Intro to Virtual Drummer

Understanding the Virtual Drummer in Logic

Moving on to the Virtual Drummer. Now, the virtual drummer is a new concept in Logic. It is basically an Apple loop or an audio loop, an audio file, but it's also a MIDI file.

Key Features:

• Real Drummer Feel: They managed to record some real drummers, giving you the feel of real drumming.
• Sound Sources: Using certain algorithms, Logic pulls out the transients and uses samples from within the EX24 and Ultrabeat as sound sources for these drummers.

Getting Started

To access the Drummer:

1. Click on the plus sign (new instrument).
2. Select Drummer in the details section.
3. Choose various genres.

"I'm presuming that most of you have at least had a look at it and kind of figured out how it works."

When you open up Drummer for the first time:

• Click on your chosen genre and press Create (I'll press Cancel for now).
• It creates a drummer track, usually at the very beginning of your session. You can move it to wherever you want.

Understanding the Drummer Track

• The virtual drummer pulls in from a collection of sampled drum recordings.
• It maintains a real drummer's feel, not programmed or sequenced.

Exploring the Interface

• Double-clicking on the drum loop opens various parameters that you can change.
• This loop represents the length of the pattern, and you can modify fills (usually at the end) and mute instruments.

"Having these loops play alongside very sequenced, grid-based sequencing will give you a much... human feel."

Manipulating the Drummer

The beauty of this instrument is the ability to manipulate:

• In-Time Control: Adjust how much of the drum sound is present in different sections of your track.
• You can start with a simple beat and build complexity as the song progresses.

Example of Arrangement:

• Divide the drum loop into sections:
  • Part 1: More fills.
  • Part 2: Standard beat.
  • Part 3: Add claps.
  • Part 4: Remove the kick.

Each section can be manipulated independently for a more dynamic performance.

Utilizing Presets

• The section over here contains presets for different sections.
• Each region can have its unique preset saved for future use.

Apple Loops and Sample Interaction

To reiterate, this is an Apple loop playing samples from the EX24.

Options in the Mixer

• In the mixer, you can pull up the drum kit instance to change settings.
• Explore different kits available under Logic presets, such as the Indie Rock Kit played by a specific drummer.

Editing Kit Components

You can individually edit parts of the kit:

• Kick Drum: Dampen, tune, or change completely.
• Note: Some percussion sounds like tambourine, shaker, and hand claps may not show up in the current interface.

Creating Multi-Output Instruments

You can turn the drummer into a multi-output instrument:

1. Access the mixer page.
2. Create auxiliary tracks and route your instances out to sound sources like kick, snare, cymbals, etc.

"This is just an EX24, but it expands your editing capabilities."

Conclusion

So, that's an overview of how to utilize the Virtual Drummer in Logic. Exploring these tools will enhance your music production, allowing for greater creativity and a more human feel in your tracks.