Recording w/drum plugins

[BigGuitars]

Hey guys,

I’ll make it short. I’m trying to record high quality demos of my original music (well, as high quality as possible with my budget). I’ve got a decent PC, a yeti mic, a SM57 micing my DSL40CR, Studio One and Pro Tools First, Mackie CR3 monitors, a focusrite solo, and a decent set of headphones.

My biggest thing is with making beats and recording them with the drum plugin software. For that I’m using Naughty Seal Perfect Drums plugin. I’ve never done this before, so I’m wondering do I need to pick up a midi pad to make beats with? I need a primer on how this is done. I can play real drums, but not right now because I have a herniated disc in my lower back. Plus, I just feel I can do a much better job just using the drum sim software.

Any tips you guys have for a beginner to get rolling with the drum vst, making beats, and recording will be much appreciated. Also, just general recording tips and primers for a beginner will be much appreciated too. Thanks!

 

[SkaakS]

Been a while since I did it, but I used a combination of the pre-made midi samples (included with Superior Drummer) and my own tracks (recorded via a DIY midi drum pad) with the Superior Drummer plugin. IMO the pad gave it a much more human feel than trying to manually edit the midi tracks. The pre-made samples got me 80% of the way there in most cases, and just needed a custom fill here or there.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

I made the leap and jumped to SD3. It is insane how large it is.. the built in midi editor is great. Now I drum so it helps me know how to make something realistic sounding but with all the midi files and the tap to find function , then edited, you are set.

I also have a herniated disc.. sucks. Didn't play for years because of it and the posture in drumming is not conducive to proper healing..