Drum Machines, Grooveboxes, Samplers- What Would Be Best For Me?

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #1 05-04-2007, 12:24 AM

I'm looking to add some percussion to my solo bass stuff. I was going to go with some live percussion that I'd loop, but I think I'll hold off on that for a while. I basically want something that I can record and save loops with, and control and alter hands-free with my MIDI controller live. While a drum machine like the Boss DF-880 seems like it would do the trick, I don't want to limit myself by not learning about other options that might fit the bill. I do enjoy hip hop-style drums and sampling that can be done with an 808 for example, but having not used one or similar items, I didn't know if it would work out.

Any advice?

Pako · #2 05-09-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bryan R. Tyler

I'm looking to add some percussion to my solo bass stuff. I was going to go with some live percussion that I'd loop, but I think I'll hold off on that for a while. I basically want something that I can record and save loops with, and control and alter hands-free with my MIDI controller live. While a drum machine like the Boss DF-880 seems like it would do the trick, I don't want to limit myself by not learning about other options that might fit the bill. I do enjoy hip hop-style drums and sampling that can be done with an 808 for example, but having not used one or similar items, I didn't know if it would work out.

Any advice?

I wish I could offer some advise but I'm in the same situation, looking for the same information. So here's a bump, and hopefully I can ride on the shirt tails of your thread and get some advise as well.

winston · #3 05-10-2007, 11:17 AM

I'm in the same boat. I want something for adding beats to songs I record on the computer, but I'd also like something that's easy to use/reliable in a live situation.

I'm more into making beats from scratch--either played in real time or on a step sequencer grid--than using premade loops or plugins that kinda/sorta emulate real drummers (minus the drunken buffoonery, blown-off rehearsals, and hitting on your girlfriend).

Also I'm more interested in synthesized tones than samples, though the Akai MPCs are great live samplers.

I'm leaning toward the groovebox. There's about a decade worth of groovy Korg, Roland, and E-MUs out there that can be had for pretty cheap.

**Bryan R. Tyler** · #4 05-10-2007, 11:49 AM

The Korg Electribes are awesome, and I LOVE the ribbon on the arpeggiator (check out this clip, particularly from 2:45 on). Thing is that it seems to be suited towards electronica music, and while I love some of that stuff, I need more regular beats and percussion patterns more. The MPCs (from 1000 on) look great too, although I don't know if they're as diverse in drum tones as a machine like the Boss DR-880.

I wish I just had the option to hang at Guitar Center with my rig for a couple hours and figure out what's best.