Good free or cheap drum/accompaniment software

Joined
Jun 8, 2020
Messages
26
Reaction score
9
Hi everyone. I've been playing the keyboard for about 6 months now, learning on "simply piano". I'm getting better, I can play ode to joy and am getting better at the fur Elise (amongst many other in-app songs), plus have completed some chords and blues sections. I'm not totally useless haha. I'm hoping to try to move towards more band related music, and I think a good starting point would be to get a drum synthesizer type thing to give me a bit of backing so I can try to put a little melody together. Is there anything on the PC that is good for this? Has anyone got any general pointers on how to move towards this sort of thing?

Thanks

Anton
 
Joined
Sep 6, 2017
Messages
6,005
Reaction score
3,251
Location
Lancashire, UK.
Arturia Spark and Isotope are two software solutions that spring to mind.

Hardware there are products like Beatstep from Arturia or Korg Volca which is a bit more versatile as it does synths in addition to beats, problem is cost.

If you have an iPad then there are plenty of Apps.
 

happyrat1

Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Joined
May 30, 2012
Messages
14,180
Reaction score
5,697
Location
GTA, Canada
If you are aiming for techno drums then I'd suggest the Behringer RD-8


If you want a more balanced mix of contemporary drums and bass then I'd suggest the Roland DR 880.


Or the Alesis SR-18


Gary ;)
 
Joined
Jun 8, 2020
Messages
26
Reaction score
9
Hey gents. I ended up with a yamaha YPT340. Midi is working flawlessly, I'm progressing well on SP, we got there in the end ;)

I do have an iPad actually, as I wanted one for SP. As always, money is a big factor. 14 week old daughter and I'm pretty sure the headgasket has just gone in my BMW while I was out, so really i need to spend 0 on this haha.

Thanks for your help
 

happyrat1

Destroyer of Eardrums!!!
Joined
May 30, 2012
Messages
14,180
Reaction score
5,697
Location
GTA, Canada
What kind of rhythms are you looking for? Mainly techno or will you be looking for a mix of latin, jazz, country and rock?

Actually one of the best bangs for the buck these days are the UNO Drums by IK Multimedia.

I tried one out but it didn't work properly with Linux so I sent it back.

If you're running Windows or Mac though it will work just fine for you.


Price used to be $100 cheaper but Trump's trade policies have turned the American dollar into compost.


Cheapest option might be the Alesis SR-16



Otherwise you are pretty much stuck with working with software options.

BTW. Some of the machines I listed have been around for a VERY long time. You would be wise to search your local used market to find some better deals.

Gary ;)
 
Joined
Jun 8, 2020
Messages
26
Reaction score
9
Hi. Thanks for the pointers. Not too sure what I want to play really. I like a bit of jazz. My friend that plays the sax and trumpet said we should try to play stuff like this. It is quite funky, I'll give him that haha

 
Joined
Sep 6, 2017
Messages
6,005
Reaction score
3,251
Location
Lancashire, UK.
For a low cost solution the main option is as follows

If your keyboard has a USB Host socket (squarish type) you could buy a genuine Apple Camera Adaptor and connect your iPad to the keyboard.

Drum Apps are only a few $ so for $50 you will have a system that works.

Do checkout the Apps before you buy the camera adaptor.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Aug 12, 2008
Messages
909
Reaction score
275
Location
South Carolina
Here's a thought for you and it's 100% free. There are a large number of drum beats and tempos posted on Youtube. Option 1 - Search Youtube to find those beat which appeal to you, and just play along with the Youtube video. Option 2 - Download "Audacity", a free multi-track audio editor and recorder. You can then record a Youtube drum track and save it on your computer. It's all free. YMMV Don
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
14,355
Messages
89,237
Members
13,311
Latest member
monyi

Latest Threads

Top