How to Use the Phrase Maker Tool on the Roland Spd-S Sampling Pad

January 12, 2013 — Leave a comment

The Roland Spd-S Sampling Pad: Phrase Maker

The Roland Spd-S is one of the most versatile and dynamic drum sampling pads on the market. Even after the release of the Roland SPD-SX (the updated version of the Spd-S). The Spd-S can still be found on stage with some of the world’s greatest bands.I think the fact that the Spd-S is extremely easy to use, and now even more affordable than ever, makes it a great electronic drum pad to have on your drum kit.

One of the key features on the Roland Spd-S sampling pad is the phrase maker tool. The phrase maker allows you to temporailty record a pad performance, save that performance, and then trigger it later. I have used the phrase maker to record certain parts of a song at a certain BPM to be able to trigger a verse, chorus, or bridge percussion part.

How to use the Phrase Maker:

Press PATCH so that it is lit, and then select the patch you would like to play.
Press and hold PHRASE MAKER so it’s lit.
Use the + or – buttons to select a desired tempo.
Scroll to the right and select what note value you want it to quantize to. Quantizing is awesome because it will automatically line up any beats that may be slightly off the click track.
Scroll to the right again and select your loop length (2 measures of 4 beats each).
Scroll to the right again and adjust the volume of the click track.
Play the drum pads to create your beat. Remember that your pads will start recording once you hit any pad.
Pres the START/STOP button to stop recording.

Now that a phrase has been created, you can save it permanently as a new wave. This process is referred to as “resampling.” Use the following procedure to resample the phrase you just recorded:

If you are satisfied with your beat, you may press the RESAMPLE button to save it.
Select your gain structure for the wave file.
Select Mono or stereo.
Select grade (how much space it will take up on your hard drive, and also the playback quality.)
Select an empty slot to assign the wave to.
Select Resample to save the wave.
Name your wave.
Play your saved wave to make sure it all worked!

And that is how you use the phrase maker tool on the Roland SPD-S!

Phrase Maker In Action

To really hear how the phrase maker tool can be used in action I recorded a short demo video of me playing a little drum DJ. I have done this exact process of creating “phrases” that I did in the video above and I loaded them all on to one patch which allows me to select a patch or multiple patches at the same time to create some pretty cool layers of drumming! Some patches are drum fills, and some patches are just some interesting beats. This isn’t exactly the type of drum beats I would create for a percussion part on the verse or chorus of a song, but you get the idea! I hope that this video helps you get more creative with your Roland SPD-S!

In Electronic Drums, Roland, SPD-S drum sampling pad, electronic drums, how to the roland spd-s, how to use the phrase maker, roland electronic drum set, roland spd-s, roland tutorials

Alesis DM6 Kit Performance Electronic Drum Set Review

September 17, 2012 — Leave a comment

The Alesis DM6 Kit performance electronic drum set is one of the most popular electronic drum sets for aspiring drummers and price conscious percussionists alike.

It’s the most versatile and realistic sounding one you will find at this price point. Some even compare its quality to that of some high-end sets on the market.

Here’s what you can expect when you purchase your Alesis DM6 Kit performance electronic drum set.

Realistic Sound

One thing that is often a pain point with sets is poor sound quality. People usually complain that the drums just don’t sound real.

That’s not the case with this set. Although the price for this set is low, you won’t have to sacrifice the pure sound of a great set. This is what amazes may of the happy customers who have purchased the Alesis DM6 kit performance electronic drum set.

Click the picture to find the lowest price on the Alesis DM6!

Can Connect with Your Computer

It’s very rare for a drum kit at this price point to have the ability to connect with your computer. But sure enough the Alesis DM6 kit performance electronic drum set can do just that. So you can have the same midi recording functionality that you get with more expensive sets.

Everything but the Kitchen Sink

This set is pretty much a complete drummer’s set in a box. The only thing it doesn’t have is the throne (seat). Otherwise, it’s got everything down to the drumsticks. So you can start playing immediately after assembly.

