Are 16-bit kits better for laptop drumming? (and related questions)

[metrosuperstar]

Hi, so far I’ve been laptop drumming with just the default 24-bit presets.

I’m curious to know what switching to 16-bit only would allow.  How would that improve things?  Should I only switch to 16-bit versions if I’m experiencing certain symptoms while I play? If so, what would be some signs that I should play the 16-bit versions instead?

Also, does using the 16-bit versions mean there will be reduced dynamic range?

And finally, why does it say 16-bit versions will take longer to load?  Arent’ the samples smaller than the 24-bit ones?

 

Really looking to clarify all this.
Clear answers would be super appreciated.

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.1.7
Operating system: Windows 10

Topic

[monospace]

According to the manual, 16 bit samples need to be “upsampled” before use, that’s why they take (a lot!) longer to load.

You are right that in terms of playability or dynamics on an e-kit, the difference in sound quality is negligible. I used to do this all the time in SD2 to save RAM. But with the new sound engine in SD3, doing this is no longer worthwhile, unless you feel like you need a sh*tton of room mics etc. and are willing to wait.

E-drummer. eDrumIn trigger interface with various Roland trigger pads. MacBook Pro (mid-2015); MacOS High Sierra; Logic Pro X 10.4.8. Superior Drummer user since 2009.

[metrosuperstar]

16-bit samples need to be upsampled??? Wow, why?  Upsampled back to 24-bit?  I don’t get the logic but it definitely explains why it takes more time but it sounds like it’s not a necessity for most people.  Why do you mention that the exception would be if someone wants a ton of mics?

I’ve got the full mic installation… and use that. Do you play your Roland kit with SD3 on a full mic install?

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.1.7
Operating system: Windows 10

[monospace]

If you’re not playing live, but mixing a drum track inside SD3, you will more often than not want to experiment with the different ambient microphones and bleeds. In that case, switching to 16 bit gives you more RAM headroom before your computer inevitably keels over. When I’m just jamming by myself, I’m fine with just one ambient mic and minimal bleed — in fact, I think it sounds more natural that way from a drummer’s perspective than turning on all the room mics.

Also, I have a (perfectly functional) Macbook Pro from 2009 with 8G of RAM, and there’s no way it can handle the full SD3 install.

E-drummer. eDrumIn trigger interface with various Roland trigger pads. MacBook Pro (mid-2015); MacOS High Sierra; Logic Pro X 10.4.8. Superior Drummer user since 2009.

[metrosuperstar]

Hmmm, interesting. I’m on a Windows 10 i7 with 16GB RAM and I’m pretty sure I have all mics installed.

I’d def be happy to do anything that could relieve any unecessary stress on the laptop when drumming (yes, I’m just playing live…or rehearsing at home).

I mean it’s not choking but, if some of those mics aren’t necessary, can I just disable them or do I have to delete the extra files from the PC?

Also, if I was to do so, which ones would you suggest I keep?

And would I notice any improvement on something? Latency? Ability to use smaller buffer size?  Or is this completely unrelated?

I always thought the mics was an “if you’ve got room on your hard drive why not” sort of thing… sounds like there may be more to that?

[monospace]

In a real-life situation, when you’re sitting at the kit, you would never be able to hear what’s picked up in the far room microphones. Sure, it sounds nice, but from a drummer’s point of view, it’s not very realistic. Bleeds are different, in my opinion. You do get a more realistic vibe when individual drum sounds aren’t played back from just a single microphone. So I’d suggest keeping  as much bleed as your system can handle, but only use one or maybe two ambient mics (preferably the “closest” ones.) Personally I don’t even have the others installed, but all you need to do is disable them in the Mixer. You can check the system load in the upper right corner.

All that said, it’s a matter of preference. If you like playing with the sound of EQs and compressors and ambient mics enabled, go for it. I prefer to save all that fun for the mix, not for sitting at my kit and jamming.

E-drummer. eDrumIn trigger interface with various Roland trigger pads. MacBook Pro (mid-2015); MacOS High Sierra; Logic Pro X 10.4.8. Superior Drummer user since 2009.

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