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Anyone use hardware drum machines with their iOS / DAW / groovebox setup?
I'm asking because at this point I've "been around" in the gear and music-making world. I have several solid ways to make beats, including several iOS like BM3, Pulse, etc., DAWs like Ableton, and the OP1, and most recently, MPC hardware.
Earlier this year, I bought the RD9. Simply put, it is the most fun for starting up a beat. But I haven't used it much. Like having an old sports car in a garage that you drive every few months only.
Some sage GAS musicians would say to simply sell anything you basically don't use for 6 months.
Is there something I should be trying with my other gear before selling the RD9?
Happy Holidays,
Joe
Comments
I have MPC One but i don’t like the software UI, me and it clash. I bought an Sp404 mk2 and although i DO NOT use MIDI cuz its a pretty junk implementation, there are many things about the new 404 that make it ideal for pairing with ios.
If you really like the MPC and you use its sequencer and use it as a bank for samples you are good to go. Just work with what you got and make music. If it doesnt feel encouraging, if you are always getting stuck trying to do what you wanna do then get rid of it.
Same goes for the op1 but I would guess you are enjoying the op1 and ios combo ( I know I would but don’t wanna starve to do so)
The only real benefit to the RD9 is the midi is probably more simple and you can use the TR style sequencer for lightening fast drum beats. I would much rather put that toward TR8s though.
Or a synth so you have more than the op1 to find melodies on.. ( I use an Ultranova mostly cuz its keys are awesome and its 37 key, I would be happy with almost anything, Im not super picky)
I bought my TR-6S when it was discounted so low that it was cheaper than the RD9. It's one of my favorite buys for 2022. I love the ACB modeled analog drums, the simpler FM drums, and the newer FM drum models that were released in 2022, which have a lot more parameters for tweaking.
It's internal sequencer is great for, well, TR-style sequencing. I like the TR style for quickly making a tight, on-grid beat. For off-grid sequencing, I use an external sequencer with it. MC-707/101 are great partners for it with their off-grid sequencing and default instrument mappings (kick to kick, snare to snare, etc.).
I'll definitely use it with my DAW, and probably the MPC One, although i anticipate putting more work into setting up the drum mappings over MIDI. MPC One has a Drumsynth instrument already, but you have to commit an entire track for each instrument (snare, kick etc.)
I would say now I use my IPad in my hardware setup, I’ve kinda drifted away from sequencing on my IPad and now I’m using its as a sound module going into my Tascam Model 24 along with my other hardware, or I’ll run my guitar thru it. Other than that I’ll use it as a sketch pad, especially using IPad apps that export Ableton projects. Before the whole Covid epidemic I was more focused on being mobile with audio production but things happen. 🤷🏽♂️
Thanks.
I also have a Tascam -- the DP24SD -- which taught me a lot about mixing and routing and why faders are cool. TBH, I was quite happy with it until I got the MPC. And right now, I'm kinda' forcing myself to stick with the MPC until I get pretty competent with it. Don't expect to learn everything, of course.
Also, I expect to incorporate the iPad into the MPC someday, especially some of the unique and superlative sounds like Animoog. And great MIDI programs like Fugue Machine.
Right now the RD9 is mostly on the shelf due to space constraints.
I have an MPC One and although not standalone drum machines per se, I have a BeatStep Pro and Launchpad Pro MK3, which both have great step sequencers. I do love sequencing synths and drum machines in AUM and Drambo from the BSP and LPP. I have yet to incorporate the MPC sounds into my iPad. I have sequenced a plugin or two in AUM from the MPC , but just so I knew how to do it. You could take the Jeff Mills approach with your RD9 and build an entire song inside it:
Record the performance into your MPC then layer sounds from your other gear and plugins 🤩
I used the Octatrack as a drum machine with lots of 4 on the floor beats with crazy “scene” fader transitions and buildups.
On the iPad I had Seaquence and I synced the live by ear.
The synching on Seaquence wasn’t updated. it’s a workaround with midi link didn’t work anymore for me.
Wow are you me? lol. I just recently sold my MPC One as I didn’t like the UI or workflow at all. Used the funds to buy the 404 mk2 and I’m absolutely in love with it.
I used to use the OP-Z for drum parts, because it’s so fast and easy to come up with interesting variations. But now I use Drambo more, even though it’s step-components aren’t nearly as instant to use.
Got a Korg Volca Drum for Xmas so looking forward putting that in a AUM mix.