Showing posts with label drum machine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drum machine. Show all posts

4/20/2012

Akai MPC 5000 Music Production Center Review

Akai MPC 5000 Music Production Center
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Imagine having a synthesizer added to your MPC (assuming you have used a MPC before). Same capabilities as the previous models, but my favorite addition is the arpeggio function. When a MIDI keyboard is hooked up you can play out chords and press the arpeggiator button instead of just holding down the note-repeat button. I actually ordered and installed different color pads to give my MPC that customized-look. The internal hard drive is loaded with more than enough soundsets. The ability to chop and edit samples has been simplified with a few auto options. It also has a built in multitrack recorder (which I have yet to mess with), but seems easily accessible at the click of a button. I save my sounds on the internal hard drive and back them up on computer via USB port built on the back of the unit. The option to save and/or load is available for both Compact Flash cards and internal hard drive. Optional DVD Drive can be installed, too...this made my beat CD creation a cinch. The internal ROM is loaded with basic drum sets and synth presets. Make sure you update the Operating System for I heard the original OS was "buggy" (unstable). Like I mentioned in my title...the MPC5000 is quite pricey, but the power of this machine is unrivaled.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Akai MPC 5000 Music Production Center

The Akai MPC5000 has a greatly expanded feature set and that legendary MPC feel! The MPC series set the standard for beat production. What would it take to make the ultimate MPC? Dozens of engineers, 20 years of experience and a new synth and drum sampling engine unlike any MPC ever. Introducing the MPC5000; the new standard for music production. Purchase the Akai MPC5000 today and get a FREE Download of the MC5000 OS 2.0 from www.akaipro.com! Check out the in-depth comparison chart for all the MPC's that Akai makes. Use it to find out exactly how much power you need! The MPC5000 is the first MPC ever to include 8-track streaming hard disk recording, a 20-voice, 3-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 ppq resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks. There's even a new FX engine with 4 FX buses and 2FX per bus. Akai MPC5000 Features 64-voice drum/phrase sampler with 64MB memory (Expandable to 192MB) Three-oscillator virtual analog synth engine with built-in arpeggiator Over 300 Virtual Analog synth presets included Eight tracks of Direct-to-Hard Disk recording Over 40 all new effects available within a modular 4-bus effects processor Master compressor and equalizer Built-in hard disk drive Optional CD-R/DVD drive USB 2.0 port for computer con

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USB Roll Up Drum Kit for Free Play or Learning Game Review

USB Roll Up Drum Kit for Free Play or Learning Game
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is the Dream Cheeky USB drum kit. Buyers must be prepared for one quirk: the product stinks. Literally. It smells similar to a tire store but worse. If you're going to give this as a gift, I suggest removing it from the box to air it out before passing on.
The software is easy to install, starts up quickly, and is somewhat easy to use. I wish it had a mode like guitar-hero for practice. (At least, I haven't found such a mode.) It comes with various loops and beats and has graphics reminiscent of GH.
The pad itself is small and sensitive to hands as well as drumsticks. I bought this for my young son, but I think even an adult player would find it useful/fun.

Click Here to see more reviews about: USB Roll Up Drum Kit for Free Play or Learning Game

Install the software, plug in the drum pad, and you're ready to rock out in free play mode or with the learning mode, similar to popular play-along music video games! Features 6 playing pads, 6 drum samples, 48 rhythm patterns, 8 special effects, 8 bass drum loops, and adjustable tempo from 40-208 beats. Powered via USB port, no extra cables or power supply needed.Minimum system requirements:- Available USB port- Windows XP, Vista, or 7- 256 MB RAM- 200 MB available hard disk space- CD drive- 1.5 GHz or faster processor (Pentium 3 or equivalent)

