Good software drum machine to play along with?

[Lefty Geek]

I need to get into a practice regiment at home, so I am looking for a simple computer-based drum machine. Nothing extravagant, just some simple beats. My only requirement is for something with pre-programmed beats. I don't want to program every little snare and cymbal hit! Programmable would be nice, but the more time programming beats is less time actually practicing.

[Lefty Geek]

So, no one uses a drum machine?

[alex027]

I have something that might be of good use to you. It sounds like exactly what you are looking for. I'll pm you to talk about it.

[mactac]

try acoustica's beatcraft, it's a very easy to use piece of software.


coincidentally, i did a lot of the drum samples for them

[jenderfazz]

EZDrummer is a pretty easy to use and excellent sounding drum sequencer. Downside? It's only a plugin. However, if you have either Cubase, Protools, or one of the big-name recording programs, it's a cinch to use.

[Kurisu]

Steinberg's Groove Agent (v2 I think is the recent one). This plays a variety of styles, tempos, time sigs, even automatic fills. It works. I'm trying to get it to shunt into cubase and drive a drumkit from hell 2 kit. Then it'll sound a bit closer to professional.

Also has a humanize variable.

Best thing about it: it doesn't drink all your beer and pass out on your couch.

[Vandelay]

Hydrogen is a freeware drum machine that's pretty versatile.

http://www.hydrogen-music.org/

[1buba]

I just picked up a used Roland PMA-5 (personal music assitant) off ebay. Don't have it yet. I heard one on Norm Stockton's DVD's. These things are not made anymore, but for the price (~$45) I figured I try it out. I have seen them come and go on ebay pretty regularly.

Here's a link to reviews and specs http://www.sonicstate.com/synth/roland_pma5.cfm

[Lefty Geek]

Wow, the difference a day makes. Thanks for all the suggestions, I will look into them all.

Does the new frills version of Cubase allow plugins? Maybe I should just get a simple home recording solution and use plugins. I actually have something that came with a Tascam controller I once bought, but never really used.

[jimbob]

I use it every day...very easy to use.

[Foamy]

Boss RC-2

[middy]

Originally Posted by Kurisu

Best thing about it: it doesn't drink all your beer and pass out on your couch.

I see you've met my drummer.

[chardin]

Jamstix.

Simply the best software drummer on the planet. Reasonably priced, excellent support, great sounds, and unbelievable human-sounding grooves. No MIDI loops here.

http://www.rayzoon.com/index.html

[Plus Musician]

Does anybody uses Battery or Stylus or BFD?

[Lefty Geek]

I have been using Beatcraft for the past couple of days, but it doesn't come with any patterns. I want to practice, not program beats. Couldn't even find patterns to download.

Looking into the others next.

[iplaybassguitar]

Originally Posted by Vandelay

Hydrogen is a freeware drum machine that's pretty versatile.

http://www.hydrogen-music.org/

versitile for linux heads maybe.

[iplaybassguitar]

Originally Posted by Enchanter_Tim

Boss RC-2

i wouldnt really call that a drum machine. more like a loop station with a click track that sounds like a bass and snare drum.

[middy]

Originally Posted by iplaybassguitar

versitile for linux heads maybe.

There's a Windows installer on the downloads page.

[iplaybassguitar]

Originally Posted by middy

There's a Windows installer on the downloads page.

okay, i take back that comment, but just so you dont think that you helped me at all, i have a mac.

[iplaybassguitar]

Originally Posted by iplaybassguitar

okay, i take back that comment, but just so you dont think that you helped me at all, i have a mac.

and with a little bit more reading or the website itsself, i make myself the buffoon again, as there is also a mac installer.

thank you, myself.