what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys?

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offnote
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2011/10/24 02:00:51 (permalink)

what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys?

just have another dilemma to buy e.g Korg padkontrol or do it this on my synth keyboard.
How do you usually do it?  Anybody uses padkontrol ?

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    lfm
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 04:25:50 (permalink)
    If you have the patience to practice a bit I feel that pads+sticks are superior.

    After all, you need only get a short sequence that has a good beat and you can copy parts in computer - rather than using quantizing etc.

    Eventually I got edrums after using pads for some years. I used some Yamaha pads first with a proper kick pedal added. I think it's worth the extra money and work involved.
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    ProjectM
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 10:11:23 (permalink)
    I got a TriggerFinger. I prefer pads over Keys for drums. and you can use it for a whole lot of other cool stuff too. I actually made a song using the TriggerFinger to program all the synths. Would never have come up with that on a keyboard because it's like a different instrument.

    The PadKontrol is supposed to be pretty good too.

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    Mesh
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 12:23:28 (permalink)
    This got me thinking too as I have Superior Drummer, battery, and  some other kontakt drums,  but hate playing it on the keyboard. M-Audio's Trigger Finger seems to be a discontinued product, but Korg's Padkontrol seems to have some good reviews.......here we go again....
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    osd
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 12:37:53 (permalink)
    Between the OP's two choices, I would go with an mpc for its pads. It's not really an X1 question, as it's all just MIDI to Sonar.

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    inaheartbeat
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 13:32:42 (permalink)
    I am a keyboard player so for me it is just plain awkward to try to hit them like drums. Plus, I am rhythmically challenged anyway :-) I almost always use my MPC 5000 since it is obviously well designed for this. I also have an Akai LPD-8 which is a nice little pad controller and comes in handy if you need a more portable/cheaper solution.

    I never used the Korg product because reviews I read said the pads wore out after a short period of use. Others may have had a different experience.

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    konradh
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 15:29:07 (permalink)
    I have been using keys so long that it is very natural for me.  I use Search/Replace to even out velocities.
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    timidi
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 15:39:13 (permalink)
    I got a padkontrol but hardly ever use it as I haven't taken the time to learn and understand it.
    Learning curves kill me anymore.
    The main problem to me is, you have 16 pads. But, say for SD, you have hits all the way up the keyboard so all your hits aren't available on the pads immediately. You can map out scenes to overcome this a little but it's still awkward always changing scenes etc. That said, if you put in the time to learning it, and use it a lot, it's a good nother way to do things.

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    samson7842
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 15:41:08 (permalink)
    I'd go with pads everytime. I had the Korg PadKontrol for a year and got rid of it for NI's Maschine. I miss the Korg. Maschine give me more options but the pads on the Korg felt awsome! Very sensitive and comfortable.

    That said, Maschine is grea, too. I just like the feel of the pads on the Korg PadKontrol better.

    Playing drum parts on my keyboard doesn't "feel" right to me. Sure, I can make it work. But, it's more intuitive for me using pads.

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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 16:17:09 (permalink)
    just have another dilemma to buy e.g Korg padkontrol or do it this on my synth keyboard. How do you usually do it? Anybody uses padkontrol ?

     
    I say it comes down to what you're most comfortable using/playing.
     
    ie:  I started out as a drummer... so for me (like lfm) pads/sticks beats playing drum sounds on keys or finger pads.  It's quicker... and the parts sound more authentic.
    If you're not comfortable playing drums, you'd likely prefer playing keys or finger pads.
    Some folks sound amazing playing finger pads!  Witness the Machine videos... and don't forget Future Man... and his modified Synthaxe "Drumitar" controller.

    Best Regards,

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    #10
    yorolpal
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 16:24:09 (permalink)
    I've traded my Korg PadKontrol for a Nanopad to gain some desk space.  I also use an Alesis ConrolPad when I need to use sticks.  Plus I still use my Keyboard controller as well.  I'd say for me it's even thirds.

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    Mesh
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 16:36:12 (permalink)
    Olpal: functionality-wise/ease of use, is the PadKontrol a better buy than the nanopad?
    Meaning, is it worth spending the extra $$ on PadKontrol and would you have used it (instead of nanokontol) if you had more desk space?  

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    yorolpal
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 16:44:26 (permalink)
    I really liked my PadKontrol.  In fact, I still have it.  If you're interested in it just PM me.

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    Hawky
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 17:11:20 (permalink)
    The Roland Hand-sonic (Pads) is just awesome Hawky
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    dlesaux
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 20:51:37 (permalink)
    Believe it or not, I use my Casio Midi Guitar! But rarely now since I started using ezDrummer. I just click and drag the groove clips!

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    SWANG
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 21:04:31 (permalink)
    depends on the kind of music i'm making, but generally i prefer drumming on pads with sticks. i play drums well enough to drum on my own stuff, but i'm primarily a keyboardist. so i suppose i could do either one... ...but not as well as this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6sWh607NH4
    #16
    offnote
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 21:43:25 (permalink)
    anybody using maybe novation launchpad? looks similar to korg but more pads and colors...
    Wonder how sensitive are pads...