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2/15/2012

Alesis SR16 Drum Machine Review

Alesis SR16 Drum Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Some history on this device: The Alesis SR-16 has been in production since 1991 and has gone through only slight revisions to the hardware since its original release. The 16-bit drum samples are still the same today as they were on this unit over 15 years ago. It is regarded as a break-through piece of studio gear and regarded by many studio engineers as the first rhythm machine capable of producing a convincing enough drum track capable of replacing a real drummer in studio recordings for rock applications. (Prior to the SR-16, rhythm machines were commonly used in pop music in the 80's, but it was always clear to trained ears that a rhythm machine was used, the SR-16 successfully blurred the line and made it possible to use rhythm machines in genres that generally frowned upon electronic drums such as: rock, country and blues) You'll hear the SR-16 on many professional tracks by top name recording artist from the early to mid-90's.
Today the SR-16 can still be found in many professional and home recording studios. With the emergence of Pro Tools and other PC based Digital Audio Workstations, stand alone rhythm machines have become much less popular today in pro recording, but they are still very popular in home studios and for performing solo musicians around the world.
Comparing the SR-16 to newer products: Rhythm machines produced by Roland/BOSS, Yamaha and ZOOM are the SR-16's primary competition, with Roland and Alesis often cited as leaders and innovators in pro electronic percussion (these companies also produce the best quality electronic kits and the same samples are used in their rhythm machine products). Some of the features common to newer rhythm machines not found on the SR-16 include: 24-bit samples, more memory, bass guitar sequencer ability to store MIDI files on device.
Ease of use: Aside from its convincing sound quality, perhaps the reason the SR-16 has remained in production and a favorite among musicians is its ease of use. The SR-16 was designed with the non-drummer solo musician in mind and is considered one of the easiest rhythm machines to program. It's interface has been copied (but many would say not trumped) by BOSS, Yamaha and others. The manual, while poorly edited does more than any other rhythm machine owners guide to cater to solo musician who doesn't understand the first thing about sequencing drum tracks and it's A,FillA,B,FillB pattern foot switch configuration makes it easier to improvise with... In short, you don't get much customization with the SR-16, but what you do get feature was is going to be the most popular setup which makes the device much more approachable than many modern rhythm machines and sequencer options. Has a full MIDI in/out through implementation so the SR-16 can be patched in and controlled from DAW's (Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, etc...)
Comparing generations: If you're buying previously owned model be aware that some features have changed over the years. First generation SR-16 models (1991-circa 2001) had about 1/2 of the user memory than that of the current production SR-16. Also, the first generation units did not have a headphone jack. In the early 2000's Alesis updated all the preset patterns creating a market for "vintage" SR-16 machines. Also, over the years the price has dropped significantly. The SR-16 was originally marketed as a high-end studio product with a price tag around $400. While the quality of the unit has only improved, the price has dropped as computer parts have become less expensive (also newer units are mass produced in Asia).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alesis SR16 Drum Machine

One of the most popular drum machines ever made, the Alesis SR16 Drum Machine has been used by everyone from songwriters to live performers to remix engineers as their drum machine of choice. It features a great selection of over 200 realistic, natural drum sounds, offered both in dry form and sampled with our quality digital reverbs. And Alesis' exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it's played harder--just like an acoustic drum--for truly realistic performances.
The SR-16 features 50 preset patterns that were actually played in by top studio drummers, not just programmed and quantized. The SR-16 also provides complete MIDI implementation, a footswitch input, flexible programming and editing features and velocity-sensitive pad buttons. It's easy to use so you'll be up and composing in minutes.
Dynamic Articulation Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive.
This results in sounds that respond accurately not only to dynamic changes, but also with the appropriate timbral and color changes you'd expect from their acoustic counterparts. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. The Random Sample feature also ensures you don't get the same sound twice for further creative realism.
Specifications
Audio Outputs: 4 (2 stereo pairs)
Pads: 12 velocity sensitive (w/Dynamic Articulation)
Sample/DAC Bit Resolution: 16/18
Sounds: 233
Sounds Accessible via Pads: 12
Sounds Accessible via MIDI: 120
Polyphony: 16 voice
Panning: 7-position user programmable
Velocity Response: 8 loudness levels via pads, 127 via MIDI
Timing Resolution: 96 ppq
Time Signature Range: 1-128 beats per pattern
Tempo Range: 20-255 bpm
Notes/Patterns/Songs: 12,000/400 (200 user, 200 preset)/100
Kits: 50 user, 50 preset
MIDI Program Change Response: Kit
Sync: MIDI Clock/Song Position Pointer
Footswitch Jacks/Functions: 2; start/stop, count/A/B/fill
Other Features: Sound stacking, step editing, stereo samples with reverb and ambience
Dynamic Articulation: Modulates tone
Power: 9 VAC External Transformer, UL and CSA Approved
Dimensions: 9.25 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 2.5 pounds


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2/01/2012

Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine Review

Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Looking for a dual drum and bass machine to keep my chops on beat, the zoom machine was perfect for practice sessions. It sounds excellent pluged into my home surround sound and really gets my creative improvisational juices flowing. I play fusion, rock, blues and jazz in the style of EVH to VAI. This machine gives me a nice work out and jams in many styles. Excellent practice tool to keep you fresh and really allows you to work on your creativity.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine

The RT-223 is a drum & bass machine for any kind of rhythm play. Small in size and light in weight, this low-profile unit will go with you anywhere. You can get a session going with your very own rhythm section in a flash, anywhere, anytime.


