Drum machine or drum software?

[StratTom]

I posted this in another area but I thought maybe I would get a better response here.

I'm not a drummer, so I'm looking for something so that I can record drum parts with (when I eventually start recording). Which would be better/easier for me, considering i'm not a drummer? I've been messing around with a demo verison of fruity loops (its not the best) so if I'm looking for software I want something more realistic. If a drum machine would be easier for me, would you recommend a MIDI controller as well. Thanks!

 

[these_go211]

Re: Drum machine or drum software?

i use the old trusty alesis sr-16 drum machine that has been around forever. the thing still sounds good. pretty easy to use and versatile. i think you can get them new for less than $150. sorry though, can't help you with the midi contoller. it does have midi available.

as far as software goes i hear raves about BFD and DKFH. these are going to be more expensive but they sound very realistic. probably enough so to fool even drummers. i'm sure others will be along shortly to give you more info about this.

 

[StratTom]

Re: Drum machine or drum software?

i use the old trusty alesis sr-16 drum machine that has been around forever. the thing still sounds good. pretty easy to use and versatile. i think you can get them new for less than $150. sorry though, can't help you with the midi contoller. it does have midi available.

as far as software goes i hear raves about BFD and DKFH. these are going to be more expensive but they sound very realistic. probably enough so to fool even drummers. i'm sure others will be along shortly to give you more info about this.

I've heard good things about the sr-16, and I'm surprised how little it costs too! I know this is a question that you may not be able to answer but how easy is it to use? I'm hoping to get to a shop this weekend, maybe even guitar center, so I'll have to check the sr16 out. Thanks for replying!

 

[these_go211]

Re: Drum machine or drum software?

it's easy to use. they have tons of patterns already programmed. all of them have an a/b function which means that for instance, there is a pattern 1A and pattern 1B. there are slight variations b/w the 2 which makes mixing the pattern up a bit very easy by simply pushing the "A" and "B" buttons. the only downside to the alesis i think is the sound of the toms. when you hit the "fill" button to do a drum fill the toms sound very electronic. but i'm sure with some added effects via software once the drums are in your DAW you may be able to make them more realistic. i believe the alesis website has a pdf of the manual you can download for free to take a look at the functions.

and i can't beleive i forgot about this, and it's free, the infamous john bonham drum samples. they are still here!!
http://www.saladrecords.com/bonhamfiles.htm

23 drum outtakes from the 'in thru the outdoor' sessions. these are absolutely phenomonal to jam along with cuz they are so inspiring. especially if you are a zeppelin fan. a few of them you can hear him count off to start the song, you hear him grunt, but most of all you hear the power of that kick foot! it takes more effort to use these in a song since you will need to manually edit and cut/paste if you want to change the drum beat. but it's worth it! if you are interested you can go to my webpage and check out the songs "tearing the liquid highway" and "ripley's karmic" to hear 2 of these outtakes used in songs i wrote. i'm not the most accomplished player by any stretch but i had a blast playing along with bonzo. i think i only did minor editing in one of the songs. the other one i just used the whole unedited drum outtake.