I’ve found that electronic drums simplify the recording process by eliminating concern over bleed from other instruments or room noise. Although they offer clear advantages, they still can’t quite match the nuanced sound depth of acoustic drum sets.
There are two main ways to record electronic drums. You can either record the audio directly from your module or trigger drum VSTs/plugins externally via MIDI. The second option usually provides the best sound and control, although it’s more complex.
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Key Takeaways
- Convenience in Recording: Electronic drums are easy to record without concerns about room noise or instrument bleed.
- Versatile Sounds: You can create various sounds by changing drum pad settings, making them ideal for multiple music genres.
- Compact Setup: Unlike acoustic kits, electronic drums don’t require much space, suitable for small studios or bedrooms.
- Editing Flexibility: MIDI notes can be easily edited, and you can use drum samplers for unique sounds.
- Essential Gear: A high-quality audio interface and suitable DAW are crucial for recording, with optional VSTs for enhanced sound quality.
Electronic drum sets excel at recording due to their simple setup and teardown. You can easily modify sounds by adjusting the settings on the drum pads. This makes them versatile for recording various music genres.
Cons of recording e-drum kits
- Sound quality on cheaper kits is bad
- Some of the kits require a lot of playing to get used to
- Drum VSTs/plugins can be expensive, so sometimes recording the audio sound from your drum module is the only workable option
Pros of recording e-drum kits
- E-drum kits are easy to set-up
- They don’t require much recording space
- You can create a variety of sounds
- They are versatile and great for recording different genres of music
- MIDI notes can be easily edited
- You can use a drum sampler to create your own unique sounds
Electronic drum sets give you more flexibility while recording
You can set up the drums however you like without worrying about microphone placement. This lets you try different recording techniques and find what suits your music best. Editing MIDI notes is easy, and you have the flexibility to use a drum sampler to craft unique sounds when recording via triggering from your VSTs.
Limited recording space
Acoustic drum kits need a lot of space and microphones. Electronic drum kits are more compact, making them perfect for small studios or bedrooms. If you’re recording practice sessions or demos, electronic drums are a great option.
What gear do I need to record electronic drum set?
The most important gear for recording electronic drum sets is a high-quality audio interface. This ensures you get a clear recording. If using MIDI and your e-drum set supports MIDI-over-USB, a USB-B cable to either USB-A or USB-C will likely work, depending on your computer ports.
Your choice of DAW (digital audio workstation) is crucial for recording electronic drums. Some DAWs handle MIDI better than others. Do your research to find the best DAW for your drum recordings.
VSTs or plugins are often necessary. Some drum VSTs/plugins can be pricey, so factor them into your budget. But don’t worry, there are excellent free options too.
Budget
If you want a good electronic drum kit for recording, avoid many cheap options. The playability on budget-friendly kits often isn’t great, and the sound quality is usually lower. For music that will be released, it’s worth spending extra money on a better quality kit.
If you’re recording an electronic drum set, you won’t need to spend extra on microphones, stands, and cables, which can be quite costly.
However, if you invest in a good e-drum kit, it will last a long time and be great for recording live performances and practice sessions.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of recording with e-drum kits?
Electronic drums offer many benefits but also have some downsides. One major downside is that some kits can sound artificial. To improve the sound, find high-quality drum samples or VSTs if recording with MIDI, especially with budget kits. Another issue is that the pads can be hard to get used to for some players.
Conclusion
Choosing electronic drums for recording offers many benefits. They’re easy to set up, need little space, and offer various sounds. However, some downsides exist. Inexpensive e-drum kits can sound artificial.
