A Real Drum Machine( Mpc1000) Vs. Idrum, WHATSTHE DIFFERENCEBETWEENMPC1000& idrum Options

[CHARLES TAYLOR]

HELLO.

I AM A PRODUCER WHO USES idrum and logic to make my beats. I like idrum because you can use plugins. however I was told that a real drum machine gives you a richer analog sound and that digital drum programs give you a weaker sound. I notice sometimes that my drum sounds (idrum) tend to change when played. Can someone please tell me the pros and cons of both setups.

[Huggie]

Hi Charles

The only drum machines that are "analog" are drum machines which don't use samples like the TR808 for instance. All sampling drum machines are digital. If you have a decent sound card you should get pretty much the same (and with a little effort better) sound as an MPC-1000 or MPC-2000 for instance. I think the MPC-1000 has a weak sound. I have used a lot of drum machines. My favorite machine and one I still use today is the MPC60. 12 bits of phat kik arse sampling!

I think iDrum and Logic together are fantastic. Add a few plugins to get that "analog" sound. I would recommend: Vintage Warmer, Valve Tone 62, Hydra Tone, Tube. They won't get you true analog sound but they come incredibly close!

I would suggest sticking with iDrum. However I have a little bias for that product as I am the sound designer that has created the upcoming expansion pack for it!

I still believe in hardware don't get me wrong. But that hardware has to be pretty special to get me of the computer. The MPC-1000 & 2000 just don't do it for me. The MPC60 & 3000 now thats a different story!

I used my MPC60 a lot in the sound designing for the expansion pack. But that was to get a specific sound (90's Hip Hop like Dre on the Cronic).

Software is used by a lot of producers now. I make a living using software for sound design. 5 years ago I would have said hardware is the only way to get great sound now I have changed my tune!