Trying to recreate the PFM amen

17 Replies, 4055 Views

Hello all,

I've been having a bit of a mission recently trying to recreate THAT PFM amen. The boxy beautiful one he used in a load of tunes in the mid 90's.

Anyway, after some faffing about and a load of different techniques tried I finally got something I'm happy with and figured I'd share it if anyone is interested.

Had Equinox over at the weekend and asked if he had a copy, he said that it was made from the stereo version of the amen and then only the right hand channel, which doesn't have such harsh compression on it.

So tonight I got something together which I'm happy enough with for the purpose I wanted it for.

Here's what I did:


1) Took the stereo amen recording and ditched the left channel.

2) Chopped it and made a new EXS instrument.

3) Sampled the break almost clean from the end of "it's for all of us" (helps that my vinyl is in such good condition still!)

4) Captured it's EQ curve using Logic's Match EQ.

5) Sequenced out the whole amen break from beginning to end in my new EXS instrument and applied the EQ curve captured using the Match EQ.

6) Listened through it to find the right kicks and snares that sounded most like the ones PFM used.

7) sequenced a pattern similar to what I was after for a nice atmospheric amen track.

The break edit here is at 168bpm.

Let me know if it's useful and you end up using it.
I could post up the whole break matched to the PFM one if anyone wants it? Will have to wait for another day though, can't be arsed to fire up Logic again and faff about tonight.


Attached Files
.zip   PFM_amen_atempt.aif.zip (Size: 736.73 KB / Downloads: 61)
This is great, thanks man! Smile And the whole break in 160 bpm would be really cool. Grin

But just wondering, how do I know if my version of the Amen break is the Stereo one? I've got several Amen break files from different sources here, some of them have the right channel louder than the left and some are equally loud. Is this a reference point?
edit 2: since im a numpty, i have for all of us on cd if you want a really clean rip of the break?

cheers
I'm in, I'm in GrinGrinGrin

So here is my version.
(Thanks for the instruction Ben!)

My steps :

1. Dig out my original Metromedia release from '69 of The Winstons - Amen, Brother.
2. Record it on 33 RPM with my E-Mu.
3. Zip drive'd it to the desktop.
4. Load it up to Renoise. (The fastest way to chop up breaks Grin)
5. Use the "bigger" channels.
6. Cut the PFM amen from the tune "For All Of Us".
7. Set the tempo to 160 BPM. (It was the original tempo of the tune)
8. Pitch up the amen break to 160 BPM. (-8, -54)
9. Cut up the break, recreate the sequence.
10. Add EQ (simple internal Renoise EQ), then Realverb, then CS-1, then Pultec-Pro.
(When EQing, I've realized that there is 2 big peaks on the freq.range around 500-600Hz and around 1100 Hz...)
11. Tweek the buttons for a while Grin
12. Render the result to sample.
13. Cut it up again.
14. Created a longer sequence.
15. Record it with my E-Mu again.
16. ZIP'd again back to the desktop.
17. Upload it to here!

So...


Attached Files
.zip   snapfm_amen.WAV.zip (Size: 1.06 MB / Downloads: 55)
Homerdrool
skygene Wrote:But just wondering, how do I know if my version of the Amen break is the Stereo one?

I presume he just means a rip of the 45?
Oh god, snaper is here. This could become a lengthy thread Teef

Excellent work Ben, can't wait to check this out.
skygene Wrote:how do I know if my version of the Amen break is the Stereo one?

one side is drenched in reverb, the other, not so much.
the drums were actually recorded using one mic/mono, but i think, during the mix down, reverb was added and panned more to one side (cant remember which now)

just load the file and pan it hard left or right and if there is no difference then its a mono file. but you should be able to tell if its stereo just by listening to it on head phones
http://www.soundcloud.com/shift/ - SCD soundclash tune is up Drums
Good to see some interest!

I've been writing something with it today, it's an unashamed PFM influenced tune.
But then I think he was one of the kings of the atmospheric amen and I wanted to do something as a tribute.

So far it's sounding lush! but slightly concerned that the bass line is so obviously inspired (but different enough) by the bass in his Free La Funk remix Teef
just put some wobble on it Grin
as you say though, sort of a tribute Xyxthumbs
http://www.soundcloud.com/shift/ - SCD soundclash tune is up Drums
SHIFT Wrote:one side is drenched in reverb, the other, not so much.
the drums were actually recorded using one mic/mono, but i think, during the mix down, reverb was added and panned more to one side (cant remember which now)
Cheers Shift, I indeed have such a copy. The one I have has the left side audibly reverbed, whereas the right side has a more "snappier" feel to it.

@snaper: I really like your version as well, mind posting the full amen break with this effect? Smile
wilshy Wrote:oh god, snaper is here. This could become a lengthy thread Teef

Excellent work ben, can't wait to check this out.
:d
skygene Wrote:
SHIFT Wrote:one side is drenched in reverb, the other, not so much.
the drums were actually recorded using one mic/mono, but i think, during the mix down, reverb was added and panned more to one side (cant remember which now)
Cheers Shift, I indeed have such a copy. The one I have has the left side audibly reverbed, whereas the right side has a more "snappier" feel to it.

@snaper: I really like your version as well, mind posting the full amen break with this effect? Smile
Here is the full amen break, trough the above mentioned chain.
I can post the XRNS file if you want, and have an UAD.


Attached Files
.zip   snapfm_full.wav.zip (Size: 933.27 KB / Downloads: 31)
And here are the 2 amen recordings.
(From the original media, sampled with an E6400 ultra, at 33 and 45)


Attached Files
.zip   amen original 33RPM.wav.zip (Size: 1.32 MB / Downloads: 33)
.zip   amen original 45RPM.wav.zip (Size: 1,001.88 KB / Downloads: 37)
snaper Wrote:I can post the XRNS file if you want
Thanks dude, that'd be super ace Smile
As you wish!


Attached Files
.zip   pfm_amen_sc.xrns.zip (Size: 546.18 KB / Downloads: 18)
snaper Wrote:As you wish!

Xyxthumbs
nice thread ! Grin