How to make drums from samples?

[noisedude]

I've just bought a couple of samples CDs off ebay, some really decent loops and single hits on there. But I just realised, I haven't a clue what to do with them!!

I have Cubase VST 5.0 and a friend is willing to sell me a copy of Fruity Loops 2.7 but I just don't have a clue where to start.

I play drums so I'm capable of making something fairly organic with the hits I've got, so maybe I don't want to just make one-bar loops. I dunno. Tell me!

 

[Sangram]

Acid 4.0, even the free version is good enough to start laying out nice drum arrangements, if you've got good samples.

Audition is good, but not as intuitive as Acid.

 

[vestast]

But I think with Acid 4.0 the files have to be 16 bit and stereo, don't they ? Most sample CD's you would buy should say if the files are "Acidized".

I just bought the Discrete Drums II series to use in Cubase SX. Once you get used to dragging them in and cutting moving copying, they are really useful. I also have a CD of VST drum sessions which include rex files to use within Cubase.

Maybe there is a tutorial on working with sample files in the Cubase manual ?

 

[Sangram]

Can't afford Cubase. Don't use it.

I use mono files in Acid, no problem at all. A lot of the bass loops are mono, but yes, all of them are 16-bit. I have no experience of using files with lower bitrates.

 

[biotek]

you should look into ableton live... amazing .. simply amazing...