Looking for drum software...

[SteveHalv]

I am pretty new to home recording and I need to replace my Boss Dr. Rhythm. I have my eye on EZ Drummer, but I want to know if you can program drum tracks from scratch using the samples on the software. Do I have to use a MIDI keyboard to do so?

[tdwctdwc]

i think Ezdrummer is good, but it's limited if you're looking to tweak the snare or create your own sound in it.
Superior Drummer or Addictive Drums might have more options for that.

[Metaltyme]

I have my eye on EZ Drummer, but I want to know if you can program drum tracks from scratch using the samples on the software. Do I have to use a MIDI keyboard to do so?

No, you don't have to have a keyboard to program your drums. You do at least need some kind of MIDI-sequencer-software (such as FL Studio, Anvil Studio, Cubase, Sonar, Reason, etc.). Once you have some sort of MIDI sequencer, you can most certainly mouse-click each drum hit/note to taste from scratch within a MIDI sequencer's piano roll if you don't have (or want) a MIDI keyboard controller for "real" performance...this is how I usually do it with great result (IMO, that is) anyway. Although, sometimes, I do use an eDrum MIDI controller to capture a "kinda-live-feel" when I don't feel like breaking down my drum parts in a MIDI sequencer by hand...that can be tedious when you're in a hurry any want to get cracking.

EZ Drummer is great for quick, processed drum sounds. For bigger, deeper, and potentially more personal musical projects, you might want something a little more robust for the extra, extra tweaking capabilities...that'll give you a little more character than that of EZ Drummer's more cookie-cutter, out-of-the-box type sounds. I love using Superior Drummer 2.0 (EZ Drummer's big 'bro'). It offers more samples, and, more variations between the differing MIDI-note velocities. It's on-board mixer (complete with its own effects) is killer too. Plus, it runs all the EZ Drummer expansion packs, as well as its own, more sophisticated expansion packs. Depending on how serious and long-term you are with your musical recording aspirations, I'd recommend spending a little more tiny bit of cash for Superior Drummer 2.0. But, if you need a decent sounding drum ROMpler, with little need for deeper, more individualistic tweaking, then I'd go with EZ drummer proudly. Either way, Toontrack is an excellent company to go with from what I've seen 'in my travels.'

Not that there is anything pretentiously special about the track below, but have a listen (to "~Menace~") if you'd like to see what one can do with Superior Drummer 2.0, programming each note you hear by hand, one note at a time...from scratch. There's also some hand-programmed MIDI bass in there driving a bass-guitar module called "Trilogy." I'm sure the same MIDI drums would sound pretty good using EZ Drummer as well. I like my drums a bit "drier" though.

Good luck,

[fortyseven]

As Metalty said, EZDrummer is a great piece of software to cut your teeth on. Its simple to use and very user friendly. You can use and modify the beats that are included, you can pencil in your own beats by hand using any MIDI editor, you can tap out your beats on a MIDI keyboard or you can bang out your own via an electronic kit. The possibilities are almost endless. I highly recommend it.
However, if you're looking to have more control then I'd recommend going for something like Superior or Addictive Drums. Similar concept to EZDrummer but slightly more advanced. I recently bought a copy of Addictive Drums after using EZDrummer for almost a year and so far I've been more than impressed. I also highly recommend it.

[shackman]

I've been using Linplug's RM series for years.

The latest version (RMV) includes dozens of grooves which you can load straight onto your songs at whatever tempo you've chosen for the song. You can then edit them in a midi editor to fit your needs.

But you can also select from Gigas worth of samles and pencil stuff onto a midi editor (as Metal does). All the samples can be shaped and there are randomisation controls for feel and tempo to "make it sound more live".

I actually pencil all the drum hits by hand - time consuming but effective and I like the results I get.

And you don't need a midi keyboard.

IMO, it's a question of finding the software you like and running with it. I look at Addictive and EXdrummer now and then, but I'm used to RMV and can't see that the others give me any more than I need.