Percussion loops are pre-programmed sets of sounds that repeat in a predictable pattern. These are made with a variety of instruments, such as digital samplers, drum machines, and other electronic devices. Percussion loops are used in a wide range of contemporary music genres.
Percussion loops are commonly used in digital music production. Musicians can import these into a piece of composition software in a variety of file formats, such as.wav or.mp3, and use them to complement other tracks. Often, an entire project’s rhythm and tempo are provided by a single repeating percussion loop.
The original sounds that are used to create these rhythms are one of the major differences between different types of percussion loops. For a “analog” method, some people use real drums. Others use drum sounds that have been synthesized. Synthetic drums are popular in the digital music world, but many musicians recognize the value of using organic live drum sounds for some aspects of a project.
The specific timing of these sound segments is another way that these loops differ. Loops are set in consistent lengths by nature, so it’s useful to refer to one repetition as a “bar” when comparing loop-driven music to traditional compositions. Some loops employ a simple beat, such as four beats per bar, while others employ more obscure, complex rhythms, such as five or seven beats per bar. Some musicians are only familiar with loops with a 4/4 beat, but there are a plethora of other options.
Percussion loops can also be classified based on the sounds they produce. Backbeats are one of the most common types of percussion loops. Some musicians refer to percussion loops as “harder” or “softer.” To label their overall moods and how they would fit into a larger musical composition, these pieces can also be classified as “upbeat” or “subdued.”
Percussion loops are notoriously difficult to master in terms of sound quality. To avoid blurring or “soupiness,” the musician must make sure not to add too much sound to one track or multiple tracks. Other sounds, which may be added live or as separate recorded samples, must work with the sounds on the primary loop. All of this necessitates an understanding of how to use specific loops in a given digital music environment, as well as how to deal with space acoustics and sound system parameters.