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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
 Posted - 04/30/2004 : 11:37:20 PM
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After the good info I got from my quiery on recorders, I thought I would ask for info regarding abother purchase I'm contemplating -- a drum machine.
I sort of get the general picture in terms of setting the different percussion sounds, rhythms, etc. Any of you have experience with these things? Strengths, weaknesses? What to watch out for?
Finally, there are often times in a piece where I will play "rubato" -- deliberately slow down and linger over some notes. - is there some way that the newer machines "adapt" to this?
Thanks in advance.
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2004 : 03:59:35 AM
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| Raymond, you should take a serious look at the Tascam PocketStudio 5...as I mentioned in the other thread it includes a relatively good internal synthesizer that allows you to playback MIDI files and also create backup arrangements (percussion and/or chord progressions) within the device. Among other things this allows you to use one of several PC/Mac-based drum machines to generate a MIDI drumtrack that can then be played back on the PocketStudio, or you can generate drumtracks (with a little less flexibility) on the PocketStudio itself using the built-in arranger. You can vary the tempo of the drumtrack within the song when you set up the track, but the only way you're going to be able to dynamically adjust the tempo of any drum machine while playing is through the use of a footpedal (unless your guitar is capable of generating MIDI signals). |
Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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Dana
Akahai
USA
61 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2004 : 11:32:37 AM
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Hi Raymond....I have to recommend an old standard. It is an Alesis SR-16. I have had mine for close to 10 years. I think it sounds great and has never let me down. I highly recommend it. For alesis to keep it in production for so long says alot about the product. I did a quick search for you on musicians friend just to make sure that they are still around and here is the link...again, a good unit at a good price.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040501084423066017171238563661/g=home/search/detail/base_id/57775
cpatch is right though about being able to dynamically slow down;which I am assuming that you mean that you want to control the tempo/dynamics realtime...can't do it without synching with a midi controller ...if this isn't an issue, then you can create a song and pre program time/temp changes into the drum (sr-16) machine.
Dana |
Edited by - Dana on 05/01/2004 11:45:04 AM |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 05/01/2004 : 9:46:42 PM
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I would want to use this set up in performance, so I would want to be able to change temp mid stream -- don't have a midi controller
Maybe this is just asking for too much.
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Mark
Ha`aha`a
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2004 : 2:19:43 PM
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I would want to use this set up in performance, so I would want to be able to change temp mid stream -- don't have a midi controller
Maybe this is just asking for too much.
Well, the basic problem is convincing the robot that you are in control. If your machine will accept tap tempo via a momentary footswitch you can set & vary tempos simply by tapping your foot.
Sorry, don't know which will and which won't do this, but it's a pretty common feature.
The caveat is that these things are extremely literal -- they react to what they heard (felt?), not to what you think you entered.
I used to perform with a MIDI guitar rig wherein I'd set up sequences on the fly -- drum patterns, bass patterns, whatever -- via an onboard sequencer. If I wasn't very precise, I'd find myself trying to play to tracks with fractional time signitures weirder than anything found in nature... like three measures of 4/4 and one measure of 31/32!
Hey, how about hiring a drummer?
On the other hand, I've palyed with some drummers who thought 31/32 was a shuffle....
Cheers,
Mark
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2004 : 2:41:32 PM
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Thanks, Mark,
I'll check out the foot switch thing -- I think Guitar Center has a 30 day refund policy.
Too low budget for a live drummer -- I play at two restaurants - one of them is El Salvedorean and my music there tends toward Latin songs and flavors - and am thinking that a little percussion stuff might go well. Not like I just HAVE to have it. |
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Steven Espaniola
Lokahi
225 Posts |
Posted - 05/03/2004 : 4:41:11 PM
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| I also use an Alesis SR-16 and commend it for it's ease of use and durability. Great live and recorded. Excellent tool for woodshedding too! Since I have a Rainsong, graphiteshedding! |
Steven |
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