    #17
    bentedgz
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 21:57:05 (permalink)
    I started as a drummer and the keyboard frustrates me, I need to whack something with a stick.

    I have an Akai MPD26 for light work but for laying down a full track one of these works great. A bit on the pricey side though.

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    OQ
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/24 23:16:10 (permalink)
    Pads: Maschine
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    skylightron
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/25 19:50:49 (permalink)
    Can I drum with Maschine using drum sticks? Or will that damage the unit.
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    aleef
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/25 20:32:21 (permalink)
    I have been using keys so long that it is very natural for me.

     
    me too.. i use pads also. i dont have the space for an e-drum set, so im' looking to get the Alesis Controlpad and go with the sticks and a bass pedal..

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    cornieleous
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/25 20:55:12 (permalink)
    samson7842


    I'd go with pads everytime. I had the Korg PadKontrol for a year and got rid of it for NI's Maschine. I miss the Korg. Maschine give me more options but the pads on the Korg felt awsome! Very sensitive and comfortable.

    That said, Maschine is grea, too. I just like the feel of the pads on the Korg PadKontrol better.

    Playing drum parts on my keyboard doesn't "feel" right to me. Sure, I can make it work. But, it's more intuitive for me using pads.
    I modified both my Maschine pads, and the pads on my Axiom 61 by placing 1mm thick , 1 inch square 'Scotch brand Clear Mounting Squares' behind each sensor. They fit the sensors exactly, and the sensitivity goes way up - you can just rub or lightly touch the pads to get sounds to trigger instead of having to jam on them. They are also completely removable since they use a special non residual adhesive. Of course, many will not want to do this due to potential warranty issues.

    Besides the pads, Maschine is just unbelievably capable. It blows ACT and other surfaces out of the water for providing total integration with plugins without any setup time or struggle. For anyone who wants to add pads, I would go demo Maschine or watch the youtube video series by NI to see all it can do.


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    cornieleous
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/25 20:56:52 (permalink)
    skylightron


    Can I drum with Maschine using drum sticks? Or will that damage the unit.


    I hope that is meant as humor. You won't be able to hit pads that small with a stick. I doubt the unit would hold up either. Go for a Roland SPD-S or something similar if you want that capability. I had one for a while and it was great.
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    ProjectM
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/25 21:21:42 (permalink)
    So how does NI Maschine perform in Sonar these days?


    I mean since it's been mentioned

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    cornieleous
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/25 21:49:54 (permalink)
    ProjectM


    So how does NI Maschine perform in Sonar these days?


    I mean since it's been mentioned


    It seems mostly solid to me when I use 8.5. I have not used my X1, and sometime I take maschine over to the house of another mistress who will remain unnamed....
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    ProjectM
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/26 08:07:08 (permalink)
    Thanks for that Cornieleous. I'm really interested in the Maschine Micro but I've heard a lot of stories about how the hardware take over all your USB ports and crash bang gallore with the software. but that may be old news

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    mgh
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/26 08:15:57 (permalink)
    i use the Step Sequencer, so i guess it's my mouse!

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    brammer
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/26 08:20:48 (permalink)
    I find the keyboard just doesn't respond
    I had a Triggerfinger and it too was not as responsive
    I use a Roland Hansonic now - but mostly just for fills
    I use EZDrummer for the bed, or just write it in PRV
     

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    cornieleous
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/26 12:36:40 (permalink)
    ProjectM


    Thanks for that Cornieleous. I'm really interested in the Maschine Micro but I've heard a lot of stories about how the hardware take over all your USB ports and crash bang gallore with the software. but that may be old news

    Hmmm. I have had the Maschine software crash in standalone several times. No crashes with the VST yet, but you might ask around for those who have used it extensively as a VST plugin, as I use it to just transfer patterns and audio. Its been solid in 8.5 for me, but I usually work in standalone Maschine software and then pull in my MIDI or audio from the VST version to sonar via drag and drop.

    Maschine standalone software seems to crash usually on really intense projects that max the CPU (its not multi-core yet!) or on those that use certain third party plugins - but I think the hardware is pretty solid these days. No issues with the USB that I have seen. I have an Axiom 61, a BCR2000, an eLicenser dongle, and Maschine all on the same port via a USB hub with no issues (MIDI and control info is fairly slow data rate). When the software crashes I have always been able to reset the hardware and kill the hung software process by stopping/starting the NI Hardware service in task manager.

    I hate the crashes when they do occur (not really that often but not rare either) but I have to say that Maschine is such an awesome tool that its worth putting up with. Plus, they will probably provide free updates until version 2.0 if the past is any indicator, so you can expect new features and bug fixes. Have you checked out the videos of Maschine provided by NI?

    D.
    #29
    offnote
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    Re:what do you prefer for programming drums on X1 - pads or keys? 2011/10/26 22:07:44 (permalink)
    BTW, is it actually possible to use exclusively drum patterns from EZDrummer and other plugins, lopps with some editing for your compositions without playing and constructiong drums on your own?  I bet for pop/rock/country it shouldn't be a problem right? rhythms are almost same in every songs...
    #30
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