All of this amounts to amazing quality for the price. I don’t know of any other drum kit that will deliver on this scale for such a low price.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5455502

In Alesis, DM6 USB Kit, Electronic Drums, Review alesis dm6, electronic drum review, electronic drum set guide, electronic drum set review, electronic drums review

The 5 Most Popular Myths about using Electronic Drums Live

May 10, 2012 — Leave a comment

It’s a debate held by drummers the world over. The question: which are better, electronic or acoustic drums?

When it comes right down to it, it’s almost always a matter of personal preference rather than an issue of quality. The problem is that this ongoing debate has served to add fuel to some common myths surrounding electronic drums. In fact, they are just that: myths. Here are five of the most popular

I’m just starting to learn to play the drums. I’ve heard that I should learn to play an acoustic set first. This myth has been around as long as electric drums. The source is uncertain, but may stem from the quality of some of the earliest models. Many didn’t have the same “feel” as acoustic drums.

There may have been some truth to this very early on. However, today’s models are vastly different, and quality electrics, like Roland drums, feel more like acoustics than ever.

Most models are configured in the same manner as their non-electric cousins. They contain toms, a bass, a snare and cymbals just like acoustic drums. A beginner learns on electrics the same as he or she would on acoustics.

2) Electronic drums just don’t have the same quality of sound as acoustics. Again, this may have been true of early models. When they first began hitting the mass market, technology was poor and high demand lead to mass production of sub-par instruments just to fill the need.

Technology has changed tremendously in two decades. Today’s versions, especially quality models like Roland electronic drums, have numerous sound samples that can’t even be distinguished from acoustics.

3) Electronic drums are difficult to transport. Many models are no more difficult than acoustic drums to transport from one venue to another. In fact, some, like Roland drum sets, are designed to be collapsible. They can be disassembled in minutes and packed compactly into a vehicle (even a small one). They can then be re-assembled quickly at another location, like the school band room or the stage at a concert hall.

4) Electronic drums are too expensive. People hear the word “electronic” and automatically assume that complicated mother boards and MIDI outputs mean “extra expensive”.

Actually, they are quite comparable in price to their non-electric cousins. Today’s digital components are not only higher in quality than yesteryear’s; they’re also more cost effective.

5) Electronic drums are only practical in certain venues or situations. They can be used anywhere that acoustic drums can be. Often they are even more versatile and offer more advantages than acoustics.

In fact, they are the best solution when it comes to playing in small venues. Acoustic drums tend to become overpowering in sound in small areas. Additionally it can be difficult to control their volume.

Electronic drums, on the other hand, have built-in volume control. Sound can be adjusted for venue size with the touch of a button.

Not only are they great for performance, they make ideal practice drums too. The player can simply plug in a head set, listen to himself at any volume, and no one else around has to listen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5293119

In Acoustic Drums, Electronic Drums drum machine, drum trigger, electronic drum guide, electronic drum set, electronic drums, how to build electronic drums, midi drum, midi module, roland, spd-s, td-20, td-3

Linear Drum Fills – Electronic Drum Lessons

April 28, 2012 — Leave a comment

Here are a few drum fill ideas that I learned from Jared Falk. Check out the Drumming System!

In DTX900, Electronic Drums, Yamaha drum lesson, electronic drums, linear drum fill

Roland Electronic Drum Set Review – TD-15KV/TD

April 25, 2012 — 1 Comment

Guest post submitted by Steve Williams
The Roland TD-15KV is a recent announcement by Roland from the famed V-Drum range. The range itself needs no introduction and has become a firm favorite amongst digital drummers worldwide thanks to their amazing replication of acoustic playing experience but with the added features that come with digital kits. Out of the two TD-15 models, I’ll be focusing on the more expensive and feature rich TD-15KV which aims to further improve on the already superb range with a whole list of new and exciting features. This is then arguably the most versatile kit in the range with the ability to tackle more experience drumming styles but with the acclaimed coaching feature for beginners. Even the most stubborn of acoustic drummers will have to sit up and appreciate just how special the TD-15KV really is.

