"Is VSTi really the only alternative? (Why don't e-drum modules sound really good?)"
➜ This question was asked in another drum forum. Here is my answer:


The reason for connecting to a computer is obvious (in addition to the aspects mentioned here * and here) :

No module manufacturer will be able to pack all of the existing, superb drum libraries (or even a small selection from this portfolio) into their module. And I'm not just thinking of Toontrack (and GGD, SSD5, AD2, and whatever else they're called libraries/drum samplers), but also the huge amount of (mix-ready) signature sound libraries from well-known drummers and bands. For example, I wouldn't want to miss out on the following (especially not once I've experienced/played them (and experiencing or trying them out is actually the crux of such discussions, which I'll come back to at the end)) :

Simon Phillips Studio Drums , GGD Benny Greb , MixWave - Mike Mangini, - Sleep Token II, - Lorna Shore Austin Archey, - Tony Royster Jr. , RoomSound Kurt Ballou Signature Volume2 , Bogren Digital Krimh Drums + Trivium Drums, RS Drums - Simen Sandnes Progressive Prodigy (a few examples of the preset selection from the latter, newly released library are available here for demonstration purposes (although some may not be my favorites, you can get an idea of how it sounds with other presets within such a signature library)) ...

Most of these libraries are unique, not only in terms of sound, but also in terms of functions, i.e., the articulations offered and their processing (e.g., hihat, tape recording vs. digital recording) and mixing features can always be quite different.


So I want to be able to enjoy all of this – which leaves only direct Software Drumming with its virtually limitless power.


The other reason and aspect for computer integration (besides on-the-fly toggle functions such as virtual hihat drop clutch or snare throw-off ( = switching the entire kit, including kicks and toms, to the snare-buzzless version)) is to be able to realize and enjoy new and creative drumming methods (➜ LINK). I'm thinking in particular of extremely attractive and mega-fun Hihat Transmute Engines and advanced switching functions via drumstick strike while playing (such as being able to switch (X-)hats from variable open/closed to fixed tight, closed, or closed loose... or being able to switch natural-sounding SuperiorDrummer3 kits/presets on the fly from one sixteenth note to another -> also incredibly fun!).

In my opinion, these innovative, creative approaches to drumming with electronic drums should finally be recognized by the drumming community (not because I am such a great guy, but for their own benefit and enjoyment (and aside from any band or music-related contexts, a valid reason for superb electronic drums may simply be personal enjoyment of the technology, the sounds, and the possibilities, i.e., playing around/experimenting!)) — but as is often the case, what the farmer doesn't know, he doesn't eat, and he doesn't even try it because he's never needed it... Sigh.


There are some pleasant exceptions: a forum user who visited me again at a drum-tec event two weeks ago, for example. I showed him my list of kits, engines, and specialties that I had available for the event and asked him what he would like to try out. He chose what was arguably the strangest and most unconventional item on my list: an EDM e-drum engine self-sampled from an analog drum synth with a functioning open/closed hihat engine and lots of cool melody sounds.

I was really delighted with his choice and his positive reaction to the engine (greetings to you @tomjunior), because it shows me that there are still some good people out there who don't just talk and talk and talk without any experience, but who have the energy and desire to try things out and broaden their horizons. Trying things out makes you smarter and renders discussions like the ones that came up again in the forum thread (about the usefulness and raison d'être of e-drums and VST drumming) completely superfluous, because it should be clear to everyone after trying it out that such sounds and possibilities will not fit into any e-drum module.
For example, it will never be the case that a module manufacturer cooperates with most of the relevant drum library manufacturers at the same time and offers all these (mix-ready) signature kits with their software features in an e-drum brain.
If so, such a module is always only a very small excerpt and very far from the virtually unlimited freedom offered by computers.


With this in mind,
Cheers to everyone willing to broaden their horizons ❗️😊


...*

Zitat

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Quote from forum user @DrumK:
For me, it's not so much about the sounds (although that's important too), but more about the workflow, simplicity, convenience, speed, opportunities, and much better editing options for the results. Most musicians don't realize that. An important point.

Then I said:

When it comes to "workflow, simplicity, convenience, speed, opportunities, and much better editing options for the results", there may of course be other skills that are needed, But when I consider how fundamentally intuitive and logical the "Reaper" DAW is (e.g., in terms of VST e-drum recording, editing options for recorded drum MIDI, and subsequent output of drum audio ("stems" or stereo sum) , drum audio routing and editing options , play-along music/video , comfortable drum practice on music loops that can be slowed down and quantized to the bar/the beat, etc.), I know immediately that this is exactly what I need to focus on, because the performance and convenience are simply unmatched by anything else. :)

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