Midi drum pad thoughts

[dbflats]

Hey ye all, I'm a Luna novice who has just learned how to use that software's Shape function to track drums. I'ma thinking there's got to be a better way to trigger than my ever-cramping finger in a key on my computer keyboard. I'm just starting to look at midi pads and such and questioning, just what is the best interface.

Behind a real drum kit can play basic beats. I imagine there's tons I don't know on this subject. Appreciate any input.

 

[silky smoove]

I have no experience with Luna or its Shape function, but regardless programming drums via a MIDI pad is a time-tested and easy to implement solution for many folks. Assuming Luna has even basic MIDI functionality you should be fine with just about any pad provided you have the right connectivity.

Also, you posted duplicate threads. Best to ask a moderator to delete one of them.

 

[dbflats]

Thanks, and yes Luna has full midi compatibility.

Any well liked units out there, and why? Or all about the same?

 

[silky smoove]

Any well liked units out there, and why? Or all about the same?

MIDI has been unchanged since its inception in 1983. It's an unbelievably simple thing to implement well. The positive upshoot of this is that almost any MIDI device is likely to get it done. Things I would look for would be:

• Does the controller have the connection type I prefer (USB vs MIDI vs TRS MIDI)?
• Does it have enough pads/keys for my intended use case?
• Does it transmit on a specific channel, or can I adjust that channel manually?
• If it's a keyboard-based controller, do the keys have the action type I prefer (synth vs semi-weighted vs weighted)?

 

[Stylee Mousse]

I use a set of 3 Roland pads, pd7 or 8. They are cheap now and work great. Have a kick pad as well.

I use them to sequence patterns using a Nord drum (virtual analog 4 channel drum brain).

I’m not a drummer but it’s pretty quick to record patterns for midi looping with my olde Alesis MT-8 sequencer

 

[dbflats]

Thanks again. So I'm thinking I'll mostly want to drum on this thing so pad type is what I d want, eh? And yes, whatever I end up with will be USB connect.

 

[claudel]

I've lusted for one of these ever since I first read about them...

Mandala V3

www.mandaladrum.com

After all, if it's good enough for Danny Carey... :^)

 

[dbflats]

Interesting. I don't get what the purpose of the concentric rings is.

For my purposes, a single large pad would be ideal. I'm tracking individual drums in one at a time, kick, snare, ride, and so on.

Not using as an add-on to a drum kit.

 

[claudel]

Different zones map to different percussion sounds...

kick, snare, ride, and so on all available at the same time

 

[dbflats]

That's what I thought would be the case. Does this not lend itself to one striking the wrong zone?

 

[claudel]

Like most everything, practice is needed...

Fingers or sticks work nicely with this, I've read.

I'm not quite ready to dump $600 on it quite yet, though... :^)

 

[Stylee Mousse]

I’d recommend having at least 2 pads.

It’s much quicker and facilitates playing fills, flams, rolls. Most DAWs make it pretty easy to edit less than perfect playing. (Which is what I bring at drums!)

 

[dbflats]

I tracked my first drums ever on computer keyboard. Everything would be swell, save for a few errant kick beats.

More I look and learn, I'm wishing there was a unit geared more specifically to tracking single midi drum instruments for recording, whereas all units I look at are clearly loaded with features for live use. I dig that but it's not my lane atm. I'd like one largish pad , useable with sticks, fingers, mallets, no zones, and with a good responsive striking surface.

 

[dbflats]

Some issues I got that not everyone does are a tremor, worse in my left hand, a tendency towards hand cramping, and bits of arthritis here and there in fingers and hands. Something like tracking a ride with my finger just about kills me.

 

[FullumMusic]

There's no best MIDI controller. There's a bajillion different controllers that cater to different needs and styles.

Look into something like the Novation LaunchPad or LaunchKey.

The LaunchPad is essentially just a grid of finger-pads. The LaunchKey is a keyboard with a grid of pads. They'll auto-assign to your software or you can manually assign them however you want. There are a lot of similar products by other companies out there. The Novation LaunchXXX is a tried and true Midi Controller. If it's not exactly what you're looking for, it's a good jumping off point to find similar products.

 

[dbflats]

Thanks, but that's almost the opposite of what I think might work best with my limitations. I can play guitars, bass, manage drum sticks, etc with no issues, but having to cue in say, a ride cymbal for seven minutes by finger -I'm finding out -is very tough on my hands. Nor can I finger in little snare rolls etc. At least that was the case on my computer keyboard keys-too close together.

So, to refine search, ideal would be one big pad, no zones, playable with sticks, software optional-I don't need it, I've got Luna -and good striking pad characteristics.

I see the Roland SPD Kick etc can midi. I know those are geared for live, but ponder something like that.

 

[srosenthal13]

I'm a drummer, and for my purposes, I use a Roland TD-27 drum kit. That may be more than what you're looking for or need, but there are a lot of decent budget kits these days, and with something like Superior Drummer or EZ Drummer, you do really good stuff. Also, Roland makes just a grid-style pad.

This is a good YouTube channel for electronic drum info and reviews: 65 Drums.

 

[monsterthompson]

If you’re open to alternative midi finger drumming there’s the Midi Fighter. I had one for a while. They’re pretty nice and I definitely prefer them over computer keys or soft pads like an Ableton Push has.

Midi Fighter Spectra

Built on the familiar format of DJ TechTools' legendary Midi Fighter line, the Spectra is back! It has full-color ring lighting, six

store.djtechtools.com

 

[dbflats]

Thanks. I'm trying to end up with something playable with sticks and am trying to avoid finger stuff due to reasons listed above.

 

[Krisfield]

This is the Roland SPD SX Pro Sampling Pad with Roland hit hat, snare, and kick drum foot controllers. The foot controller, high hat and snare connect to the SPD SX Pro. All MIDI controllable so you can connect to drum software like Superior Drummer 3, etc.