Seventy different kits from Rock Drum to Voice Percussion The range of drum kits built into the RT-223 is simply amazing. A total of 70 drum kits are built-in, with acoustic drum sounds for rock, R&B, funk, and jazz. Add an analog rhythm machine great for Techno and Hip Hop. Ethnic percussion sounds are also available. There are also five Human Voice "Beat Box" Percussion kits that are currently all the rage in Hip Hop. Create advanced rhythm tracks where kick, snare, scratch and other instrument sounds are expressed as human voices.

Create your own drum kits A drum kit consists of 13 pads x 3 banks = 39 sounds. Sound sources can be freely selected and assigned to the pads. Fine-tune parameters such as pitch, level, and panning to create your own original drum kits. The RT-223 lets you store up to 127 user-programmed kits.

Twelve built-in bass sound sources Choose from electric bass styles such as Pick, Finger, and Slap. Or select Acoustic Bass, Synthesizer Bass, or one of the other bass sources, 12 in total. To create a bass line, you can play the pads with assigned chromatic pitches just like a keyboard. A dedicated switch quickly lets you mute the bass sound at any time.

Two types of effects to control EQ and Ambience The overall EQ and tonal quality of a drum kit can be adjusted with the COMP EQ effect. The REVERB effects can be used simultaneously. These effects can also be applied to bass sounds. Up to 40 settings for each effect can be stored as patches.

440 preset patterns cover all musical styles From Rock, Jazz, and Funk to Club and House, the RT-223 comes with 440 playing patterns that can be used straight away. A large number of phrase variations including intro, fill-in, and ending patterns are also provided. By simply combining these, you can whip up a backing rhythm that delivers the goods.

Touch-sensitive pads let you build original patterns Programming your own patterns is a snap, thanks to the touch-sensitive drum pads. The RT-223 records not only your timing, but also the dynamics of your finger work. You can create and store up to 511 patterns. The process is made even easier through visual cues provided by the self-lit pads.

Quickly create original songs with FAST method You can combine any number of drum patterns in any order to create a song. In addition to step input where you select patterns one by one, the RT-223 also offers the innovative FAST (Formula Assisted Song Translator) method. With FAST, you use simple mathematical symbols such as +, -, (, and ) to specify the pattern lineup. This is especially useful for songs with repeated patterns. To play pattern number 12 eight times and then pattern 25 sixteen times, you simply enter "12 x 8 + 25 x 16". By enclosing this in brackets and adding a multiplication factor such as "( ) x 4", the entire sequence can be repeated. The RT-223 lets you store as many as 100 songs for automated backing.

Groove play mode lets you play patterns like a DJ Assigning patterns to pads allows you to trigger patterns simply by tapping the pads. This is great for live performances and for DJ use.

User-friendly design for simple operation The RT-223 is a dedicated rhythm machine designed to make rhythm programming truly easy. You can take the shortest possible route from idea to finished song. No need to boot up a PC and start DAW software, or laboriously read sound source data into a sampler. Most controls on the top panel of the RT-223 have only a single function, and there are no complicated multi-level menus. The backlit LCD shows all important information at a glance.

Total control with a foot switch Intro, pattern 1, fill-in, pattern 2, ... ending. Imagine controlling such a sequence just with a foot switch. With a Zoom FS01 Foot Switch (sold separately) you can rock out live, triggering patterns with your foot. You can also use the switch to start or stop a pattern, perform tap input to specify the tempo, trigger the bass drum sounds, switch between hi-hat open/close, and much more.

Metronome function for simple repeat practice The built-in metronome with its dedicated key is handy for simple repeat practice. In addition to the standard 2 - 8 beat, you can also use 6/8 beat, 7/8 beat, 2+3 beat, 3+4 beat and other mixed beat settings.

MIDI IN connector and external line input The MIDI IN connector allows synchronized play with an external device. By receiving note messages, the RT-223 can serve as drum sound source module in a MIDI-based system. The line input accepts the signal from a CD player or other line-level source, or from a guitar or bass via an effect. Seamlessly integrate the RT-223 into any session.

2-way power from size AA batteries or AC adaptor The unit will operate continuously for eight hours on a set of four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. Whether on stage or during rehearsals in the studio, the RT-223 is always ready. For extended studio work, an AC adaptor (sold seperately) can also be used.

