Early Drum Machines

The Rhythmicon - 1930-32





An instrument created by Henry Cowell, who wanted an instrument that could play compositions which had rhythmical patterns far too complicated for existing keyboard instruments. Could produce sixteen different rhythms each associated with a particular pitch.


Chamberlain Rhythmate - 1957








A device containing 14 tape loops with a sliding head that allowed playback of different tracks on each piece of tape, or blending them. Contained a volume and a pitch control, and also had separate bass and treble level controls.


The Wurlitzer Side Man:

Drum Machines

For the 'top 10' side of the Digital Design brief, I have selected Drum Machines as a topic to investigate and create a title sequence for. I feel that this might be quite an interesting topic to certain types of people, such as those with an interest in the production of the music that has shaped today's sounds and scenes.

Many producers (particularly amateurs, beginners etc.) have ditched drum machines in favour of modern DAW's (Digital Audio Workstations); so in some ways we have left behind an era of hardware; drum machines, synthesizers etc. as we can do pretty much all of it on a laptop screen. Many producers undoubtedly still use drum machines, so the future of their place in the production process is obviously uncertain.

Drum Machines have had a profound effect on many parts of the music scene, perhaps the most noticeable being Roland TR-808's influence on hip-hop in the 80's, but also of course with many other genres and subcategories that can be found in modern day music.

North by Northwest

NORTH BY NORTHWEST/ Movie Title / Kinetic Type / from Henry Chang on Vimeo.

A kinetic type video for a movie title sequence/advert kind of thing. I'm enjoying the way parts of letterforms become frames for the next bit of text, quite a neat touch.

Mythbusters

Mythbusters Kinetic Type from Bryan Woods on Vimeo.

Fairly standard stuff in terms of aesthetics, though it is quite fun to watch. I've got to admit I am fairly bored of vector graphics these days but I suppose they do always work effectively, it's just a lot nicer to see something a little more unique and creative.

Breathless 1960

Breathless 1960, Typography from Emanuel Cohen on Vimeo.

Another quirky little piece of film, this one's quite short however. There's a bit of a shortage on the type front as there's quite a lot of image used as well, however I like it's rough, crafty nature and use of colour. Not really sure what it's about though because it's all in French. I'm also enjoying the way the odd random letter creeps in at various points, that's a nice little touch.

Pale Blue Dot

The Pale Blue Dot Typography from Nick Lyons on Vimeo.

Another nice piece, once again not simply just letters being pushed around a screen; this one has an interesting concept which is reflected well throughout the video.

War of the Worlds Kinetic Type

War of the Worlds Kinetic Typography from J.R. Schmidt on Vimeo.


Thought I'd start investigating some kinetic type to help me get involved with this project, I'm quite liking this one here, based on the old War Of the Worlds radio show. It's fairly gloomy and atmospheric compared to most kinetic type videos I've seen before, most videos seem to make use of the same pristine styling, clean cut with bright colours, so it's nice to see one that goes for quite an alternative feel, which of course is largely influenced by the audio clip used.