Best drum software or drum machine to practice with?

[MelodiousThunk]

I am looking for a software drum program or a drum machine to practice with? I am mainly interested in becoming a great blues bassist, but also have an interest in Stax and Motown. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd rather not spend a ton of cash if possible!
Thanks much!

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Standard metronome is more than enough.

 

[MelodiousThunk]

I am getting bored with using a metronome all the time!

 

[tsverrir]

MDrummer is quite nice. It's designed to work with DAWs but can be used standalone. They've got a free version as well that should be fine for practicing reasons.

 

[MelodiousThunk]

Thanks, I'll check out MDrummer!

 

[waleross]

There are new drum machines and .net virtual ones popping up all the time. I mostly use an Alesis 16 and get good results from it. +1 to the metronome also....

 

[Nev375]

Hydrogen is free, sounds good and very versatile and user friendly.

 

[pfschim]

Hydrogen is free, sounds good and very versatile and user friendly.

FWIW, I was never able to make Hydrogen work on a Win 7 machine. It installed ( or seemed to) but would never run a rhythm/beat for me.

just sayin'

 

[pfschim]

I won't say "best", but I've had a good experience with iDrum from iZotope.

free trial version, and I think the full version costs less than $50. It comes with many preprogrammed rhythms/beats, and is really easy to create new drum tracks with.

It will also run as a vst under a DAW.

good luck. lots to choose from

 

[MelodiousThunk]

I just tried Hydrogen and it was glitchy. I'll guess I'll check out Idrum next!

 

[pfschim]

I just tried Hydrogen and it was glitchy. I'll guess I'll check out Idrum next!

so, do tell. did you try iDrum ? how did it work for you ?

 

[deekay911]

Alesis SR-16 is a good tool

 

[mpdd]

korg electribe is pretty hip hop/dance oriented so it might not work for you, however it does have two vacuum tubes so you can get a cool tone when you play your bass into the audio in