How to Pick a Hi Hat Sound on a Drum Machine

Make a unique sound by choosing a hi-hat sound on a drum machine.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drum Machine

1. 
   Drum machine

   Power up the drum machine. Most models have a number of preset drum sets to choose from or you may have a set sound that you have already edited together. Pick the set of your choice.

2. 
   Drum machine software

   Next, select "Edit" within that set. Select "Sounds" or depending on what model you have, you'll see a menu of specific drum set pieces such as toms, bass drum, cymbals and so on. Scroll to hi-hats. Sometimes hi-hats will be listed under the "Cymbals" heading.

3. 
   Drum sounds galore

   Select "Hi-hats." A variety of hi-hats should come up in the menu. Again, depending on the model you have, you'll see choices like "Open-Closed," "Closed-Open," "Tight" or "Loose."

4. 
   Hi-hat button

   Pick the sound that works with the set you're editing it in to. For instance, typically, you wouldn't want a loose, sloppy hi-hat within a jazz set, but you would want it in a heavy rock set.

5. 
   Drum machine

   Save the new set. Now go back in to the hi-hat sound and go under parameters. There you can change the volume, stereo mix pitch, and change what note will trigger it on your keyboard.

6. Finally, get down and boogie with your bad self!

Tips & Warnings

• You can preview any sound on your machine. Don't just go by the description when selecting your sounds.
• Be sure to save your changes as you go or you will call up your set and the new sounds won't be there.