Ultrabeat Drum Machine Synth is among the most versatile and potent creative tools in Logic Pro for assembling and designing unique drum kits. At its core, Ultrabeat is a multi-mode synthesizer that specializes in percussive sounds while doubling up as a step sequencer.
We’ll go through its core features, so you can start experimenting and creating the rhythmic grooves you’re after.
How to Navigate the Assignment Section
On the left-hand side of the interface, you’ll find a vertical 25-key keyboard. Here, you’re able to assign your 25 percussion sounds or drum voices. Click on the name of a drum voice to select it. The 25th key at the very top—C3—works a little differently as all the keys above it use its sound. Try using a more melodic instrument for this key.
The parameters in this section include:
Use the different output options to route your drum voices to distinct aux channel strips and subgroups.
How to Choose and Import Sounds
Click on the settings menu at the top (which should readFactory Default), and navigate toDrum KitsandDrum Banksto try out Ultrabeat’s selection of sounds.
TheImportbutton along the top lets you easily choose from other stock and saved sampler instruments. To use audio samples on certain keys, you can either use theLoad Samplefeature in Oscillator 2, oruse Logic’s Samplerto create a sampler instrument with those audio samples. Then, you should find what you saved in theSampler Instrumentsfolder.
If you’re struggling to integrate third-party sounds into Ultrabeat, try bouncing them (Ctrl + B) into audio files first. Look intothe best keyboard shortcuts in Logicto save you more time. When you select your sampler instrument, a drop-down list will appear. Click on each option to hear them, and drag them onto your keyboard to use them.
Using the Synthesizer
The synthesizer section allows you to sculpt the sound of your 25 drum voices. If you’re unfamiliar with synthesizers, check outthe different types of sound synthesis and how their core tools work. Each section includes on/off buttons and signal flow icons (either red arrows or diagonal lines) that let you send the signal to the main filter section or bypass it.
Similarly, each parameter that can be modulated includesmodandviapop-up menus. These let you set primary and secondary modulation sources.
An Overview of the Oscillators
You can find the two oscillators in Ultrabeat in the upper and lower red rectangles, respectively. While they offer certain distinct features, the parameters they share includePitch. Drag the note value vertically to alter the pitch in semitones; drag0cvertically to alter the pitch in cents.
Oscillator Modes
You can select the mode of synthesis in each of the oscillators. Both have a phase oscillator mode; in this mode, the wave shape can be altered into most standard shapes using theSlope,Saturation, andAsymmetrycontrols. The difference between the two is that only Asymmetry can be modulated in Oscillator 1, and only Saturation can be modulated in Oscillator 2.
Oscillator 1 (carrier) produces a sine wave when in theFMmode. Oscillator 2 (operator) then modulates this sine wave. Use theFM amountknob to determine the intensity of frequency modulation.
Inside chainmode, an external sidechain input works as the source for Oscillator 1. To use this feature, you must select a side chain input source from theSide Chaindrop-down menu in the top-right of the interface.
Samplemode in Oscillator 2 lets you quicklyLoad/Unloadthe sample by pressing the arrow icon next to the name of the sample. TheMix/Maxsliders determine the start point of the sample at minimum and maximum velocity. you may reverse your audio sample by pressing the playback icon. Trigger different sample layers as per the minimum (green) or maximum (blue) velocity with the SampleLayersliders.
Themodelmode in Oscillator 2 allows you to imitate diverse physical characteristics of instrument strings with theMaterialpad. TheExcitertype varies how the string vibrates, and theResolutionslider alters the precision and harmonics.
Noise Generator
Noise generator lies between the oscillators, and can generate diverse percussive sounds from scratch. It has its own independent filter controls providing three filter types (Low-Pass, High-Pass, Band-Pass) and a bypass option.
Its parameters include:
Ring Modulator
The ring modulator section is represented by a narrow rectangle to the right of the filter section. This tool generates its own sound, and both oscillators must be on for this feature to function.
Use the level slider to control its volume, and bear in mind that its sound depends upon both oscillator settings.
The central filter section includes an additional filter type to the noise generator (Band Reject) and offers two slope intensity options (12dB/octave and24dB/octave). To better use these filters, look intohow to use EQs and filters.
You can then decide whether you want the filtered signal routed into the distortion circuit or vice versa by pressing the central arrow icon.
Distortion
The distortion circuit lets you add either a distortion effect or a bitcrusher effect. The former overdrives the signal while the latter crushes (decreases) the digital resolution of the sound.
The additional dials let you alter the distortion intensity, tonal color, and overall level/threshold.
The large grey rectangle on the right represents the output section. Along the top and bottom, you can find EQ controls allowing you to add a bell or shelf filter at your chosen frequency (Hz) and bandwidth (Q). Press on the titles of each mode to enable/disable them.
Thespreadmode lets you widen the stereo image per the frequency, and thepan modbutton lets you modulate the panning of your drum sound. Thevoice volumedial determines the overall level of your drum sound, and thetriggermode options let you control how the synth responds to incoming MIDI notes.
Envelope and LFOs
Ultrabeat includes four envelopes (in the bottom-right) for each drum voice.Env 4is dedicated to the volume of each voice. Click and drag on the different points to alter the lengths of each phase. All the envelopes can be used as modulation sources.
There are also two LFOs (in the top-right) that can be used to modulate diverse parameters. Its more unique controls include:
How to Use the Step Sequencer
The Sequencer section, situated along the bottom of the interface, allows you to construct simple and complex rhythmic patterns with ease. You can draw out a percussion sequence for your selected drum voice by clicking on any of the numbers in the Trigger row. Then, click and drag on the resultant blue bars to affect the velocity and note length.
ThePatternmenu lets you choose from 24 pre-designed patterns, and theLengthoptions let you set up to 32 steps. Press thefull viewbutton in the bottom-right, and select a pattern to see the sequencer’s capabilities.
TheResolutionpop-up menu along the bottom alters the note length of each step. You can emphasize certain steps with theAccentbutton, and adjust swing intensity for sounds where theSwingbutton is enabled.
TheStepautomation mode (belowVoice) allows you to automate and alter parameters for individual steps on the same drum sound. When enabled, parameters that can be automated are highlighted in gold. You can select the parameter you want to change in theparameter offsetmenu, or make the changes directly in the synth interface.
Create Ultra-Quality Beats
Once you’ve selected and imported the sounds you want to use, it’s time to refine your drum sounds with the synthesizer. Then, create rhythmic sequences and patterns with the step sequencer. Add in modulation and automation, and your percussion will be more dynamic than ever.
