BFD/Virtual Drums Workflow

topslakr · 5th December 2006

I'm thinking about getting setup with BFD here in the studio. Computer power and HD space aside what is it that you do when you are working with the software? What I would like to see is the ability to get behind a drum set (pads or triggers) and play into the software live and record the midi data.

I am a drummer opening a small studio north of Boston and I get asked by a lot of clients to get some drum tracks down for them. I don't have a problem with that. My problem is that the studio itself doesn't stay at a constant temp. We keep the heat at 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) during the winter unless I have something booked and the A/C is off unless I have a client booked in the summer. My drums, while still playable are not every sounding good and it takes hours to get sounds each time as I retune then and swap heads.

If I could get a cheaper set of pads and hook it up to my laptop running BFD (Or Strike ect ect) and track drums like that it would save me hours of time that I can't really be billing for and work I am just so tired of doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for keeping the drums tuned and working well but it's getting ridiculous.

So, can anyone tell me if this is possible? I hear BFD a lot but I know there are a number of other programs like Digidesign's Strike and DKFH. For a guy like me what would you recommend? I use a Protools/Tape hybrid and have plenty of computing power on laptops and Desktops.

Thank you in advance!

Robert

gsilbers · 5th December 2006

BFD is one of the best. youll problably will want to get the expansions. i persoanlly like the sounds but dont like the interface that much. i like EZdrummer with the expansions and i hear Strike is similar also/ direct competition. EZ drummer expansions include the DFH kits that are as good as the BFD ones. they have room mics, PZMs and overheads. sso thet all are good quality. i think you are in the right ball park, they al sound good, now its a matter of which one you like best for your situation, if you have a drum pad, maybe look into the diferent velocity levels each program has. and also look intyo the expansions.
i come up with pretty realistic drum grooves, but its tricky to get that alternative/rock feel, lots of work.
maybe try the demo out and see for yourself

topslakr · 5th December 2006

This is good. I appreciate your input gsilbers. When you use the software it sounds like you are using some of their grooves? Have you ever played into it? Should I be looking for triggers or a pad set? I would imagine a decent pad set is needed for good results? enough velocity steps ect and for ok cymbal hits. At the end of the day it's the cymbals that are so hard to sample.. the kick, snare and toms require some work to get right but it's cymbals that always come out sounding too fake to use. Right now I will often paste into PT the kick snare and toms and then overdub the cymbals.... I don't mind putting work into these drum parts if the outcome will sound good but I don't want to invest in smoke and mirrors....

Robert

GSF · 15th December 2006

It depends on your budget, really, but in my mind there is no comparison between EZ Drummer and BFD.

If you had most of the expansion packs, BFD would give you a wide variety of sounds and control that would probably do the job.

EZ Drummer has a lot less control, and to be honest, I don't care for the sounds, they're a bit more plastic, they have a slick sheen to them and I don't care for how they mix with other instruments... But at the end of the day, it's probably just a matter of taste, and it could suit you fine as well. And it's a cheaper gamble.

5th December 2006	#1
topslakr Gear nut Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 100 Thread Starter	BFD/Virtual Drums Workflow I'm thinking about getting setup with BFD here in the studio. Computer power and HD space aside what is it that you do when you are working with the software? What I would like to see is the ability to get behind a drum set (pads or triggers) and play into the software live and record the midi data. I am a drummer opening a small studio north of Boston and I get asked by a lot of clients to get some drum tracks down for them. I don't have a problem with that. My problem is that the studio itself doesn't stay at a constant temp. We keep the heat at 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) during the winter unless I have something booked and the A/C is off unless I have a client booked in the summer. My drums, while still playable are not every sounding good and it takes hours to get sounds each time as I retune then and swap heads. If I could get a cheaper set of pads and hook it up to my laptop running BFD (Or Strike ect ect) and track drums like that it would save me hours of time that I can't really be billing for and work I am just so tired of doing. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for keeping the drums tuned and working well but it's getting ridiculous. So, can anyone tell me if this is possible? I hear BFD a lot but I know there are a number of other programs like Digidesign's Strike and DKFH. For a guy like me what would you recommend? I use a Protools/Tape hybrid and have plenty of computing power on laptops and Desktops. Thank you in advance! Robert

5th December 2006	#3
topslakr Gear nut Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 100 Thread Starter	Any more thoughts? This is good. I appreciate your input gsilbers. When you use the software it sounds like you are using some of their grooves? Have you ever played into it? Should I be looking for triggers or a pad set? I would imagine a decent pad set is needed for good results? enough velocity steps ect and for ok cymbal hits. At the end of the day it's the cymbals that are so hard to sample.. the kick, snare and toms require some work to get right but it's cymbals that always come out sounding too fake to use. Right now I will often paste into PT the kick snare and toms and then overdub the cymbals.... I don't mind putting work into these drum parts if the outcome will sound good but I don't want to invest in smoke and mirrors.... Robert

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5th December 2006	#2
gsilbers Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2006 Location: El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula Posts: 3,622	BFD is one of the best. youll problably will want to get the expansions. i persoanlly like the sounds but dont like the interface that much. i like EZdrummer with the expansions and i hear Strike is similar also/ direct competition. EZ drummer expansions include the DFH kits that are as good as the BFD ones. they have room mics, PZMs and overheads. sso thet all are good quality. i think you are in the right ball park, they al sound good, now its a matter of which one you like best for your situation, if you have a drum pad, maybe look into the diferent velocity levels each program has. and also look intyo the expansions. i come up with pretty realistic drum grooves, but its tricky to get that alternative/rock feel, lots of work. maybe try the demo out and see for yourself

15th December 2006	#4
GSF Gear maniac Joined: Apr 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 281	It depends on your budget, really, but in my mind there is no comparison between EZ Drummer and BFD. If you had most of the expansion packs, BFD would give you a wide variety of sounds and control that would probably do the job. EZ Drummer has a lot less control, and to be honest, I don't care for the sounds, they're a bit more plastic, they have a slick sheen to them and I don't care for how they mix with other instruments... But at the end of the day, it's probably just a matter of taste, and it could suit you fine as well. And it's a cheaper gamble.