Recommended drums for use with MR-8

[Ricklh]

I love the MR-8. I've taken a while to get the hang of it's potential so now that I feel really comfortable with using it, I'm ready to complete my tracks with some drums. Just curious as to the best drum machine or software-based drums you would recommend. Here's the hang-up I have about drum loops: they seem robotic. How do you do things like breaks and tempo variances? I don't do beat music and all that sort of stuff, I do acoustic-based songs & classic rock, so drum loops would seem to be cumbersome to control. So, having said that, would I be better getting a drum machine such as a Roland? I have Cakewalk's Guitar Tracks 2 with drum loops but I haven't tried exporting them to the MR-8 yet. Suggestions?

[Rokket]

Try to export them to the mr-8 as mono wave files and see if you like them. If you have access to a music store or guitar center, go in and try out the different drum machines and test their capabilities. They have come a long way since the early Rolands first hit the market. Digitech makes some good ones too. You will have to try them to see which one works best for you. Of course they are no substitute for a real set and a good drummer (I know, I use a Yamaha DD-55 that was given to me...).

[dave in toledo]

i found it was easier to learn to play the drums, then to operate a drum machine well hahahhaha, got mics and miced up the set through a mixer into a stereo file....

[ch2os7]

I use a zoom 123 rythmtrak

I can't use much of the pre programmed stuff but this thing sounds incredibly realistic in recordings. It has velocity sensative pads and real time beat building plus the bass guitar sounds can be used separately if you don't own a bass rig.
The cymbals are awesome. I usually play the pads in real time rather than program it. That way I can do drum rolls and cymbal crashes etc. Recorded in stereo, it is nice.

Just some input...real drums are always best.

[junplugged]

I used drum machines for a long time, then one day, I decided to try to record the old used kit sittin here that was a gift and I was amazed how much I liked the difference. I haven't recorded a machine since. I haven't produced anything serious, for that, i'd find someone to come in here for me, but tell me what you think, i have 2 tracks and an older track before a slight improvement in my playing, up at NWR, see link in sig....

[dave in toledo]

hardest thing to record, and record well......
but one you get it, the difference is really noticable... nothing like real drums, you can hear a drum machine in a recording from a mile away.....

[clifchamb]

I am learning drums so that someday i will not have to depend on a drum machine, although I write progressive speed metal so it will be some time (if ever) that I get that stuff down

But for basic 4/4 classic rock stuff it is fun. I play a Roland V-club kit (TD-6) instant perfect drum tones. (at least for an electric)

For a drum machine, I use an old Boss DR-5. I like it becuase I can program other instruments with my drums on this little machine, though the drum sounds are begging to sound a little dated and I am starting to outgrow it. You can't beat it's price. My friend just pciked up one for 100.00 at guitar center. You can find them on EBAY for 100-150.00 US

clif

[Jizz]

I use a Zoom RT-323. A decent quality drum machine but it's practically impossible to make it sound like a real kit. It's annoying as when ever I let someone hear something I've recorded, the first thing they say is "you can tell that's a drum machine", and I'm like "no shit Sherlock?!". So that's kind of irritating.
I can play drums though and would love a kit, but the neighbours would eat me if I bought one and mic'd it up in here.

So, for now, I have to put up with the mechanical sound of the Zoom.

I'd recommend buying one though, for people in similar cicumstances as me.

[Ricklh]

Originally Posted by Jizz

I use a Zoom RT-323. A decent quality drum machine but it's practically impossible to make it sound like a real kit. It's annoying as when ever I let someone hear something I've recorded, the first thing they say is "you can tell that's a drum machine", and I'm like "no shit Sherlock?!". So that's kind of irritating.
I can play drums though and would love a kit, but the neighbours would eat me if I bought one and mic'd it up in here.

So, for now, I have to put up with the mechanical sound of the Zoom.

I'd recommend buying one though, for people in similar cicumstances as me.

I think I've decided to go with the Zoom MRT-3. Got a lot of great reviews from consumers and as low as $89.00. Should satisfy my needs for my small bedroom studio.

[TNO]

I compared the MRT-3 and the 123 side by side and the 123 has much better natural drum sounds if that's what you are going for.