Making the Map

Started the morning mapping out where the sounds should go on the drum pads. There are two rows of four pads which is eight sounds on the AKAI LPD8. The issue I have with mapping is my drum kit brain wants the positions to mirror a drum kit. It is possible to do that but it would be tough to play on the pads.

I think I have settled on an order for now for a traditional acoustic drum kit. It allows me to do the linear drumming I enjoy playing.

Bottom row: Kick, Snare, Hihat, crash - low
Top row: Tom, Floor Tom, Ride, crash - high

The two pads I am on the fence about are the crashes. I have a feeling on of the crashes is going to change to hihat - open or a second snare sound. I also can see the kick and snare swapping spots. Going to use this setup for now and see how it goes.

Random Velocity and Tone

Patterning app has a way to add randomness to effects. I need to look into whether or not that can be applied to the pads. If you can add slight volume and tone randomness, digital sounds sound a little more "real".

When I hit an analog drum with a stick, I don't hit at 100% every time. It is more like 96%, 98%, 100%, 95%, etc. You get the picture. Same goes for tone. If I strike a drum over and over, it isn't the same pitch with every strike. There are subtle variations.

Be Ok With the Machine Being a Machine

My drummer brain wants to play the drums on the pads. That is a things these pads can do. But that is just one of the things they can do. I need to remember to keep an open mind on what is drumming with this tool. All that matters is a beat leaves the speakers that works. How it gets made is less than how it got made. If I somehow create a beat I like using the knobs, so be it.