Recording Drum Parties with an Electric Drum Set
There are numerous reasons why one might opt to record drums using electronic drums instead of acoustic drums. Here are a few advantages:
1. Reduced Noise: Recording with e-drums produces less noise compared to acoustic drums.
2. Sound Manipulation: With electronic drums, you can typically still adjust and modify the sounds even after recording.
3. Error Correction: Mistakes can be easily corrected when recording with e-drums.
4. Equipment Convenience: You don’t have to deal with the hassle of setting up microphones and other equipment when using electronic drums.
However, you may be wondering how exactly this process works. There are two primary methods for recording electronic drums: audio recording and MIDI recording. Let’s explore each method in detail.
1. Audio Recording
This is the simplest way to record your electronic drum set. You connect the outputs of your drum module to a recorder, mixer, or computer sound card. Once connected, you can play and record your drums. It’s important to note that when using this method, you need to choose your drum set in advance because the sounds are recorded directly and cannot be easily changed afterwards. If your drum module has multiple audio outputs, it is recommended to use them for multi-track recordings. By recording your bass drum, snare drum, and other sounds separately, you retain more control over the sound of each component when it comes to mixing.
2. MIDI Recording
Preparations
With MIDI recording, you have complete control over the sound and performance of your drums. To get started, you’ll need a computer with sequencer software such as Cubase, Pro Tools, or Logic Pro, as well as virtual drum software like Addictive Drums, EZ drummer, Superior Drummer, or BFD2. Additionally, your electronic drum set should have a MIDI output, which is commonly available on newer models through a USB port.
MIDI is a data stream that indicates when and which instrument you hit, rather than transmitting audio signals. The virtual drum software converts this stream of events into corresponding sounds on the computer.
To begin, install the necessary software and drivers for your drum set on your computer. Many drum kits are automatically recognized and installed by Windows or Mac OS.
Create a MIDI track and connect the output to the drum software plugin. Select your electronic drum set as the input. Each software may have its own specific settings, so you may need to explore and adjust accordingly. Electronic drum sets typically use General MIDI or GM for MIDI signals, while some virtual drum software may have its own MIDI format. It’s usually easiest to use the software in GM mode.
Recording and Post-Processing
With MIDI recording, you can focus on playing your part without worrying about the specific sound. Simply choose a drum kit that you enjoy playing with, and make the final sound selection later.
During the recording process, you can have a click track playing in your headphones or speakers without concerns about bleed. Since no microphones are used, you can adjust the volume as loud as you prefer.
If you’re not satisfied with the initial recording, you can create a new track and repeat the process until you achieve a good take. Alternatively, you can combine the best parts from different takes to create a final, polished recording.
Example of 6 different drum takes within a Cubase project
In conclusion, recording drums with electronic drums offers various advantages such as reduced noise, post-recording sound manipulation, error correction, and equipment convenience. Whether you choose to record audio directly or use MIDI recording, both methods provide unique benefits for capturing and refining your drum performances.
For more information and access to the software mentioned above, you can find relevant links at the bottom of this page.
Nikolai
January 7, 2024 @ 10:41 am
Sounds like a great way to have some noise-free fun!