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2. Layering and rearranging loops in Cubase

1 Layering drum loops can be a great technique for making more complex, beefier rhythms. Create a new empty project in Cubase, and drag Kick.wav into the arrangement. In the ruler above the arrangement, drag over the bar then loop the region. This loop is a bit faster than the default tempo of 120bpm.

2 As we did in Logic, let's make the loop fit our tempo. Double-click Kick.wav in the arrangement to open the sample editor, then click the AudioWarp tab to expand it. Activate Musical mode by clicking the musical note button. This automatically timestretches the loop, which now plays back in time. (Audio: Timestretched kick)

3 With the metronome deactivated, it's easier to hear that Cubase's default timestretching mode has had an undesirable effect – if you listen closely you'll hear a slight pitched ‘whoosh' on each beat. Locate the Algorithm parameter at the top of the window, and change it to élastique» élastique Pro Tape. (Audio: Resampled kick)

4 In this mode, the audio is resampled rather than timestretched, so its pitch drops slightly but the transient of each kick is better preserved. Now let's add another loop to complement the kick. Close the audio editor and drag Tops.wav into the space below Kick.wav. Activate Musical mode and change the algorithm to élastique Pro Tape again. (Audio: Kick and tops)

5 Next, add Ghetto beat.wav below the previous two samples and repeat the same process. This loop has an extra kick at the end, which makes the rhythm a little messy. Select the Scissors tool and click midway through the Ghetto beat to slice it in two. Adjust the slice division from Bar to Beat if necessary.

6 Delete the second half of the loop, then select the remaining half. Press Ctrl+D on PC or Cmd+D on Mac to duplicate this half of the beat. By replacing unwanted material like this, we can make beats with different rhythms work together. (Audio: Rearranged beat)