What's in the Box Zoom RT223 Rhythm Trak Drum Machine, User's Manual


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12/08/2011

Yamaha YDD40 Portable Digital Electronic Drums Premium Pack Review

Yamaha YDD40 Portable Digital Electronic Drums Premium Pack
Average Reviews:

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Judging by the descriptions, not sure this was meant as a toy, but not sure what to call it as it is not being used as a drum trainer. Our 10 year old son is interested in music, but hasn't started in any formal music lessons. He likes to use this with his headphones and drum along with the music. The only issue is that with the hard plastic surrounding the rubber pads, when he misses, it is louder than we'd like. Still, so far it has been fun for our son to play and spends significant time finding new tunes and new drum patterns.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha YDD40 Portable Digital Electronic Drums Premium Pack

The Yamaha YDD40 electronic drums features great sound, feel and value in a convenient package.The DD40 makes portable digital drums available to more aspiring drummers. Four touch-sensitive pads, 99 world percussion sounds and a large selection of accompaniments make playing along with other instruments fun and easy. An AUX input lets drummers plug in an MP3 player or an iPod(R) and play along with their favorite music.This premium pack includes a pair of professional closed-cup headphones.

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9/13/2011

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine Review

Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I read one of the negative reviews and at first was not going to buy this machine. Then I thought how much of a geek I can be and said what the heck. Glad I done that because this machine is incredible. It has every feature you can think of and it can do anything. Programming it was very easy if you read the manual and the preset beats are nice too. Funny thing happen when I was purchasing it, the salesmen said not many people buy these machines anymore, they buy the drum software instead. Well I guess I'm sticking to the basics...Great Drum Machine...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss Dr. Rhythm DR-880 Rhythm Machine

The Boss DR-880 drum machine is a rhythm-programming powerhouse thats loaded with world-class drum, percussion, and bass sounds from Rolands famous SRX library. It also includes a stunning collection of original waveforms. You can get microscopic with the Boss DR-880, but you also have the option of taking the simple route with its three EZ Compose buttons, which allow original patterns to be constructed without note-by-note programming hassles. Patterns can be taken deeper with the Groove Modify feature, where various groove and triplet feels can be applied. Ghost notes and fills can also be added automatically.

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8/26/2011

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine Review

Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I had the SR-16 and out of all the drum machines I ever owned it was the most user friendly so when I noticed the new SR-18 I had huge expectations, basically this is the same machine but they have made some very weird changes, my first complaint is you have to save every single thing that you do, they took this to the point of being completely ridiculous,every single edit you make must be saved I am not kidding. and then something weird; I noticed that whatever tempo you decide to play a pattern in it is automatically saved, one of the least important things (to me anyway) so now every pattern has it's very own tempo, that just seems strange to me, one thing I liked about the SR-16 was when you wanted to change the length of a pattern you were give the option of taking bars off the end or the beginning, the SR-18 is like every other drum machine and you can only cut off the end, the SR-16 also had an output to dump all of your data onto a tape or cd (or whatever you prefer) so then you never run ot of memory, The SR-18 does not have this cool feature either,the sounds are good,lots of cool presets but drum machines still have a very long way to go before I will get too excited, I thought this was supposed to be an upgrade. ?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alesis SR18 Drum Machine with Effects Engine

The next-generation Alesis SR18 drum machine is loaded with cutting-edge drumsets, electronic drums, one-shot hits, and modern percussion sounds--from hip-hop to country and everything in between--for any cutting-edge musician's performances and compositions. It also offers an effects engine with Alesis reverb, EQ, and compression so you can output recording or performance-ready sounds. And Alesis' exclusive Dynamic Articulation feature enables a drum sound to change its tonal content as it's played harder--just like an acoustic drum--for truly realistic performances.
You can plug in an instrument, such as a guitar, and play along for setup simplicity. You can play in bass parts using the pads on the SR18 or connect a MIDI keyboard for fast, musical low end. The SR18 can be powered by AC or batteries for on-the-go composition
Key Features
Large, 32 MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth
Over 500 drum and percussion sounds and 50 bass sounds
Built-in Alesis effects: reverbs, EQs, and compression
Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly
Programmable Drum Roll function
Mute/Solo Function: mute drums, bass, and percussion or individual pads
Flexible wall (adapter included) and battery powering (six AA, not included)
Backlit LCD
100 preset patterns, 100 user locations
12 velocity sensitive pads
Tap tempo for instant beats exactly as you want them

Dynamic Articulation Discerning ears will notice that each sound is actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre, not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation, an Alesis exclusive.
This results in sounds that respond accurately not only to dynamic changes, but also with the appropriate timbral and color changes you'd expect from their acoustic counterparts. You can play with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rimshots, rim clicks and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. The Random Sample feature also ensures you don't get the same sound twice for further creative realism.
Specifications
Sound set: 32 MB, multi-sampled
Polyphony: 32 voices
Inputs: 1/4-inch instrument (guitar)
Outputs: 1/4-inch stereo pair, 1/4-inch TRS, 1/4-inch TRS stereo headphone
MIDI: in, out/thru
Footswitch: two inputs - start/stop, count/A/B/fill


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