Double snare shot and cymbol crashes

[7headed]

Does anybody know how to create a double snare shot with only a mouse? Also, any suggestions on how to create continuous, smooth cymbal crashes for several seconds the way you would here in the beginning of a guitar riff? The song libraries only have drum patterns, not one-off movements like snare or cymbal shots. I just bought this software yesterday and I’m trying to get the intro to a song recorded. Thank you!

Topic

[Scott]

I’m not sure what a double snare shot is. Is is a flam? If so, I find those easiest to do in my DAW’s piano roll MIDI editor.

For cymbal crashes; are you looking for cymbal rolls? If so, there is a folder of already made cymbal rolls (different lengths/tempos/multiple cymbals or single cymbal) in the EZD 2 Browser under the ‘Extras’ folder.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[7headed]

I’m going to try and use my keyboard as the device to play the drums instead of trying to create beats with my mouse. Do you have a reference guide on how to correctly set it up as a MIDI device and which keys on the keyboard control with pieces of the kit. Sorry, I’m a complete beginner at this. Thanks.

[Scott]

In EZD2 Standalone mode, you can select your MIDI device from the Settings->Audio/MIDI and then select MIDI Device. If your keyboard is USB and connected, it should be listed there.

As for which key on the keyboard controls which kit piece; check the Menu at the top right of EZD2. Under Sound Libraries, select the library you are using and click the ‘MIDI Layout’ option. This pdf file shows where the kit pieces are on the keyboard.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[7headed]

Found the library. That was easy.
But my keyboard isn’t doing anything. I have a MIDI cable going from “MIDI out” to “MIDI in” on my M-Track Plus device, which is connected via USB to my PC. When I go to the settings, I choose ASIO under ‘device type’, then my M-Track comes up under ‘ASIO device’ and I select it, click apply, then OK. I press keys on the keyboard, but nothing happens. Any idea what I’m doing wrong?

[Scott]

It looks like you haven’t selected your MIDI device from the ‘MIDI Device’ menu. See my pic below. I don’t have my MIDI device hooked up so my pic doesn’t show my device but your menu should show yours. Select it.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[7headed]

I actually had the device selected already. I wanted to upload the screen shot, but it says the file size it too large. I have it selected in the audio and MIDI device set up, plus my MIDI cable is connected from my keyboard to the M-Audio interface. I know my interface works because I can record guitars in Pro Tools without a problem. The “MIDI in” on the bottom right of EZ Drummer isn’t lit up and the keyboard itself is working fine. Not sure what’s wrong.

[John]

Hi,

can you record MIDI in Pro Tools with the keyboard?

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[7headed]

Hello.
No, I get no keyboard sounds in Pro Tools. I plug my guitar into my M Audio interface within Pro Tools and everything is fine. Pro Tools recognizes my external device (so does EZ drummer) without a problem. In fact, I’m recording guitar tracks right now as I type this. But for whatever reason, the keyboard isn’t recognized. It’s not a fancy keyboard. But it does have MIDI cable inputs and outputs, so it should work. Not sure what’s wrong.

[John]

Hi,

if you make sure you have the latest drivers for your operating system, found here:
http://www.m-audio.com/support/drivers

and have the MIDI cable connected from the MIDI Out jack on your keyboard to the MIDI In on the M-Track, it should work both in Pro Tools and Standalone.

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Scott Eshleman]

@7headed said:
It’s not a fancy keyboard. But it does have MIDI cable inputs and outputs, so it should work. Not sure what’s wrong.

can you post more specifics about the keyboard?
have you used its MIDI Out before?

[7headed]

No, this is my first time trying to use it with my plug-in and Pro Tools. But it’s a new keyboard and I just bought the MIDI cable yesterday brand new so I’m pretty sure it isn’t broken. It plays fine.

It’s by a company called Williams. It says “allegro” on the top. Besides that, it’s a pretty basic $150 keyboard. Not a lot of bells and whistles on it. Just MIDI and headphone connections in the back of it. That’s about it.

[7headed]

Hi,

if you make sure you have the latest drivers for your operating system, found here:
http://www.m-audio.com/support/drivers

and have the MIDI cable connected from the MIDI Out jack on your keyboard to the MIDI In on the M-Track, it should work both in Pro Tools and Standalone.

I went on the site and no drivers exist for my product. Being that it works with my guitar, it’s probably OK with regard to drivers and installation.

[Scott Eshleman]

does the “MIDI IN” indicator on your M-Track Plus light
when you play the keyboard?

what is the make and model of the keyboard?
what powers the keyboard?
does it have USB as well?

[John]

@7headed said:

I went on the site and no drivers exist for my product. Being that it works with my guitar, it’s probably OK with regard to drivers and installation.

It does indeed, please first select ‘USB Audio Series’, then ‘M-Track’ and last your OS.

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Author]

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