Tone Profile

Aggressive and distorted, yet with a strangely organic feel. The drums sound both heavily processed and raw, creating a unique sonic signature.

Production Credits

Signal Chain

Recording Notes

• It's likely that a combination of drum machines and acoustic drums were used and blended.
• Consider using a variety of distortion pedals to achieve a harsh, overdriven sound.
• Experiment with bit crushing and sample rate reduction to further degrade the signal.
• The Akai MPC3000 and Roland TR-808 are classic drum machines known for their punchy sound.
• Many of Aphex Twin's tracks were created with a combination of hardware and software, so experimentation is encouraged.

Recreation Tips

• Start with a solid drum loop, either from a drum machine or a sampled acoustic kit.
• Use distortion pedals or plugins to add grit and aggression to the sound.
• Experiment with EQ to shape the tone and emphasize certain frequencies.
• Add reverb or delay to create space and depth.
• Use compression to tighten up the sound and add punch.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with unusual effects to create a unique and interesting sound.

Recommended Gear

• Akai MPC3000(drums)
• Roland TR-808(drums)
• Ibanez Tube Screamer(pedal)
• Boss DS-1(pedal)
• Shure SM57(mic)