where Dynamics comes in. Dynamics is all about how a note or drum behaves when it is struck. There are three main effects you can use to change the dynamics of your beat.
Always remember you do not need to use the effects on every single drum track.
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Compression
Compression is an effect which makes the quieter bits louder and the louder bits quieter. Generally, it is used to make the high and low peaks in drum patterns sound less extreme. There are several types of compression that you can play around with.
Ratio
The change in ratio of input level to output level.
Attack
Controls the time it tacks for a sound to kick in. A longer attack time means that the signal will remain unaffected for longer before it starts to be compressed.
Release
Short release time gives the sound a pumping or breathing effect. Long release does not interfere as much.
Gain Reduction
The amount the compressor reduces the Gain (the amount of Amplification on the Input)
Types of Compressors
There are three types of compressors that you should be aware of.
1. Stereo/Dual Channel Compressors:
Controls both signals on a multiband channel.
2. Multi-Band Compressors:
A multi-band compressor divides the incoming signal into multiple audio bands and compresses each band independently of the others.
3. Parallel Compressors:
Parallel Compression involves running the sound through two channels. One is “dry” or unaffected by the compression, the other is “wet” or affected by the compression. This allows you to mix the wet compressed sound into the dry uncompressed sound.
Limiters
Limiters keep a signal from going beyond a certain level. It differs from a compressor in that it only affects the highest peaks
Limiters have:
- fast attack times
- very high compression rates
- high gain threshold.
Equalization
The process of reducing or boosting certain frequencies. It is similar to adjusting the frequency levels on your stereo as you can make sounds warmer or punchier. EQ can be used to change existing sounds or correct errors in sound quality
Useful Effects Processors and Plug-Ins For Controlling Dynamics.
Dynamics can be controlled using different types of effects processors. Most software programs come with effects processors that allow you to adjust compression, limiter and equalization levels.
You can also download extra software called plug-ins that will work with your software to control the dynamics of your beats. These plugs–ins can take the form of effects processors. Plug-ins can be either bought online or sometimes even downloaded for free.
The most popular types of plug-ins are VSTs or (Virtual Studio Technology). These work with pretty much any software. There are separate VST downloads for Mac and PC.
PC Windows based plug-ins come in the Dx (Direct x format). While plug-ins for Mac come in AU (Audio Units) format.
Check out www.kvraudio.com for a comprehensive data base of available plug-ins.