How do you make drum tracks?

[Tupac]

I want to make beats with dropped out measures to improve my timing. I have Reaper, but if there's a program that does it better let me know.

 

[eloann]

I make drum tracks by playing drums - though I doubt this helps you much

 

[gavinspoon]

You could use a drum sequencer, or software drum machine. I'm not up to speed on the current offerings. I used to use fruityloops but I don't think you can even get that anymore.

The other option would be to record a metronome (you can download free apps for your phone) and manually cut out beats.

Edit: This is the sort of thing i'd use http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_(software)

 

[chicago_mike]

Some options:

Just cut and delete the bar(s) of the drum loops that you want to get rid of. Or just Mute them.

Cut out or mute the midi notes in the midi drum track.

Automate the volume drops in Reaper ( if Reaper has automation )

Can you give a sorta detailed example or perhaps a youtube of a song that might have such a thing going on? If its like Dance music, then Automation is REALLY helpful for the dropouts.

Reaper should be fine FL Studio, Ableton, etc..etc.. should easily do this.

You could also setup a midi controller say with a foot controller, to setup the Automated mutes. Use the controller like a HUI or similar to control Mute or vol fade or whatever...this way, you can stop it by your foot.

Theres a great example of this by a bass player, I forget his name but its cool.

 

[tmdazed]

I use an old school Alesis SR16 beat box , decent base beats and you can program your own beats and fills , usually use it just for writing and our drummer writes his drum parts based on the basic beats we use to write the song

 

[eukatheude]

Hydrogen is really pretty good, and it's also free. Maybe get some better sounds for it.

 

[Freez]

strap them to your feet and walk through the snow?