Thoughts on controlling drums

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:13 am

Can anyone speak to the ease/quality/pros/cons of using something like BFD or DFH via a keyboard controller versus a trigger kit like the Roland V-Drum?
I'd like to get some drums rolling (no pun intended) in my recordings and don't really feel like going the route of depending on loops or the manipulation thereof.
Ive heard tons of home recording that had drums done using a keyboard controller and they sound fine, but it seems like it'd be more 'fun' (yes, I do want to have fun) to have a trigger kit.

None the less, I'm WIDE open for suggestions.
(and no, I don't have any room right now for an acoustic kit)

Thanks,
Shack

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:00 pm

A third option would be the USB finger pad controls(like found on the Akai MPC). Maudio, Korg, and Akai have them. I have also, seen them integrated on keyboard controllers by Roland, Maudio and Korg.

One more alternative, Alesis has a 8 pad midi control that you can trigger by hand or sticks. Roland has a similar setup. Sorry didn't have time to get model numbers but you should be able to get the info from the MFG websites.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:58 pm

I've actually done some calling/asking around and have found that it's not a common practice, or maybe even thought to use drums to trigger a VST plugin like BFD.

I'd much rather play a set than use my fingers on a keyboard or the likes.

Know what I mean? It just seems like it'd be more natural.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 11:47 pm

I converted an acoustic set to electric to trigger BFD. It plays pretty well for me. Lots of fun. It does require a lighter touch than real drums. Some of my heavy handed drummer buddies can and have destroyed it.

Pros-
-BFD, DFHS, EZD, Addictive Drums, etc. all sound very good. New versions are offering big improvements.

-Practice with headphones quietly.

Cons-
-Possible incompatibility problems with your DAW.

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