How to Program a Bass Line in My Zoom Drum Machine

Drum machines simulate the sound of real druums, and sometimes, bass guitar.

You can program a simple or sophisticated bass pattern to go along with any drum patterns you intend to use on the RT-223 Zoom drum machine. The RT-223 is the only drum machine currently in the Zoom product line, and you can program it for bass using the individual pads. With a few minutes of practice, you can create an appropriate rhythm track for practicing guitar or for recording songs in your home studio.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the Zoom drum machine in pattern mode by pressing the "Pattern" button. This will allow you to create a bass line to go along with whichever drum pattern you have programmed or chosen to use for recording or practicing. The "Pattern" key will light up to signify that you are in this particular mode.

2. Press the small "Bass" key. This will allow you to edit all of the parameters for the bass program, including note duration, and can be used for step or real-time bass programming. The key will also light up to signify that you are in bass mode.

3. Press the "Function" key and pad 5. This will allow you to change the "Quantize" function. Quantization is the process of setting the notes that you have chosen in the proper places. It allows for step programming of the bass guitar in the drum machine. Set the value for the quantization by using the plus and minus buttons. The higher you set it, the shorter the note value.

4. Press the "Record" key. This will allow you to record your bass program, and the unit will begin the saving process as you create the bass line.

5. Set the note duration by using the right and left arrow buttons. This will dictate the note length--anything from quarter notes to 32nd notes.

6. Start the creation of the bass line by choosing a note pitch and pressing the corresponding pad. Each pad has a different note and is signified by the note name on the pad itself. After you have chosen the note, tap the "Repeat/Step" button to proceed to the next note. If you do not choose a note, the space will be considered a rest and no note will sound in the sequence.

7. Repeat Step 6 for the entire sequence of notes you have chosen, changing the duration and quantization of each note if necessary. This will allow you to make simple or complicated bass programs to correspond with the drum patterns you have chosen or created.

References

• Zoom: RT-223 manual
• Samsontech: ProductsT