Drum Machines

[Chewie5150]

VST's costs haha well don't ask me I've been on a plugin rampage this year but honestly as little as you need or as much as you want. Unless you're married to a specific hardware keyboard synth and love its onboard sounds it may be more than you ever need. My last yammy MODX+ was great. Loads of sounds and i never scratched the surface but found I never used them ...found myself using VST's more so went that route. Also, if you got a Ni keyboard even the cheapest ones they offer...they will come bundled with a pretty good collection of VST's enough to keep you going.

 

[SpudMan]

Still looking at the NI 88 key, but also wondering how crappy the Studiologic 88 key midi is that costs $499. It has weighted keys and if I waited until the newer model comes out in June, it has a built in audio interface. Or I could get the current version with a cheaper audio interface that just handles one input/output. I know the Studiologic couldn't be as good as the NI, but since I don't know yet how well I will enjoy a keyboard, it might be a good starting point. Not sure. The issue with the Studiologic is people sometimes complain about the keys that stop working in places.
Not at all the dfiversity of sounds, but I am drawn to Nords, just not ready to spend that much for a keyboard as noted above.
On a literally opposite approach, the modx+ 88 key looks like it doesn't need an audio interface, and has weighted keys.

 

[Chewie5150]

Still looking at the NI 88 key, but also wondering how crappy the Studiologic 88 key midi is that costs $499. It has weighted keys and if I waited until the newer model comes out in June, it has a built in audio interface. Or I could get the current version with a cheaper audio interface that just handles one input/output. I know the Studiologic couldn't be as good as the NI, but since I don't know yet how well I will enjoy a keyboard, it might be a good starting point. Not sure. The issue with the Studiologic is people sometimes complain about the keys that stop working in places.
Not at all the dfiversity of sounds, but I am drawn to Nords, just not ready to spend that much for a keyboard as noted above.
On a literally opposite approach, the modx+ 88 key looks like it doesn't need an audio interface, and has weighted keys.

yeah nords are amazing but so pricey. I"d love one. the modx 88 has weighted keys. I've had the full sized. pretty good. and it works as an interface. I looked into the studiologic while back when i was lookign for a 88key midi keyboard as I heard they have the nicest midi keybeds. if i'm not mistaken they make the fatar keybeds (well fatar owns studiologic) but i heard the keyboard interface was clunky /awkward so I moved on but yeah i see they have an updated one comign out that looks pretty good. Im not familiar with the issues you mentioned with their keys but perhaps new model has fixed a few flaws. The yamaha modx line i think is a great keyboard. its montage light bascially. pretty good bang for the buck. I quite liked mine..

 

[SpudMan]

yeah nords are amazing but so pricey. I"d love one. the modx 88 has weighted keys. I've had the full sized. pretty good. and it works as an interface. I looked into the studiologic while back when i was lookign for a 88key midi keyboard as I heard they have the nicest midi keybeds. if i'm not mistaken they make the fatar keybeds (well fatar owns studiologic) but i heard the keyboard interface was clunky /awkward so I moved on but yeah i see they have an updated one comign out that looks pretty good. Im not familiar with the issues you mentioned with their keys but perhaps new model has fixed a few flaws. The yamaha modx line i think is a great keyboard. its montage light bascially. pretty good bang for the buck. I quite liked mine..

I am going to look into the modx8+. Might be more verstile for me if I can only one one keyboard.

 

[Chewie5150]

I am going to look into the modx8+. Might be more verstile for me if I can only one one keyboard.

Actually yeah it would be a great choice. plus you can also add vst's later and control with the modx in midi mode. Also if you go that route...check out Narfsounds. He makes some great presets for the MODX. I had all his packs. you can find him on youtube/facebook etc

 

[SpudMan]

Actually yeah it would be a great choice. plus you can also add vst's later and control with the modx in midi mode. Also if you go that route...check out Narfsounds. He makes some great presets for the MODX. I had all his packs. you can find him on youtube/facebook etc

I am going to for sure research the modx8+ more. Thanks for the help.

 

[SpudMan]

Actually yeah it would be a great choice. plus you can also add vst's later and control with the modx in midi mode. Also if you go that route...check out Narfsounds. He makes some great presets for the MODX. I had all his packs. you can find him on youtube/facebook etc

One final follow up question: Comparing the MODX8+ and the Roland Fantom 08, do you know of any significant pros and cons of one over the other? I know you had previously mentioned the Yamaha was more plastic and as a result lighter and easier to move around. That isn't an issue for me as I would never move it once I got it in place in my basement studio. But things like ability to load VST's, ... Those are the things that would be good to know if there are advantages of one instrument over the other. I will of course continue to research both on my own, but just wondering if off the top of your head you know any of the pros and cons. Thanks!

 

[chrisjnyc]

Running a PC\Mac based drum machine would be my suggestion. I have owned a few physical drum machines, but its always a case of not liking the drum beat styles, or it sounds like an 80s video game. So many cheap and free apps, and you can do a straight 4/4 pattern, or one that has some swing to it.

 

[SpudMan]

Running a PC\Mac based drum machine would be my suggestion. I have owned a few physical drum machines, but its always a case of not liking the drum beat styles, or it sounds like an 80s video game. So many cheap and free apps, and you can do a straight 4/4 pattern, or one that has some swing to it.

Any suggestions for downloads? I will search myself also but if you know of a particular good one, that would be helpful.

