Is it a sin to use others' patches in the production world?

[MoonUnit]

I say people are gonna do what they are gonna do, but if you're trying to be original it doesn't make sense to use other artist's patches. I usually frown upon it because it shows laziness. Using someone else's patch, changing it, and using it in a unique way? Now that's something to consider.

[Lectric]

For me it is a sin. I don't use other people's patches, and i don't sample other peoples songs or use loops. I feel like I need to make every sound to have it be my creation and my artwork.

[nowaysj]

It is arbitrary bro, at some point you are relying on someone else's work, creativity, art. You're just drawing your line at an arbitrarily different location. Whole point of post modern music starting with hip hop forward is that music itself is the instrument, and that is what we now learn and play. neways

[ephyks]

I could never look at myself the same if I used patches from other producers. I want to progress as a producer and become better, so the most I do with patches is observe them and try to make my own version. Plus, what's the point of using sounds someone already else is using?

[Killamike49]

Well, i hate to say this, but it applies really well here. Does an artist make his own colors?

[jbcrazy]

I'd like to say... I look at it a bit differently.

It's not a sin really. It's out there for you to use and it's a tool. And sure there's people that will look down but that's not even a concern to me. Honestly, once you begin to understand synthesis basics and the work it takes to get stuff to actually sound good? Sometimes its easier just to go make it yourself instead of cycling through presets to see one that fits your song. Saves you time... and it helps you understand where things fit in terms of the sound spectrum... and makes you a soft synth guru.

Most of us, and I am sure the best guys in the music world are layering their basses and RARELY does one pre-set sound big or good enough to be used by itself anyway. At least your main synths,

[Lucifa]

Well, i hate to say this, but it applies really well here. Does an artist make his own colors?

I dont understand that ananolgy at all. The colour blue is always the colour blue, but a synth isn't just any synth. Looking at a painting you don't go WOW that colour is really blue, what an amazing colour. But listening to a track you might go FUCK, that synth, that synth is next level.

I dont think its important really. Unless the whole composition is built around a really complex synth that was programmed by someone else. As long as the music is decent, and it doesnt competely ripp-off someone elses work, then its fine. Most established producers use presets, it doesn't detract from their ability to interest the listener.

[Killamike49]

I mean the painter doesn't make the actual colors he uses on his easel. Like he doesn't sit there and mix pigment and other paint shit to make the color blue, he just goes out and buys a bucket of blue paint, right? Maybe i'm not using the right word...

[leeany]

No, it's not. The thing is, there's so many patches out there that any sound you're looking for has pretty much already been made. No need wasting time making it if it's sitting in front of you, especially if you already have the know how to do so. It's not cool to try to pass it off as yours though.

that's like saying ''there's probably already a tune out there that's similar to the tune you're going to make, so why would you even bother making tunes anymore ?''

[MoonUnit]

No, it's not. The thing is, there's so many patches out there that any sound you're looking for has pretty much already been made. No need wasting time making it if it's sitting in front of you, especially if you already have the know how to do so. It's not cool to try to pass it off as yours though.

that's like saying ''there's probably already a tune out there that's similar to the tune you're going to make, so why would you even bother making tunes anymore ?''

These last few posts have got me thinking that, conceptually, everything has already been done with music. I think people are just cheating themselves out of learning and experience by using patches from other producers... it takes away from the music being an extension of yourself. In the end, though, if you are able to convey your emotion and make people dance their asses off, I say job well done.

If you sample and use patches from other artists extensively, however, people are gonna know... and they are going to give you some serious shit for it. A la zomboy

[CaveLvl]

It is arbitrary bro, at some point you are relying on someone else's work, creativity, art. You're just drawing your line at an arbitrarily different location. Whole point of post modern music starting with hip hop forward is that music itself is the instrument, and that is what we now learn and play. neways

Yeah that.

[Eat Bass]

Well, i hate to say this, but it applies really well here. Does an artist make his own colors?

thats a stupid analogy in my opinion. theres only a certain amount of colors so theres a huge limit on that and actually an artist does mix colors to make their own shades.

but theres an unlimited amount of sounds you can make yourself, so again that analogy was pretty shitty.

[nowaysj]

God knows I've mixed my fair share of colors from pigment... did I feed the Indian cattle that piss soaked the ground that produced the pigment, hells of no, even if I did, the cows are still the product of thousands of years of human genetic meddling. It is unavoidable, we're all connected, draw your lines where you will, but dispel your illusions.

[Killamike49]

God knows I've mixed my fair share of colors from pigment... did I feed the Indian cattle that piss soaked the ground that produced the pigment, hells of no, even if I did, the cows are still the product of thousands of years of human genetic meddling. It is unavoidable, we're all connected, draw your lines where you will, but dispel your illusions.

Pretty much the point i was trying to make, haha.

[Versuz]

Well, i hate to say this, but it applies really well here. Does an artist make his own colors?

thats a stupid analogy in my opinion. theres only a certain amount of colors so theres a huge limit on that and actually an artist does mix colors to make their own shades.

but theres an unlimited amount of sounds you can make yourself, so again that analogy was pretty shitty.

[ill mindset]

God knows I've mixed my fair share of colors from pigment... did I feed the Indian cattle that piss soaked the ground that produced the pigment, hells of no, even if I did, the cows are still the product of thousands of years of human genetic meddling. It is unavoidable, we're all connected, draw your lines where you will, but dispel your illusions.

You guys waste so much time debating stupid shit like this. There are millions of possible colors. Shades, tints and the like. If you want true respect, be as original as possible. Get back to work on your freakin tunes. SMH

[hysteriaa]

even using someones patches you can't just make a great song, you have to know what your doing with the composition so a shitty producer cant just became great overnight because they get ahold of some good patches.

[mks]

You guys waste so much time debating stupid shit like this. There are millions of possible colors. Shades, tints and the like. If you want true respect, be as original as possible. Get back to work on your freakin tunes. SMH

Let's see what Mr. T says:

I pity the fool that thinks talking about music is stupid. What's up with your sick mindset? I still ain't gettin on that damn plane...

[nowaysj]

Get back to work on your freakin tunes. SMH

No, you get back to work on your tunes.

Good first post though!

[Attila]

No, it's not. The thing is, there's so many patches out there that any sound you're looking for has pretty much already been made. No need wasting time making it if it's sitting in front of you, especially if you already have the know how to do so. It's not cool to try to pass it off as yours though.

that's like saying ''there's probably already a tune out there that's similar to the tune you're going to make, so why would you even bother making tunes anymore ?''

No, it's like saying "I want a saw for a layer of this lead, let's check the 2000 premade ones that hundreds of people collectively spent thousands of hours on before I start making my own from scratch."