How do you record with a drum machine?

[StratTom]

I'm interested in recording in the near future and I'm curious as to how you would record with a drum machine. I'm guessing once you have the drum pattern down you would just push play on the drum machine and record through either your PC or DAW (whichever you're using)?

 

[Marinblues]

Re: How do you record with a drum machine?

Drum machine >> PC soundcard.

Either realtime (press button and then play guitar)

or

prerecorded (record the drum track and then overdub the guitar later).

M.

 

[StratTom]

Re: How do you record with a drum machine?

Drum machine >> PC soundcard.

Either realtime (press button and then play guitar)

or

prerecorded (record the drum track and then overdub the guitar later).

M.

Didn't think it was that easy but I guess it is. Thanks Marinblues!

 

[DankStar]

Re: How do you record with a drum machine?

supposing you just go through the play-and-record route, which is definitely an option, here's a trick. if you are going to be using a computer with a multitrack program that can handle many tracks, I'd do this:

-program your song, and have a 4 or 8 count click during the intro.
-when you go to record it, leave the click on, and turn everything off except the snare and record that.
-now record the bass drum with everything else but the intro click off
-go on down the line of the drum kit, always keeping the intro click.
-line up the beginning clicks in the computer so they are all on time
-now you can control each drum sound for the mix, as far as panning and level goes. if you assume your drum mix is a done deal, chances are the bass or snare will need tweaking later and if it's stuck, it's stuck.

 

[StratTom]

Re: How do you record with a drum machine?

supposing you just go through the play-and-record route, which is definitely an option, here's a trick. if you are going to be using a computer with a multitrack program that can handle many tracks, I'd do this:

-program your song, and have a 4 or 8 count click during the intro.
-when you go to record it, leave the click on, and turn everything off except the snare and record that.
-now record the bass drum with everything else but the intro click off
-go on down the line of the drum kit, always keeping the intro click.
-line up the beginning clicks in the computer so they are all on time
-now you can control each drum sound for the mix, as far as panning and level goes. if you assume your drum mix is a done deal, chances are the bass or snare will need tweaking later and if it's stuck, it's stuck.

Thanks DankStar! I'm guessing this would make a drum machine sound more like an actual drummer was being recorded?

 

[DankStar]

Re: How do you record with a drum machine?

Thanks DankStar! I'm guessing this would make a drum machine sound more like an actual drummer was being recorded?

sort of. more like when you go to mix down everything (drums, bass, guitar, etc.) you'll be able to "turn down" the cymbals to hide their fakeness, turn up the snare to be more audible in the mix if needed, etc. basically make the drums sound as good as they can. some yahoo will undoubtedly say "nice fake drums" when it's all said and done, but at least yours will have the potential to be mixed properly. and when some yahoo says "nice toms dumbass" you can go back and turn them down and get the last laugh.

<soapbox portion deleted>

 

[WeatherReport]

Re: How do you record with a drum machine?

Thanks DankStar! I'm guessing this would make a drum machine sound more like an actual drummer was being recorded?

Not really, it just allows you to control levels better.