[sdiy] Thoughts on drum synth

[media.nai at rcn.com]

>The conversations has been had a million times before, and it will be mad
>a million times again. Don't use synthesizers to do a kickdrum's job. If
>you want a kickdrum, use a kickdrum.

Right, it's apples and oranges.  Both are useful sounds.

>In the
>very least, while you may be able to nail one sound, the normal use of a
>bass drum within a single track contains many different sounds even though
>only one drum and one drummer is present.  What will be difficult to
>synthesize is the human qualities of the playing, which as you know is a
>real big part of the the whole effect of  a drummer drumming.

The acoustics of the room play an important part.  Also, kick drums tend to
"catch air".

>3) most LIVE kick drums come with a live kick drummer... who will kick as
>>hard as he/she/it can.  It is agreed that most drums sound best when you
>>hit them hard.

Too get the sound of a live drummer you will need digital voice synthesis:

"When do we get free beers??"
"Check out that blonde in the tube top!!"
"Yo, anyone got any duct tape??"
"Dude, Ringo is still alive."
etc.

>Any opinions on the "sound" of some approaches such as the various Rol at nd
>>units? Any favorites ?

I like the 909 kick and snare, the 808 cowbell and congas.  The 909 hi-hats
are fabulous, but they use a mix of analogue and PCM.

>Ones not to waste time on ?

The TR-606??

*ducks*