drum machine question

[nate_dennis]

I know this is usually reserved for acoustic drums, but I thought you all might be able to help. I'm looking at getting a boss dr 660 drum machine. I need it to be versatile. I would like realistic drums and good electronic sounding stuff to. Do any of you have any experience with this box? Pros/Cons? Thanks y'all.

[LorenzoG]

Just sold the "660" I've had for several years sitting idle in a drawer. Never liked the sounds.

My Korg keyboard has way better sounds, and is so much more versatile.

Good luck!

[Sailjunkie]

Along with an Alesis HR16 and SR 16. I like the 660 sounds better than the Alesis units. I don't do any programming so I can't tell you how easy or difficult it might be (but it's a pretty straight forward little unit, so it can't be that bad). Again, I would say the presets are good to excellent.

[nate_dennis]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. Anyone care to break the tie?

[LorenzoG]

Hi Nate. Hi Sail.

Just wanted to clarify. When any of us gives an opinion, we need to understand each of our respective experiences is based solely on our own likes / dislikes, the types of music we're involved in, the level of our expertise, the availability of funds, etc. In other words, it's all pretty much subjective based on the preceding factors.

As a result, I don't really believe there's a conflict between what Sail has stated and what I've expressed. And I totally respect what Sail has posted.

I'm not looking to make a big deal of this, only to refresh the notion that this is a great site where everyone can share their personal views for the benefit of all other members and participants.

Good luck, guys!

[nate_dennis]

No, I gotcha. I'm just having a hard time finding audio demos and so I'm trying to gather "intell" on it. I like the sound clips I've heard of the 550 and I know it's the next generation so . . . I dunno. Thanks for all your input.

[famous beagle]

I'll chime in. I had the 660, and I get very into programming, trying to get the most realistic sounds I can. I couldn't get very realistic sounds out of the 660, but then again, the kind of drum sounds I like are more vintage sounding. I suppose if you're doing really modern poppy stuff or metal, they might be more passable.

Having said that, I've had many standalone drum machines, and I've never gotten sounds that I really like. It's always the cymbals that suffer the most to me.

I've never tried plug-ins or anything since I don't record on my computer (I'm an analog guy). I'm sure it's much easier to get convincing sounds out of those.

[nate_dennis]

I guess I'm kind of in the same boat you are in. I want realistic sounds for acoustic folk/blues/pop (my friend called it Post Old School LOL) and also some electric blues/rock. I'm also going analog so . . . .I don't know. Thanks again guys.

[Nandoram]

Originally Posted by famous beagle

Having said that, I've had many standalone drum machines, and I've never gotten sounds that I really like. It's always the cymbals that suffer the most to me.

I agree the cymbals always sound terrible on those drum machines. I'll just use my cymbal samples in post production, and add them as needed to the track. I'll add one panned left halfway, then add another one panned right halfway. I'll use two different samples... not the same one. This works for me.

Having said that, the cymbals on my new Alesis SR18 are *okay*... what I don't like about them is they decay way too fast. I may try recording a sample, adding some reverb and a little dab of compression... to see if it deserves to be added to my cymbal sample folder!