Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo output?

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B.R.
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2012/02/03 16:10:56 (permalink)

Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo output?

Hi, right now I have a drum track using Superior Drummer, and it sounds great by itself, but it seems to be getting buried in the mix. I've read about changing the output in Superior to multichannel rather than 1 stereo output so that each parts of the kit is dedicated to its own midi channel and I guess thereby its own track in Sonar. Can anybody verify as to whether or not doing this would make the drums sit better in the mix and provide more definition overall? I know that in the Superior mixer, I can add effects to each part of the kit there too. Just wondering if doing the effects/EQ tweaking in the Superior window would be any less effective than making separate audio tracks of each kit component in Sonar, and doing the usual effects and eq in all the Sonar audio tracks' FX bins. I know that I should just try it and see for myself, but I thought asking about it before going through the trouble of separating the kit out in Sonar might save me some time--thanks!
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    FastBikerBoy
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/03 16:27:21 (permalink)
    I don't use Superior drummer, mainly drum machines and sometimes Session Drummer or Steve Slate Drums but I always treat them the same in that each drum is treated as a separate instrument. Each on it's own track, each getting different EQ, compression, etc.

    If the whole kit is on one track there's always going to be a compromise.
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    Jind
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/03 17:43:32 (permalink)
    I always use the multi-channel output in Superior (or other drum modules) to do my own mixing.  If you need some assistance with the setup, you can get the basics from this video over at Youtube - it's for a previous version of Sonar, but the mechanics are still the same.  This is the easiest way, but you can also assign the outputs yourself instead of letting Superior choose the configuration for you.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rd32SkET8_Q


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    #3
    bitflipper
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/03 17:57:30 (permalink)
    I typically use 5 of SD's outputs (OH, Kick, Snare, Toms and Room), each to its own track. This leaves maximum flexibility for routing and effects. 

    For example, I may want to compress just overheads, just the room mics, kick + snare, or some other combination. Similarly, toms, snare and kick often get some parallel distortion, but the amount varies for each. Snares often get a delay. 


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    Bristol_Jonesey
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/03 18:10:28 (permalink)
    If the Effects in Superior are anything like those in BFD2 then you get a lot of mileage by using just those and bring it into Sonar as a Stereo file.

    But, there is so much more flexibility in splitting them out to their own separate audio tracks in Sonar (not Midi!) that it seems a waste of resources not to utilise the features that come bundled with X1

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    Sidroe
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/03 19:33:35 (permalink)
    I have done both but there is a lot of advantage to leaving it stereo and using the high quality Sonalksis plugins. It is very nice to be able to keep that processing in the drum mixer itself and build a library of preset kits for different styles. Even if the presets are used to get you started on a project and still needs tweaking. The only downside I have found is I am not too crazy about the limiting settings going on in Toontracks compressor. Otherwise, just about everything is available to you in Superior that is in the percussion strip in X1. As I said, there is no true right or wrong way. As long as you find the best path for you.

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    twaddle
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/03 20:03:52 (permalink)
    Bristol_Jonesey


    If the Effects in Superior are anything like those in BFD2 then you get a lot of mileage by using just those and bring it into Sonar as a Stereo file.

    But, there is so much more flexibility in splitting them out to their own separate audio tracks in Sonar (not Midi!) that it seems a waste of resources not to utilise the features that come bundled with X1

    The effects in superior are nowhere near as good as those that come with BFD2, for starters you only get 4 or 5 in superior to the 17 effects that come with BFD2. I'm not trying to bash superior here but just for sheer variety of effects that are as much about sound shaping than the basic drum effects of compression, reverb, eq and such that come with superior. Anyway, the OP isn't using BFD2 so I would advise him to route his channels out in to sonar if it's variety he needs.

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    #7
    B.R.
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/05 16:29:16 (permalink)
    Thanks to all for the helpful insights. Duly noted.
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    GIM Productions
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/06 06:09:21 (permalink)
    Hi i have my Mixing Session Superior Drummer Template,i can send you if you want,with private message.Best.

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    B.R.
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/07 01:43:26 (permalink)
    Hey, that would be great, GIM...you can go ahead and PM with that when you get a chance...no big hurry, I'll still play around with the Superior mixer on my own as well...appreciate your help!

    Thanks,
    B.R.
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    GIM Productions
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/07 05:05:36 (permalink)
    Can you send me your email? I can't attach any files to the PM.It's very strange!!I have a fake path on my attached file route.

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    zhuzhuxiao
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/08 04:30:32 (permalink)
    I typically use 5 of SD's outputs (OH, Kick, Snare, Toms and Room), each to its own track. This leaves maximum flexibility for routing and effects. 

    For example, I may want to compress just overheads, just the room mics, kick + snare, or some other combination. Similarly, toms, snare and kick often get some parallel distortion, but the amount varies for each. Snares often get a delay.










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    #12
    rotaholic
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    Re:Multi-channel output of drum kit in Superior Drummebetter definition than 1 stereo outp 2012/02/08 04:58:34 (permalink)
    You can bounce or freeze the tracks too and then eq comp to taste
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