Programming MIDI drums

[DaveO]

So far I've only programmed my DR-770 the hard way - using step entry on the drum machine itself. I'm now interested in programming it with a MIDI sequencer on my PC and then using the drum machine as a sound module.

I currently use n-Track as my multitracking software and it has a built in MIDI sequencer. However, I'm having a tough time getting the feel for the piano roll editor. Maybe it just takes some time to get used to it, but I'm now wondering if writing on a staff would be easier. In other words, I'd like to assign a particular instrument (bass drum, open hihat, crash1, rise 2, etc.) to a line or space on a staff and then program with normal musical notation.

I tried searching this forum and found a reference to Finale, but when I checked their web site it cost a few hundred dollars. I didn't see any other posts that mentioned "staff". So my questions are:

1) Does such a reasonably-priced package exist? I'd prefer something that's priced more like shareware than one that costs several hundred dollars and is aimed at pros. For example, I love n-Track and it only cost me $35.

2) Has anybody used such a program? If so, how did programming this way compare to using a piano roll over the long-term?

Thanks.

 

[AlChuck]

DaveO,

I feel your pain -- drum programming is really a pain (at least if you're not a drummer).

While there are some notation programs that are cheaper (and less powerful) than Finale, I don't think standard notation is the most effective way to program drum parts. Some programs have dedicated drum machine-like interfaces. Cakewalk, for one, does (or did -- I rarely use it, and I haven't looked to see if it's still there in SONAR). There are some products just for sequencing rhythm tracks. Sorry, the names escape me -- maybe someone else here can be more helpful, but I think there are several possibilites less than $100.

 

[Gidge]

DaveO

N-Track is killer for its price for digital audio, but its not very Midi friendly....definitely look into another software program....ive seen magazines with full versions of LogicFun and CubasisAV on CD for free...maybe look into those as $$$ friendly solutions....

Also you may want to look into something like Fruity Loops....I use it and there are tons of free drum samples on the internet that will work with it....as a matter of fact, I have a full set of DR-770 samples that I dont use.....

 

[DaveO]

Yeah, programming is a pain but I at least have a drum background. I haven't really touched a kit in about 15 years, but I can still think up a drum line in my head and translate it to a program.

I downloaded the Fruity Loops demo so I'll check that out. I couldn't tell from the web site what the editor was like.

I found some references to Cubasis AV but so far I haven't found a version I could get free. Still looking for LogicFun. Is that an E-Magic product?

Has anyone ever heard of, heard anything about, or tried DrumFlow? I found a goldmine on freeware and shareware packages on HitSquad (http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/) and this one seemed to be decent based on the (adminttedly few) reviews.