Drum tracks for solo project

[turbofeedus]

I'm looking for a decent piece of hardware/software to create drum tracks for my songs. Im not a drummer, but I know how I want them to sound and my Boss DR-880 isn't cutting it. Should I be using something else or should i just keep trying with the Boss unit?

 

[ez_willis]

I'm looking for a decent piece of hardware/software to create drum tracks for my songs. Im not a drummer, but I know how I want them to sound and my Boss DR-880 isn't cutting it. Should I be using something else or should i just keep trying with the Boss unit?

i went through the exact same thing. not sure what kind of music you record, but i'm pretty much a straight forward hard rock guy. honestly, the drum machine ain't gonna do it. what i did was pick up something like this and something similar to these, learned how to make them all work together and where to drop the beats, then record 'em altogether.

in the long run, it was WAY better than getting one of these.

 

[Washburn100]

I smell a drummer bashing thread!!

Get some good software. Doesn't drink, is never late, and won't bang your old lady!

Seriously, lots of great software out there. Google these to start with:
EZ Drummer, BFD, Addictive Drums.
There are lots more, just can't think of them at the moment.

I use EZ Drummer (planning to upgrade to it's big brother Superior Drummer). Watch the videos and you will get a feel for it.
http://www.toontrack.com/products.asp?item=7

 

[rfahey86]

Check out Superior Drummer, and Steven Slate Drums both sound awesome.

 

[leaningpine]

With the advancement of audio computer software there's really no need for a drum machine any longer. To be honest I can't really say I've seen any for sale new lately. You can get way better, more realistic sounds with software than with a drum machine.

I remember back in 1999 I bought a Boss Dr Rhythm DR 770 for $350!. It was the best one at the time in it's price range and had some really good sounds in it(BEsides the cymbals, they didn't ring long enough), now you can't even get $100 bucks for them on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Boss-DR-770-DR7...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a08006954

 

[turbofeedus]

i went through the exact same thing. not sure what kind of music you record, but i'm pretty much a straight forward hard rock guy. honestly, the drum machine ain't gonna do it. what i did was pick up something like this and something similar to these, learned how to make them all work together and where to drop the beats, then record 'em altogether.

in the long run, it was WAY better than getting one of these.

what like actual drums? has anyone ever actually done that? sounds sketchy..

to everyone who has suggested ezdrummer/superior drummer, so those are just plugins for a DAW right? how are those normally triggered? with just a usb or midi keyboard (like the m-audio axiom)?

 

[ez_willis]

what like actual drums? has anyone ever actually done that? sounds sketchy..

lol. what's sketchy about learning another instrument and figuring out how to record it?

drums were the last instrument i really learned how to play. it took the longest and was the most difficult. there are soooooo many variables, i.e. shells, heads, tuning them, hardware, etc.. micing them was a whole other battle, but now if i need a drum part i just record it myself instead finding a drummer to do it, then having him re-schedule it because he can't get a ride over here or he doesn't have gas money to put in his stripper girlfriend's car.

also, drums are now my favorite instrument to play.

 

[turbofeedus]

lol. what's sketchy about learning another instrument and figuring out how to record it?

drums were the last instrument i really learned how to play. it took the longest and was the most difficult. there are soooooo many variables, i.e. shells, heads, tuning them, hardware, etc.. micing them was a whole other battle, but now if i need a drum part i just record it myself instead finding a drummer to do it, then having him re-schedule it because he can't get a ride over here or he doesn't have gas money to put in his stripper girlfriend's car.

also, drums are now my favorite instrument to play.

you need to see this

 

[ez_willis]

you need to see this

i'll check it out.

 

[Washburn100]

to everyone who has suggested ezdrummer/superior drummer, so those are just plugins for a DAW right? how are those normally triggered? with just a usb or midi keyboard (like the m-audio axiom)?

Yes, You use them as a VSTi in a DAW. To trigger, you can use a midi keyboard. (I even trigger with midi guitar), or you can write the parts on a midi track in the piano roll view in the DAW.

