Recording drum tracks from a sampler...

[Dr.D]

I recently picked up a programmable drum sampler (Boss MkII), and I am having a great time with it. But recording with it is new territory for me. I play drums myself, so I am more use to recording live drum tracks with multiple mics - and let the ping ponging begin

So far, I have just been running the L/R out of the sampler to the L/R (5-6,7-8) inputs of the TASCAM 424. This is fine when using the sampler as a cue (fancy click basically), but recording this way puts two instruments on the same track right at the start. If the levels aren't right - its back to the drawing board.

Can any of you drum sampling wizards suggest the best way to do this type of recording? Stick with the above setup and just make damn sure the levels are right, or move the sampler over to some combination of tracks 1-4 - then ping pong to free up tracks for additional instruments?

Sadly, I don't have midi synch capability.

Thanks Dr.D

[The Green Hornet]

Hey Dr. D:

Since I play keyboard, I've been using drum machines in my studio for years; nice and quiet for the neighbors too.

When you "bounce" you lose quality and control of volume. [digital bouncing is better]

Try running your drum track, JUST THE DRUM TRACK, from the left out ONLY. The left out is usually the mono out on most drum boxes.

Now you have your drums on one track; add keys, vocals, etc., ONE AT A TIME. If you must bounce using tape, you will lose control of the volume and EQ tweaking for mixing. Say you bounced two tracks to one; sure you will have volume control but you cannot control THE VOLUME OF EACH BOUNCE. You will have volume for the track of TWO SOUNDS, but not as single sounds. Thus, with bounces, you run into LOUD but not well-mixed stuff.

I'm about to order the BOSS 770 drum box; it's about the only improved drum box on the market today--more sounds, etc.

Keep experimenting and get more tracks and do less bouncing unless you go digital.

The Green Hornet