Giving up on MDrummer

[jneudorf]

... but the whole pattern stuff doesn't convince me and confuses me, as well as some other things in MDrummer. It seems very messy and not logically structured (here we go again). If you change a tab (source), the sample settings are deleted. ...
I've switched to inserting multidrums into MSoundfactory. Here I can stop samples, no pattern or "how to stop the beat" or "what pattern is playing now" confusion.

I just bought it myself, and I'm finding it confusing too. In my opinion, Melda's priority should be improvement of its documentation. That said, I think there is a logical structure, just ... a peculiar logic that might not be obvious to everyone.

I'm working through my questions, and making notes.

[Nspace]

I wish I'd switch to Mdrummer but for a drum instrument to lack cymbal choke ability on an electronic drumkit...it might not be much but it's holding me back compared to alternatives.

Absolutely.
And that's the main reason why I can't stick with MDrummer.
I've switched to inserting multidrums into MSoundfactory. Here I can stop samples, no pattern or "how to stop the beat" or "what pattern is playing now" confusion.

Haven't this point been answered past Sunday in this other thread?

Update, got this answer by mail with customer service :

Hi,
cymbal choking is currently possible to program using some "unused" drum types, but that's rather clumsy. Due to large number of request for this feature it will be implemented in the next update using designated "Ride cymbal choke 1/2", "Crash cymbal choke 1/2" and "Splash cymbal choke 1/2" drum types, which you will simply attach using MIDI input filter.

So if I get it well, problem will be solved in the future, which is great news!

[Boone777]

Ugritone has some kits starting at 9$. Very specific metal productions though, far from flexible like MDrummer.
I have MDrummer coming with MXXX, everytime I try to wrap my head around it the time investment turns me off. It is deep it has it's pros and cons. I'm jaded with SD3 it make me lazy and stops me from learning MDrummer thoroughly.

[LielArts]

Bought the whole package this week.
Now I'm sitting and I'm in a complete stupor how can this be used at all.
I'm old user. Have a lot of virtual instruments.

[Hewitt Huntwork]

It seems to me like an amazing workflow for a drum instrument would be 1) pick a groove, 2) automate the intensity of playing over time, 3) automate the complexity of playing over time.

All the devs have nibbled at these ideas, but no developer has yet to go all in on pursuing that balance of flexibility and results. There will always be trade-offs, but I'd love a chance to see these particular ones.

[seangm]

It seems to me like an amazing workflow for a drum instrument would be 1) pick a groove, 2) automate the intensity of playing over time, 3) automate the complexity of playing over time.

All the devs have nibbled at these ideas, but no developer has yet to go all in on pursuing that balance of flexibility and results. There will always be trade-offs, but I'd love a chance to see these particular ones.

Realitone Realidrums did a pretty good job with that with their complexity slider. I don't like the sounds all that much though and it probably could use an update to bring the rest of it up to par with the newer drum plugins.

[SirkusPi]

Bought the whole package this week.
Now I'm sitting and I'm in a complete stupor how can this be used at all.
I'm old user. Have a lot of virtual instruments.

Yup, that was me too (although I luckily only demoed, didn't buy). I understand why some people are such big Melda fans, and there are certain simpler plugins that I've basically powered through the learning process and get a lot of use from (MUnison, MCabinet), but MDrummer kind of stopped me in my tracks. It does look tempting; maybe after retirement in a couple of decades I'll have time to really devote to learning it!

[Nspace]

If you like to see tutorials:
MDrummer basic walk through - part 1

MDrummer basic walk through - part 2


These videos and several others exploring many possibilities, superbly communicated by Chandler Melda specialist and video master. Check by yourself before deciding.

[magmagwa]

It seems to me like an amazing workflow for a drum instrument would be 1) pick a groove, 2) automate the intensity of playing over time, 3) automate the complexity of playing over time.

All the devs have nibbled at these ideas, but no developer has yet to go all in on pursuing that balance of flexibility and results. There will always be trade-offs, but I'd love a chance to see these particular ones.

Realitone Realidrums did a pretty good job with that with their complexity slider. I don't like the sounds all that much though and it probably could use an update to bring the rest of it up to par with the newer drum plugins.

For generating ideas, including drums, I've used Google Magenta, SoundBytes DrumComputer, Konkrete, Jamstix, MDrummer (basic & random) riffs. I found the complexity dial to be not useful.

Melda focuses on feature rich apps. It lets the community determine how to use them. That is a plus and a minus.