BR1600CD drums
I FOUGHT with those for quite while, mostly out of pure ignorance as I am really new to this. I ended up getting an external drum machine, and it was only after doing that that I realized what you are SUPPOSED to do on the BR1600. In Step mode, you have to manipulate each note (drum beat) and it is VERY tedious. My machine is not on right now, but there are sort of two 'step' views....one is the Microscope, the other is the grid. Basically you can set it up for the number of measures, and then start using the jog dial to select the instrument and velocity of each....VERY tedious. The better way to do this (in my opinion) is to do real time, then just do fine tuning in the microscope or step. In real time, you can hit the track keys corresponding to the instrument you want..ie kick, snare etc. You don't have to play ALL instruments in each pass....(this is what I didn't realize...am I a newbie or what)....you simply play one at a time, as the measures will keep repeating and you will be able to hear what you've just played. So....when it starts...lay down the kick drum..boom...boom....boom....once that is right, go to the high hat, or ride cymbal or whatever and put that in. You will now begin to hear both instruments as it repeats. Once you have the pattern you can fine tune it in microscope or step mode. Once you've 'recorded' the pattern, you then lay it into an arrangement. Read the book, but make sure the 'arrangement pattern' light is lit, then click edit. Reference the pattern you just created at the right measures, and they will play along in sync with your tempo maps etc. I hope this helps. I really struggled with the drums, but now realize that the BR is a pretty damn good machine. It IS easier to do it with other devices (midi controller keyboard or drum machine) but I was making it much more difficult than it needed to be. I check this board regularly, so if you have any other questions, let me know. I've messed with mine a LOT in the last couple months and have finally made if over the 'frustration' hurdle! ; - )
