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What is everyone's thoughts on using virtual rhythym instruments versus the real thing? I currently use a real drum kit, bass and guitars on all of my productions, but my versatility is limited on those instruments since I'm primarily a piano player. I'd like to be able to expand my catalog of guitar riffs and drum grooves without compromising the sound quality. Here is a link to a recent song I did for a Taxi listing ala the Beach Boys using all real instrumentation and vocals:http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInf ... 791904What (simple to use) MIDI gear is out there that will allow me to expand my drum grooves and guitar riffs without compromising "realness?"Thanks a bunch! Larry

Quote:What is everyone's thoughts on using virtual rhythym instruments versus the real thing? I currently use a real drum kit, bass and guitars on all of my productions, but my versatility is limited on those instruments since I'm primarily a piano player. I'd like to be able to expand my catalog of guitar riffs and drum grooves without compromising the sound quality. Here is a link to a recent song I did for a Taxi listing ala the Beach Boys using all real instrumentation and vocals:http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInf ... 791904What (simple to use) MIDI gear is out there that will allow me to expand my drum grooves and guitar riffs without compromising "realness?"Thanks a bunch! LarryHey Larry,All the great drummer jokes aside, for me personally, it's impossible to be as good at something I only do every once in a while, as good as a professional drummer that's been doing it for decades. I bring in the best drummers and percussionists in the world to play on my tracks... they've just recorded their drum tracks as software virtual instruments in advance of my tracks instead of the other way around. As long as you're doing PC/Mac based recording then software based drum/percussion plugin packages and virtual instruments are the way to go. I know there are reasons for owning outboard hardware gear but I use software based virtual instruments exclusively. I don't have this package but I think Mazz does. I'd think it would be hard to beat something like EZ Drummer. It's inexpensive and has tons of expansion sets, everything from Nashville style to Vintage Rock. They sound real because they are real, recorded by top-notch drummers in studios we could only dream of.

EZ drummer is very very good. It uses MIDI loops so tempo is not an issue and the drums were recorded in studios costing thousands a day by engineers costing, well, probably thousands a day.I have no qualms about using virtual versions of live players. As Dave said, it's so easy to get great (and great sounding) parts these days, that it makes very little sense trying to record them yourself unless you have the chops and the gear to make it sound as good as you can get for 200 bucks on a DVD!!!!!EZ Drummer is fantastic. Toontrack, the creator, makes a higher end virtual drummer as well but EZ Drummer was a no-brainer for me because of the MIDI loops.Have fun!Mazz

Thanks, guysLarry

Another two thumbs up for EZ Drummer. The Nashville expansion was recorded by Chuck Ainley ( an engineer with an incredible resume) with Harry Stinson on drums ( one of the A List Nashville drummers) So far I have not used it for anything that even remoted resembles country.Each expansion pack come with midi files that trigger the samples. You find a loop you like and drag it into you sequencer. You can further edit and or trigger the drum kit from a controller (keyboard or other) Also, the midi files can be used to trigger any kit and each kit has multiple drum or cymbal samples on each drum or cymbal in the kit. If you're looking for real drums as an alternative to using a drummer, I think this is a great option.For bass tracks I'm using Trilogy by Spectrasonics and recently added Ivory for acoustic piano. When you add a real instrument (in my case guitar) you can very much create the illusion of a real band.I've tried to gradually upgrade all my virtual instruments over time to spread out not only the cost, but the learning curve as well.Chuck

I use BFD for drums, and just program the parts myself. I get asked now and then "who played drums on that tune?" But, a LOT of getting the fake drums to sound real is the mix. BFD gives you outputs of each "mic" as well as overheads and room mics, just like I'd record it if I was in a cool studio. Then I can mix the drums just like I would a live kit. I agree with Chuck... Trilogy has been my goto bass for years and Ivory is stellar for piano. I don't have anything that keeps up with a real guitar player though...

Stick, BFD (lite) came with my system last year when I ordered from Sweetwater. When you say you "just program the parts yourself", do you mean that your using your keyboard to physically trigger the kick, snare, etc for the entire length of the track -( IE: creating your own grooves) or are you using the preset grooves that came with BFD?I've toyed with it a bit, but really don't have a clue how to use it.ThanksLarry

Yeah, using the keyboard. Usually I'll play a section roughly and then go back and fine tune the fills and ghost notes and whatever. I've never spent much time trying to use the built in grooves, but I know they're there.

Thanks,LW

I love your demo, Larry! Sounds really good.I've produced/arranged 100's of Midi demos for clients, and they've all been pleased with the results.BUT, when I've done recordings as an artist, GOOD live musicians trump Midi. Why? Because of the personality that it adds to the track. I've argued the pro-Midi side for years until I finally started recording with a band of professional musicians. The different personalities, playing styles, attitudes, and years of practice on their respective instruments are impossible for one person to program.Also, having just 1 or 2 live players added to a Midi recording will liven things up. There are lots of good composers who produce great sounding masters, but the FEEL that live players give can put your recording above the level of the competition.My 2 cents,Ern