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That Monkey Drummer vid is bonkers.

Anybody else see tis crazy wii-mote controlled percussion rig? Seriously sweet.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b-tWK6AeLY[/youtube]

Plus - it's called J A Z A R I.

Roland mv-8000. Mpc killer. Cheap used. A full blown studio in a box. I like them so much I own one.

Unless you are dead set on getting a drum machine, computer software is the way to go. Garageband is great place to start. Then the jump to Logic Express is the next logical (pun intended) step. I started out with GB when it first came out and have since upgraded to Logic Express 9 and I also run Reason and Record. You can start out using loops in GB to build songs and then alter the loops to make them more your own (like jrmy was saying), or you can pound out the beats on your keyboard or a midi controller (some have drums pads and keys). Let me know if you have any questions. I know drum machines are sexy but they do have their limits.

MannequinRaces wrote:Unless you are dead set on getting a drum machine, computer software is the way to go. Garageband is great place to start. Then the jump to Logic Express is the next logical (pun intended) step. I started out with GB when it first came out and have since upgraded to Logic Express 9 and I also run Reason and Record. You can start out using loops in GB to build songs and then alter the loops to make them more your own (like jrmy was saying), or you can pound out the beats on your keyboard or a midi controller (some have drums pads and keys). Let me know if you have any questions. I know drum machines are sexy but they do have their limits.

That's true - I forgot all about using midi/keys in GB to build beats! That's an option, though one I haven't explored much.

You can also find libraries of single-shot drum samples for sale on Ebay all the time - you'll get a disc with folders of bass drums, snares, cymbals, percussion. You can just drop those in GB manually. If you're using the "snap to" function, it's really easy to get them to line up with the beat. Plus some of those libraries have really old/obscure drum machine sounds... even if you're not building beats from the ground up, it can be a good way to get little splashes of cool sounds in there.

I see where you are coming from with using GB and loops but I find it easier to have a box that is purposed for just one function. I am always finding with the laptop that I am hauling it around with me everywhere so I need to set it up in my rig. Usually with a standalone box there are fewer hassles and distractions...more user friendly and intuitive interface...fewer problems with latency...you've got knobs to twist and buttons to push over a screen and mouse ( I know the midi controller can get around this but it also makes things less portable)....just plain easier to use usually. I guess I am a hardware luddite.

If you're looking for something inexpensive that covers a wide range of sounds, I would suggest the Alesis SR-18. The SR-16 is a classic, but the SR-18's extra sounds, effects, and backlit display make it a better choice. The Linn Adrenalinn III is also a good choice if you're looking for something to practice with, plus you get interesting tempo sync'ed effects too, sort of like the MIDI Murf (and then some), but way cheaper.

http://www.alesis.com/sr18

http://www.rogerlinndesign.com/products ... inn3.shtml

Cheers

Check ye olde B/S/T:

http://www.ilovefuzz.com/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=8868

dammit, i would have jumped on that, especially because i also had a POG to trade as well.... booooooo.....

ended up getting the Zoom MRT-3 because it's compact and sounds good enough AND is only $99..... i'll post a review here if i like it....

stanimal wrote:dammit, i would have jumped on that, especially because i also had a POG to trade as well.... booooooo.....

ended up getting the Zoom MRT-3 because it's compact and sounds good enough AND is only $99..... i'll post a review here if i like it....

yes pls thnx.

Any of the old Dr. Rhythms from Boss, up until they had built-in effects; you can take the worst sounding drum machine in the world and make it sound interesting by running it though effects, i.e. fuzz, ring mods, and envelope filters. Otherwise, if you are looking for pure sound, then I'd say get a TR-808 or one of the old EHX DRM boxes. If you need realistic sounds, get a real drummer, or get a real drummer to play sounds from NI's Battery using a pad controller.

Looks like you're already sorted out, but if you do find yourself heading down the software track, I highly recommend FruityLoops. I don't know about the latest versions (FL Studio? or something?), but the early ones were AWESOME simple sequencers, with a ton of great drum samples.
Just about every song I've recorded has a fruityloop drumbeat. Sometimes it's obvious, sometimes not...but it's the devil I know, and I like the damn thing. Really intuitive layout.

Bias Drum Synth/Coron DS-8/a ton of other ones that are the same circuit

Nobody noticed the total Zombie thread action, but I second the SR-16. Also, I may be selling mine soon. It's almost as old as I am, which is neat, but I never use it.