With EZ Drummer though, you get a wack of midi files you can just drag and drop into a midi track in the DAW. I have literally put together drum tracks with fills, intro, outro etc in about 10 minutes!

You can also get tons of midi drum tracks from sites like groove monkey.
http://www.groovemonkee.com/home/

Face it, drummers are passe! Bass players are next and they are an even easier target, hell they only use 4 strings!

As for the comments about drum machines, you know there are sample libraries available of old Roland 808's and 707's Seems the kids think there is some sort of vintageness to them like us old guys trying to get old british tube sounds.

 

[ez_willis]

what like actual drums? has anyone ever actually done that? sounds sketchy..

NOW i get it.

 

[rfahey86]

Yes, You use them as a VSTi in a DAW. To trigger, you can use a midi keyboard. (I even trigger with midi guitar), or you can write the parts on a midi track in the piano roll view in the DAW.

You can also use an electronic kit or trigger it or use drum a drum trigger kit.

 

[grimtraveller]

Face it, drummers are passe!

Was this a serious comment or just more of this;

you need to see this

. ?

 

[Washburn100]

Was this a serious comment or just more of this;

. ?

Only a drummer would ask! By the way:

• How do you tell if the stage is level?
The drummer is drooling from both sides of his mouth.

• How can you tell a drummer's at the door?
The knocking speeds up.

• What's the last thing a drummer says in a band?
"Hey guys, why don't we try one of my songs?

• What do you call a drummer that breaks up with his girlfriend?
Homeless.

• How can you tell when a drummer's at the door?
He doesn't know when to come in

 

[grimtraveller]

Only a drummer would ask!

Actually, I couldn't play drums to save my life. Well, maybe I could to save it ! Nope, I play a few bits badly but mainly bass guitar, the next on your extermination list {though I should get a squeeze as mine has 5 strings}.

 

[Greg_L]

It's funny how the only people that knock drummers are the ones that can't play the drums.

 

[Washburn100]

I play a few bits badly but mainly bass guitar, the next on your extermination list {though I should get a squeeze as mine has 5 strings}.

5 STRING BASS?? What kind of voodoo witchcraft are you speaking. Don't want all the 4 string bass players to have their heads explode!

And by the way.....

What do you call a beautiful woman on a bassist's arm?
A tattoo.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's the difference between a bass and an onion?
Nobody cries when you chop up a bass.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is the difference between a vacuum cleaner and a drunk bass player?
You have to plug one of them in before it sucks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why do some people have an instant aversion to bass solos?
It saves time in the long run.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is another term for fretless bass?
A manually-operated Pitch Approximator.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's the difference between a SCUD missile and a terrible bass player?
A terrible bass player can kill you.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How does a bassist's brain cell die?
Alone.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you call a bass player that only knows two chords?
A music critic.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do a fretless bass and a lawsuit have in common?
Everyone is relieved when the case is closed.

 

[Washburn100]

It's funny how the only people that knock drummers are the ones that can't play the drums.

Just as a correction, most instruments are played. However, a drummer beats his instrument!

 

[Greg_L]

Just as a correction, most instruments are played. However, a drummer beats his instrument!

Yeah, and it's awesome.

 

[Washburn100]

Yeah, and it's awesome.

Hey Greg, I should go easier on drummers! I had a look and listen to your link and it is excellent! Big kudo's to the March of Dimes support as well. For a drummer, you're ok!

By the way:

Why do guitarists put drumsticks on the dash of their car?
So they can park in the handicapped spot.

How is a drum solo like a sneeze?
You know it's coming, but there's nothing you can do about it.

What's the first thing a drummer says when he moves to LA?
"Would you like fries with that, sir?

What is the difference between a drummer and a savings bond?
One will mature and make money.

Why do drummers have lots of kids?
They're not too good at the Rhythm Method.

What do you do if you accidentally run over a drummer?
Back up.

What did the drummer say to the band leader?
"Do you want me to play too fast or too slow?"