Both TD-15 models have been subject to a serious upgrade with the introduction of the infamous SuperNATURAL sound. This was originally designed for the upper-range Roland pianos but has been manipulated and introduced to the V-Drum range. One of the main advantages of this is the authentic and natural correlation between the sounds when the dynamics are changed. Partnering this technology is “Behaviour Modelling”, which gives a faster and more accurate response to the drummer’s actions. All this results in a more authentic playing experience, something that was previously only found in the higher-range and more expensive TD-30.

You’ll be glad to hear that the Roland TD-15KV is loaded with a vast library of songs to drum along to, with the option of transferring tracks from a USB device. This isn’t exactly groundbreaking stuff but now you can change the volume and tempo for more convenient practicing, and suit you’re ability and mood. On top of this you can now loop and repeat sections for that awkward bit you can’t quite get right and with the onboard coaching feature that surpasses any I’ve ever used will help you fine-tune you’re technique and all-round drumming ability.

A new and surprising feature is the ability to connect the unit to you’re iPhone through Air Recorder and V-Drums Friend Jam apps through a wireless via a wireless adapter. It was only a matter of time until we saw this and now it’s arrived, yet another bonus for iPhone owners.

So what’s the difference between the TD-15KV and the cheaper TD-15K I hear you ask? Well the answer is not that much really. The 15K has the PDX-8 And PDX-6 pad configurations whereas the 15KV has new and updated pads. They both share the same cymbals but the TD-15KV has an upgraded hi-hat and toms. There is a fairly significant difference, in feel rather than tone but if you want ultimate authenticity my advice is buy an acoustic kit, simple enough.

Its great to see that Roland have produced yet another benchmark digital kit but now at a more affordable price. Watch this video for a great example of the authenticity of the SuperNATURAL technology. I think it’s the perfect kit for practicing and fine-tuning at home, but I wouldn’t recommend anything more. It is of course a great kit and I can see a lot of beginners and intermediates purchasing this as a practice kit.

Have you ever recorded your electronic drums with your smart phone? Leave a comment and let us know!

In Electronic Drums, Roland, TD-15KV drum set review, electronic drum set, electronic drum set review, review, roland, roland brain, roland drum set, roland mesh pads, td-15KV

Roland TD-20KX Kit Examples by Johnny Rabb

April 5, 2012 — 5,653 Comments

The new TD-20KX V-Pro series makes a full-impact impression onstage with its industrial brushed-metal* V-Pads, enlarged V-Kick, silver-colored V-Cymbals, and rock-solid chrome drum rack. The TD-20X drum module is loaded with hundreds of powerful and expressive sounds, and provides a newly integrated feature set that’s based on Roland’s famous TD-20 and TDW-20. Eye-catching looks, incredible sounds, and reinforced hardware make the TD-20KX a star on any stage.
*Synthetic material with authentic brushed-metal appearance.

In Electronic Drums, Roland, TD-20KX drum lessons, drummer, drumming, drums, electronic drum set, electronic drum set review, electronic drums, groove, johnny rabb, roland, roland spd-sx, td-20kx, v-drums, vdrums, yamaha dtx900

The Benefits of Electronic Drum Sets

January 1, 2012 — Leave a comment

An electronic drum kit overcomes the main difficulty for citizens who live within an apartment building — sound. With an electronic set, you have the capability to toss on a pair of headphones and mess about as loud as you like. The single sound your neighbors would be able to hear is your sticks hitting the pads and I promise that your television or CD player gets noisier than that.

Space is another problem if your going to use an electronic drum set in an apartment. There is not sufficient room to fit a drum kit unless you are willing to sacrifice your huge pieces of furniture. With an electronic drum set, you don’t have the “bulk” that you have with an acoustic kit. If you need to, you can even take an electronic set down after you were completed and keep it inside a cupboard or corner somewhere.

