Members backtoblue Posted July 11, 2018 Members Share Posted July 11, 2018 Preface: I did a search but it didn't bring up any results. Is the search function broken? Hi all, it's been awhile since I posted, but thought I'd reach out here and see what folks recommendations/thought were regarding the BeatBuddy, SDrum, TRIO or any other of those "instant drummer" type contraptions for your solo gigs? I'm thinking of working one of these in, but I really don't need anything fancy. Just simple kick/snare accompaniment would really work fine. Maybe I'm better off getting like a JamMan and loading some simple loops on it? Ive done that before, to varying degrees of success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted July 11, 2018 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Yes, unfortunately search isn't working ATM - your best bet is to use Google and include Harmony Central as one of your search terms. In addition to drums something like a DigiTech Trio also gives you bass too, but the Trio is really designed more as a practice partner than as a virtual backing band for live performance. The lack of recallable / chain-able presets and the need to set the tempo manually for each new song makes it somewhat limited if you want to use one on a bunch of different songs in quick succession live. The Trio+ adds a looper, which is a nice feature, but as I understand it the other limitations still remain. If all you need are drums, something like a BeatBuddy or BeatBuddy Mini might be a better choice. I haven't tried the SDrum, but it looks like another pedal-style drum machine that could possibly meet your needs. PS Nice to see you - don't be such a stranger! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members backtoblue Posted July 11, 2018 Author Members Share Posted July 11, 2018 Thanks for the reply and the welcome back, Phil! Yeah, I'm thinking a BeatBuddy might be the ticket. Would love some user experiences using one live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members steve mac Posted July 12, 2018 Members Share Posted July 12, 2018 I have tried a few ways of getting a backing beat, such as;Roland drum machine - too complicated, Beatroot stomp pedal - too tiring, foot tambourine- see Beatroot, finger drum app on iPad into looper - still working on this but doesn't feel "organic" enough.I have finally settled on whacking my guitar into a looper combined with percussive strumming does the job and requires no extra equipment. Always interested in new bits of kit though, man I will never be rich 😅 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted July 16, 2018 Moderators Share Posted July 16, 2018 The only issue I had with the Beat Buddy [i was an early adopter, as with the StompLight] was the tap dancing between it, the looper and the vocalizer was too distracting. I also have the external switch, which although it simplified the functions, added another little target on the floor.I have gradually weaned myself off all of these, and my last solo gig [in April, sad to say] was just me, a mic and an a/e...and it was a breeze. Each has its place, and admittedly with everything running it did sound pretty close to a band, but I am a solo act, and I really think that is my strength and where I need to focus, not on the geegaws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ggm1960 Posted July 16, 2018 Members Share Posted July 16, 2018 If I was going to use any kind of backing for small gigs I hope to be doing with my wife I'd just continue to use the technology I currently use in the 5 piece band I'm still part of. I use Digital Performer on a MBP with a MOTU 828x and little SSD. Although it might seem more complicated it's actually something I've been doing for years so I know it well and there's no doubt that you can create any kind of tracks you'll ever need! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bob Dey Posted July 17, 2018 Members Share Posted July 17, 2018 I'm also a Digital Performer user. I used to use MIDI tracks only, but I started adding rhythm guitar tracks (on some songs) a few years ago. It all gets mixed down to an mp3. But, I started working with a female singer about 6 weeks ago and she's use to using karaoke tracks. What she wants is the background vocals. We could spend a lot of time recording those tracks, but it's easier to buy a karaoke track for $3. I used to use a drum machine live (long ago). A drummer friend wanted me to program his Alesis and it was just too complicated and taking too much time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members steve mac Posted July 17, 2018 Members Share Posted July 17, 2018 Mine was an Alesis and like you say was way to complicated for me, plus it defeated the advantage that a drum machine has over tracks i.e. that the performer can extend part of the song at will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bob Dey Posted July 17, 2018 Members Share Posted July 17, 2018 I had the original, HR-16 nearly 30 years ago and didn't have any problems programming patterns and songs. And the quality of the samples was way better than the Yamaha unit I had prior to that. But somehow the SR-16 and Sr-18 models got real complicated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members steve mac Posted July 17, 2018 Members Share Posted July 17, 2018 Mine was the sr18, I picked it up on a trip through Texas and loved the sound of it but never managed to use it to anywhere near it's full capabilites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bob Dey Posted July 24, 2018 Members Share Posted July 24, 2018 I also used an Alesis D4 module for a while which sounded great and followed the drum sequences I made on an Ensoniq synth. Much easier to program drum patterns on a synthesizer with a built in sequencer or with a DAW program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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