Hello,

I was just wondering what are the benefits (and/or) downsides to using MIDI Drum Maps vs. the normal piano roll?
 
Thank You, just trying to learn.

Thank You!
-Adam

You can use a drum map to map one MIDI track to multiple different synths, channels and/or notes.  You can name the notes in the drum map as well and view them in the drum pane instead of the piano roll.    And you can save drum maps so that it's easy to recall the settings in the future.
 
That being said, I really don't like the drum map functionality as-is.  I find it to be inflexible, buggy and to have a poor user interface for creating and editing drum maps.  I wish they would make some significant improvements.  I would like there to be a simpler and intuitive way to get a drum grid with note names for Addictive Drums and/or Massive than having to use a drum map.

Off the top of my head 2 pro's 1 con
pro seeing the name of the drum kit i.e. kick snare etc. instead of a piano keys also mute or solo said key
pro velocity seen on each note
con not able to bring up synth from TV or CV only brought up from synth rack

It is possible to get note names w/o using the drum grid, in a roundabout way. You create note names in the instrument editor, and then select those in the PRV, instead of the default (diatonic).

One other advantage of drum maps that I don't think has been mentioned, is the ability, whilst working in the PRV/Drum Map is to quickly solo or mute different kit pieces/articulations

If you are a drum tweaker, and like to fiddle in the PRV to make things perfect, then drum maps are essential.  Seeing the kit pieces and easily manipulating them is wonderful.  I could not live without drum maps.