 

[chrisjnyc]

I have been using Arturia Spark and Toontrack Superior Drummer. Trying to remember the name of the plugin I used before that was free... Found these options

https://hiphopmakers.com/free-drum-vst-plugins-best-drum-vst-instruments

 

[Chewie5150]

One final follow up question: Comparing the MODX8+ and the Roland Fantom 08, do you know of any significant pros and cons of one over the other? I know you had previously mentioned the Yamaha was more plastic and as a result lighter and easier to move around. That isn't an issue for me as I would never move it once I got it in place in my basement studio. But things like ability to load VST's, ... Those are the things that would be good to know if there are advantages of one instrument over the other. I will of course continue to research both on my own, but just wondering if off the top of your head you know any of the pros and cons. Thanks!

I can't personally speak about the roland. I have no direct experience with that board but I know they are in the same category. I'd say both on par. if i were starting fresh looking at the two i'd take a strong look at that roland. i know each board has its strenghts in sounds. but dont think you could go wrong with either . ...looking at the roland what would appeal to me is more onboard controls that would be useful for VST's. the MODX lacks there and that was a big reason i let mine go. Perhaps if i had the roland board i may have just kept it for the faders/pads. That's a big win there i'd say.

 

[GormTheOld]

Thanks. I confess to not being clear in what I said. I am of two minds really. A simple Beat Buddy type product would be good, but if I could get something more robust, but still capable of doing what the Beat Buddy does, that would be good. Especially if the two products are close in price. The TR-08 seems interesting. But then it is a slippery slope. Maybe a Juno -6, maybe a Fantom -6, ......

The "808" (TR-08) is probably not what you want. When someone said "back in the day", they meant early to late 80's hip hop/rap/pop drum machine. It is very famous though and there are documentaries on it. My favorite "808" song is NWA's Straight outa Compton! ...lol

The "909" (TR-09) would be the version they used in the late 80's/90's pop... like everybody... ie. Whitney Houston... clap, clap, clap.

I can't offer you a suggestion, other than the drummers in Logic Pro (apple). The roland TR-08/09's are really for people wanting to recreate that 80's or 90's pop song "drum" sound.

 

[SpudMan]

The "808" (TR-08) is probably not what you want. When someone said "back in the day", they meant early to late 80's hip hop/rap/pop drum machine. It is very famous though and there are documentaries on it. My favorite "808" song is NWA's Straight outa Compton! ...lol

The "909" (TR-09) would be the version they used in the late 80's/90's pop... like everybody... ie. Whitney Houston... clap, clap, clap.

I can't offer you a suggestion, other than the drummers in Logic Pro (apple). The roland TR-08/09's are really for people wanting to recreate that 80's or 90's pop song "drum" sound.

Based on what you said; definitely they aren't what I am looking for. I do like NWA, but not for my use case.

 

[Bogi]

SpudMan, you’re at a classic crossroads. I’ve been there, and the "black hole" is real, but here is some good news that might save your budget:

1. You already have an Audio Interface!
You mentioned you have an FM3. That unit is a high-quality 4x4 USB audio interface. You don’t need to buy a separate one right now. Just connect the FM3 to your MacBook via USB, and you can run your computer’s audio (including VSTs) through your monitors or headphones connected to the FM3.

2. The VST "Black Hole" vs. Hardware
You’re right that VSTs can get expensive, but here’s the trick: Bundles.
If you buy an NI Kontrol S88 MK3, it comes with Komplete Select. That already includes decent pianos and drums to get you started for $0 extra.
Arturia keyboards come with Analog Lab, which has thousands of synth sounds.
Pro tip: Never buy VSTs at full price. Wait for the summer or Black Friday sales (Native Instruments and Soundtoys usually go 50% off).

3. Piano vs. Drums (The weighted keys dilemma)
If Piano is your #1 priority for music theory, you definitely want 88 weighted keys (like the S88 or Fantom-08). However, playing drums on weighted piano keys is frustrating—it’s like trying to run a marathon in hiking boots.
A Novation Launchkey is a great middle ground because it has pads for drums and keys for theory, but the keys feel "plasticky" compared to a real piano.

My recommendation for your "Building Block" approach:

• Option A (The Software Route): Get the NI S88 MK3. Use the included software and your FM3 as the interface. For drums, use the free version of Steven Slate Drums or MT Power Drum Kit. This gives you the best piano feel for learning theory.
• Option B (The All-in-One): The Roland Fantom-08. It’s a beast. The "Scene" workflow is great for practice, and the drum sounds are very usable, even if they aren't "Superior Drummer 3" level. The best part? No computer needed to just sit down and play.

If I were you, and I wanted to focus on theory and piano first, I’d go with a solid 88-key controller. The software "black hole" is only dangerous if you have no self-control during sales! For just practicing tempo/rhythm, even a free metronome app or a simple YouTube drum loop is enough to start while you master those piano chords.

 

[guitarplayer1969]

I had a Beatbuddy for many many years and was glad the day I sold it. It's fine if you just want to use the stock stuff and mess around at home, or a solo performerand have very defined setlist that doesnt change, but if you want to program custom songs, too hard to use. I got pretty deep in the programming and also doing One Press songs with bass, but it was so time consuming to make its sound real(I was originally a drummer so go for realism), like programming an old school sequencer . There was so much frustration on the Singular Sound forums because the company basically abandoned the development of a decent update Beatbuddy Manager to focus on their other products, and promised an updated version for years. There were even members begging them to make it open source so someone else could improve it. Not sure if they ever did now, but I see they sell a new pedal now that is over $500 - Maybe they improved everything and its great now, but for me its a hardpass, as the company does not take care of their customers that helped them launch their business.

 

[Admin M@]

The E-Mu PX7 was one of the best and most creative drum machines I ever owned. I sort of regret having sold it, but I really never used it after I started using Logic.