How do I program a drum sound with Pro Tools?

  • Thread starter Thread starter carsoste
  • Start date Start date
C

carsoste

New member
Hi:
I'm new to Pro Tools so this question will probably reveal my ignorance about the brand, but I'll ask it anyway. In my present recording set up I won't be able to record any live drums, but would obviously like to have a drum sound on most of the songs that I'll be recording. (I've only recorded live drums and percussion in the past, so I'm inexperienced in this area.) In short, I want to be able to track drum parts that do what live drums normally would. It will probably be a little while before I track any drum parts, but I thought that I would ask this now.
In the version of Pro Tools LE 7.4.2 that came with the M Box 2 Minibundle that I purchased a number of drum samples were supplied and uploaded into my itunes, but I'm not sure how to use them to program some drum sounds. So, my question is how do I get or program a drum sound with Pro Tools LE 7.4.2? How do I use the drum samples that were uploaded into itunes to record drum parts with Pro Tools LE 7.4.2.? Can I use my Yamaha keyboard via MIDI to record drum parts? Should I purchase a drum machine? If so, could I get one for $50-100 that is compatible with Pro Tools and has a nice sound? Should I get a certain type of sequencer to do this? Is there a feature within Pro Tools that will allow me to program drum parts? Is there an affordable computer based program that can be used in Pro Tools that will allow me to program drum parts?
If someone could answer these questions, I would appreciate it tremendously.
Thanks.
carsoste
 
if you don't wana buy stuff, and you don't already have a sequencer, you could do i what i used to do.

just import your samples (wav?) into protools, and manually arrange them.

i used to set up a track for kick, snare, cymbals etc, and manually drop in the sounds, then arrange them into beats.

i only wanted simple beats, so once i had a few bars lined up i could just loop them.


if this is too time consuming/too basic/whatever, then you'd need to get hold of some sample sequencing software.

this allows you to assign (for example) kick to c3,snare to d3, hi hat to e3 etc etc,

then you can use a midi keyboard, drum machine or electric kit with midi out to trigger your kit samples.
this lets you record your beats in real time, but obviously can be tricky!
 
I would upgrade to Pro Tools 8.

It comes with a few useful plugins which will help you here.

Firstly Boom - a 909 style drum machine. It's basic, and will only suit particular types of music but it's good.

Secondly, you get Structure Free. This is a slimmed down version of the Structure sampler, with a few drumkits included. You can't use your own samples with it, but it has a few kits in there.

Overall the Pro Tools 8 upgrade is worth it anyway, but it sounds like you'll benefit from these two plugins as well as the rest of the programme.
 
sound advice there (NPI)

if i can add to it,


if your pt8 + mbox were new to you, and aren't already registered, get online and register them, but say you bought them today(or recently).

because of this, you get a free pt8 license sent to you, and are eligible for all the future upgrades etc.
 
Thanks

Hi:
I just wanted to say thanks for your advice and helpful hints there. I will definitley consider using them.
All the best,
carsoste
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top