Rayzoon Technologies LLC

tf_b

Question is triggered by discounts/coupons for Addictive Drums and Steven Slate Drums. Mainly wanting to avoid way too much duplication to new JS3 bundle.

As a non-drummer mainly interested in sound quality ___ no clue how to evaluate external plugins in these terms. What about current interface with JS3?
Listened to demo tracks and watched some tutorials, but still not sure if any are 'no-brainer' adds at these prices.
At normal costs, only BonzoPak would be considered so early in the learning period.
BonzoPak __ $50.
Addictive Drums download __ $100.
Steven Slate Platinum download __ $150.

Also using StylusRMX, but so many Kits and Multis to factor in as well.

Thank-you,
TB

tf_b · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:05 pm Post subject:

OK .... was really looking for strong push or pull on the Steven Slate deal since that price (crossgrade) is going away soon.

Will probably pass for now ..... thought it was worth a try.

TB

Coises_foiled_again · Jammer Joined: 02 Feb 2011 Posts: 26

If you get Jamstix 3P (Jamstix 3 with Jamcussion, $149) plus the XL Pak ($39) and the AI Pak ($29), that’s $217; Jamstix 3 Studio ($249) includes all that plus Metal Pak and Bonzo Pak for $32 more.

That’s the same calculation I went through when I bought it... once you’ve decided you want both XL and Jamcussion, it’s close to a no-brainer to go for Studio and be done with it.

I’m a non-drummer as well... which means in one sense I haven’t a clue what I’m talking about, but... there’s a lot of drum kits in there! A year later and I’m still working out how to use what I already have, without adding more plug-ins to figure out.

I’m hoping one day we’ll get a tutorial, or something, to help educate us novices about drum sounds. The styles and players have descriptions, but if you don’t know when and why you’d choose Deep Loose or Mapex or Slingerland... probably second nature to a drummer, but even “trust your ears” is hard advice to follow when you don’t know what to listen for. And then there’s the mixer compression and EQ that can be adjusted, and I get the feeling people often add external compression or other processing as well, rather than count on Jamstix to have all the processing worked out and ready to go for each kit (which is about all I know to do). I just can’t imagine adding more sounds to comprehend would help matters... I could be wrong.

tf_b · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2012 9:57 pm Post subject:

Really glad to have made the JS3 choice. Similar cost (or more) for any one of the very popular plugins would have been a dismal mistake in terms of helping me learn to build decent/valid tracks. I'm already struggling with StylusRMX in that regard even though it is a darn good tool.

I share comment on 'sounds'. My post is in much the same context as your tutorial thought. Drummers can effectively manipulate settings (as you mention) and shape sounds to meet most of their needs. For me, that skill level is scary far away!

Just received the bundle I posted, so adding BonzoPak is my only JS choice. Maybe another 'special' is coming like one in recent past .......

Regards,
TB

tf_b · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 3:38 pm Post subject: Sound and only Sound !

Probably stated my inquiry poorly, so here is another attempt.
Jamstix has already 'acknowledged' the need to interact/host several drum plug-ins and likely more to come.
No question .... much is personal preference, but is 'drum sound' the main underlying variable ? If it is other features e.g. effects, shaping, production tools, et al, then I should be content for some time simply learning and using JS3XL +++.
If drum sound is the driving issue, then I hope to explore my preferences versus others' to try and choose the best plugin addition which complements/enhances Jamstix sounds. If there is strong consensus about this (one choice stands out) my inquiry would be answered. If not, then I would have to assume that JS3 + Paks is well rounded and should be sufficient for the near term.

Thanks,
TB
_________________
i7-870, 8gb, Win7-64, Reaper, Saffire Pro14, AxiomPro61, Ivory II, Omnisphere, Trilian, StylusRMX, Jamstix3XL+AIPak+JC.

Azimuth · Moderator & Beta Team Joined: 19 Nov 2010 Posts: 2131

The biggest "variable" is how the drum sound and playing technique fits the particular song you are working on. There is plenty of variety in the samples included in Jamstix and they should be all most people need. I own other drum samplers (SD2 and AD) but I could definitely get by with just Jamstix in a pinch if I had to.

Take the time to learn what Jamstix is capable of before venturing too far into the weeds. The learning curve is steep enough without adding more distractions to it.

tf_b · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 10:43 am Post subject:

Thanks for the Reply ... definitely fits my question, and also good advice for the near term. I guess I knew JS 'sounds' were well 'in the ball park', but a few critical posts got me off track. My 'pressing' on this point relates specifically to moving ahead soon with BonzoPak or using the funds to help with another plugin. Perhaps it is not really applicable to my Jazz interests. Jamcussion already helps a bunch with Latin sounds and rhythms.

Nice to hear your reference to SD2 and AD, as those had bubbled to the top of my list for addition (mainly since both have Jazz Add Paks and SD2 has Latin).

Regards,
Tom B
_________________
i7-870, 8gb, Win7-64, Reaper, Saffire Pro14, AxiomPro61, Ivory II, Omnisphere, Trilian, StylusRMX, Jamstix3XL+AIPak+JC.