Drum software in layman's terms?

[HapiCmpur]

I've already tried the search function for this, but since I truly don't understand sampled drums I also don't understand much of the jargon I've been reading. I need someone to break it down for me in plain English. Here's my scenario:

I've developed a hate-hate relationship with my drum machine and want to replace it with something that I can manipulate using drag and drop functions on my computer. However, I don't record on my computer. I record on a Yamaha standalone, which is in my basement studio. My computer is upstairs in the home office.

I've been reading here about EZdrummer, Addictive Drums, DFH, etc, etc, but I don't know if they'll work for me. Are any of these applications self-contained, or do they all run only in conjuction with some other sequencing program?

What I'm looking for is a reasonably uncomplicated system that will allow me to create decent -- not spectacular, but decent -- drum and percussion tracks on my computer, preferably in stereo. Then I'd like to be able to burn those tracks to a disc and trot them downstairs to my studio where I can load them into my Yamaha recorder, preferably in stereo.

Is this possible? If so, what do I need to purchase to make my dream come true?

 

[Mistral]

Basically they're not programs per se in the traditional sense. They don't run from an executable - they're plugins that require a host application. A good host sequencer (I hesitate to call it that because most of these programs are more than just "sequencers"..) that you can try for free is Reaper. Like I said, free to "try".. but it doesn't expire either. This program is compatible with VST plugins, which EZdrummer, Addictive Drums and all the rest of those are. The way they work is you assign the instrument to a track, which you then proceed to either program (click along the bars/notes to create beats) or drag and drop pre-made beats onto. EZD and AD both come with libraries of loops which can be mixed and matched bar by bar or section by section. You can output it as stereo, or even output each drum individually if you wish, if you have the luxury of a lot of tracks on your Yamaha system.

But heck who knows, you might even find that you end up liking mixing on the PC, seems a lot more convenient to me. With the proper soundcard (one that supports ASIO, basically meaning you don't hear delay when playing, as normal Windows audio drivers do cause some delay) you can even feed an electronic drumkit, keyboard or percussion pad into the PC via a midi cable and control the plugin with that.

Anyhow, it seems to me that what you need for now is to purchase one of the plugins, and download Reaper or buy another program that suits you. Sonar, Cubase, and Samplitude are just a few names of other programs that work well with these drum plugins, albeit much more expensive.

 

[Gandydancers]

I agree, you Can download Reaper and a demo of Addictive Drums,Ed

 

[HapiCmpur]

Thanks, guys. I would think that by now someone would have produced and marketed an all-in-one drum sequencer/sampler for dolts like me, but I guess there's just not enough demand for it.

Do all (or most) of the sample kits play nice with all (or most) of the sequencers, or are there combinations to avoid? And are there some that prefer (or will tolerate) Windows XP?

 

[Mistral]

Go with any of the ones I listed and you'll be fine. Some others work also like Sony Acid.. but programs like Adobe Audition 3 still don't have their stuff sorted out when it comes to VST instrument / midi programming just yet (yes I know it claims that functionality but it works like rubbish).. so definitely avoid that one.

If you really want to do your homework just settle on one of those plugins that seems to be the most like what you want, then look on the company's support pages for a list of compatible host apps. I do know Reaper will work with just about all of em, and it's basically free.. what more do ya want? I agree with the other guy you could even try the Addictive Drums demo, as it's not crippled, but only includes one type of each drum.