Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

If this is the wrong forum for this question please let me know and I will move it. Im Curious what kind of software or hardware people are using these days for drum beats, loops, percussion tracks, etc.? Or are people mostly using midi devices for this?

I’ve always wanted to create and edit drum tracks for my original crap (rock, pop, singer-songwriter), and throw it all into pro tools but not sure how to go about it. I am looking for a method that isn’t too complicated but also sounds halfway good. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

Hello,

I'm happy to offer couple recommendations that could work well for you as a songwriter (and that are well worth the investment).

My first recommendation would be Toontrack EZdrummer which is a VI (Virtual Instrument) that can be used within (hosted) by Pro Tools.
EZdrummer provides an exceptional library of professional drum patterns that can be drag & dropped onto the Pro Tools timeline & arranged into your own accompaniment tracks.
The patterns that come with EZdrummer are exceptional and have a professional & human feel.
It's like having a drummer for hire at your command.
All for a reasonable cost (and regularly on sale).

EZdrummer can certainly provide enough fun & accompaniment for your songs.

Another really nice drum VI is Steven Slate Drums 5.5.
SSD5 provides a drum sample library designed to fit well in your mixes.
You can "pick a kick" that fits with the other instruments best.
Steven open-handedly offers a free never-expiring version that includes a deluxe mix ready kit for your sessions.
And SSD5 is also equipped with a pattern library for all styles of music.

I recommend EZdrummer as a first purchase for your patterns & arrangements; then SSD5 later for your mixes.
The EZ pattern libraries fit and bring rhythmic life my guitar tracks more than any other library and the SSD5 drum kits fit my mixes better.
The EZdrummer patterns can be "mapped" to play through SSD5 for the best of both.

I'm sure others will be glad to offer some tips on using drum VI's within Pro Tools and getting the drums to do whatever you want to fit your song ideas. Including creating your own custom tailored drum patterns.

Here's the info and link for both EZdrummer and SSD5.5 (free version info at bottom of SSD webpage).

https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-3/

https://stevenslatedrums.com/ssd5/

Hope this helps!

Re: Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

+1 for EZDrummer. My next choice would be Superior Drummer 3, but its more money(with more features) and you may not have the need for that. Another option is Addictive Drums from XLN. I suggest watching some youtube reviews on all these products to see if any might suit you better than the rest(all are capable of excellent sounding drums, subject to your skills):o

Re: Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

+1 as well for EZDrummer 3. The recent release has provided a bunch more functionality and tools for songwriters.

Re: Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

Thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it. I just have 2 quick questions if you get around to answering..
1.) Have you ever used a Midi Keyboard to create drum tracks? Any opinion as to how this compares to something like EZDrummer 3?

2.)Is EZDrummer easy to learn? I remember someone telling me it was a major pain in the A to learn and create tracks with. That was many years back and probably one of the early versions but either way I am curious how difficult it was to get good at?

Re: Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

Thanks. Ever use midi keyboards for creating drum tracks? Curious how using them would compare to using something like EZDrummer if you've worked with both?

Re: Drum beats, loops, midi, etc.
 

I use a Nektar LX88 MIDI Controller (keyboard) all the time with EZD3. Though it has percussion pads on it, I find using the keyboard easier.
EZD3 comes with a number of grooves that can be manipulated in the grid editor. You can record your own MIDI in EZD3 (via MIDI controller) and change things around the grid editor as well.