Electronic drums contain other advantages over acoustic sets as well. There is never a need to tune the set or lose sleep about cold or dampness upsetting the overall sound of the set. You even maintain the preference to replace the sound of the set to make it sound like you’re on stage in a huge hall or a tiny jazz club. Generally electronic sets allow you to connect up your iPod so that you can perform along with your favorite music and obtain the correct mix in your headphones. This is something you can not do with an ordinary drum set.

Electronic drum sets are not as expressive as an ordinary kit. The newer sets are getting closer, but the “feel” really isn’t the same. If you use brushes on an acoustic set, you won’t be able on an electronic set.

On stage live can be a tad unusual if you are used to an ordinary kit. You are at the mercy of the pa sound system.

There are a lot of advantages that electronic drums over ordinary kits and no more than a small amount of disadvantages. If you live in an apartment building and think that playing the drums has to take place outside your residence, check out a number of electronic kits. You’ll practice often if they are around your apartment and you might now start to love the thought of playing on an electronic set as opposed to an ordinary kit.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2694060

In Electronic Drums electronic drum kit, electronic drum set benefits, electronic drum set review, electronic drummer, electronic drums

SPD-SX Sampling Pad With Craig Blundell

December 21, 2011 — 57 Comments

This is the newly updated ROLAND SPD-SX Sampling Pad that I referred to in the recent post about the Spd-S. I really want this! Anyone feel like buying me one for Christmas?

What do you think about the SPD-SX? Leave a comment and join the conversation!

In Electronic Drums, Roland, SPD-SX electronic drum set, electronic drum set review, electronic drums, roland spd-sx, yamaha dtx900

Yamaha DTX900 Demo Video and Review

December 21, 2011 — 97 Comments

The Yamaha DTX900 is one of the most incredible electronic drum sets on the market. I think the fact that Yamaha Corporation makes amazing acoustic drums has a lot to do with how incredible this electronic drum set sounds and feels. Hands down it is the most “real” feeling and sounding electronic drum set that I have ever played. Check out the video of me demoing the kit below.

Click Here to compare prices on the Yamaha DTX900.

What are your thoughts on the DTX900? Join the conversation by leaving a comment!

In DTX900, Electronic Drums, Review, Yamaha electronic drum set, electronic drum set review, electronic drums, yamaha dtx900

How to Use The Roland Spd-s

December 20, 2011 — 878 Comments

Update: It appears that Spd-S is no longer in production by Roland. They are now making an upgrade/updated version called the Spd-SX that is very similar. You will not be able to find the Spd-S by clicking on any of the links below, however I am leaving this post up for of you who still own and love the SPD-S!

The Roland Spd-S is one of the most versatile sampling pads on the market. I have made a few videos showing how incredibly versatile it is. I have had mine for over 2 years now, and I still don’t use this instrument to it’s fullest potential. The following is a post I wrote a few months after getting my Roland Spd-S.

Click here to compare prices on a Roland Spd-S.

A couple of months ago I got the itch to try to integrate some electronic sounding drums into my set up. I started researching more about triggering and possibly building my own electronic drum set and even found a site that lays out some very clear instructions to do so. THIS website tells you how to do it. After giving it a lot of thought and after more research, I decided to buy the Roland SPD-S and I couldn’t be more happy with my decision. This thing is awesome. I’ve had it for about a month and I’m just now starting to realize how much it can do. Shortly after buying it, playing around on it, and having the urge to use my feet with the SPD-S I decided I needed to buy a kick trigger to really bring it to the next level. I ended up getting the KD-7. It’s as simple as pluggin the kick pad into the back of the SPD-S and assigning whatever kick drum sound I want to it. Another cool feature that I’ve been having fun with lately is sampling different sounds. I’ve been getting tons of different sounds from www.freesound.org and www.findsounds.com.

Disclosure: Since I spent a LOT of time reviewing the Roland Spd-S, I would appreciate your support in buying one (if your ready to buy) through a link on this page. You’ll actually find some of the best prices on the web on this site, and if you buy from clicking on my link I’ll receive a commission for my time writing this in-depth review, which helps fund this website (and my electronic drum fund). Thanks!