Tag Archives: Peter Dines

ParamDrum for Konkreet Performer

Please note: though this version of ParamDrum has Konkreet Performer mappings, Konkreet Performer is not mandatory. ParamDrum works just fine with a mouse or any MIDI controller.

Hey kids! It’s time for yet another update of ParamDrum.

This time the big deal is Konkreet Performer mappings. Performer is an iPad app that gives you tactile control over anything that can receive OSC, such as Reaktor. Free utiities also let you translate it to MIDI for software and hardware that can’t receive OSC. How good is Konkreet Performer? It’s the reason I went out and bought an iPad in the first place.

Here’s a cheat sheet with the lowdown on who does what where and when in the KP interface:

ParamDrum 3 kp

For those of you who don’t have KP (go get it you fools), the new version still includes a new sample set, a whole lot of new snaps, and new features including optimized randomization.

Screen shot 2011-07-13 at 6.49.38 PM

A funny thing about the beats this thing throws down in conjunction with Konkreet – it’s so easy to make crazy fun beats that you’ll be making and saving one after another at a furious clip. That’s why this edition of ParamDrum has so many more snaps compared to earlier versions. And among the most warped of them, you will find that they only make sense early in the morning when your ears and mind are fresh. When your ears, body and mind are exhausted, late at night, you will lose the ability to follow the sickest beats. So never delete snaps late at night. True story.

ParamDrum KP is free for owners of previous versions. Did I mention that you also need a working installation of Reaktor to use it? I should mention that. You can download ParamDrum KP edition here. Don’t have ParamDrum yet but want in on the game? Buy a license here:

Add to Cart

Update: Due to changes in default settings for the latest versions of Konkreet Performer, not all parameters are automatically mapped. Quickest way to fix that is to install this bank in Konkreet Performer via iTunes. Instructions on working with Konkreet banks can be found here.

ParamDrum TR Edition now available

The main idea behind ParamDrum is to have a fun and fast way of not only prototyping beats, but of creating variations that can be saved and recalled either in live performance or recorded and arranged into the backbone of a track.

ParamDrum TR Edition from Peter Dines on Vimeo.

Changes in this edition:

  • it’s red. Wow, is it red. Say, did you notice that it’s red?
  • new core-based probability macro (I’ve been meaning to clean that thing up for a while)
  • new morphable sample sets. Morphable? Yes – they’re grouped into sets of ten to twenty samples that gradually fade between two sounds, perfect for using with the sample select automation recorder.
  • new snapshots
  • saturator macro on panel B to add some boules
  • pan controls for middle and top samplers
  • it’s red.

It’s available here. The password is the same as for the other files.

You can also download a PDF that explains the MIDI controller mappings and other details. (note: PDF is not password protected)

Don’t have a password yet? It’s a measly old $15.00, a bargain, a steal. New to ParamDrum and Reaktor instruments? Keep in mind that this instrument requires you to have the full version of NI Reaktor.

You must enter a valid email address so I can send you a password for the file.

Paramdrum Add to Cart

Update: Here is the previous version of the instrument, using some of the default samples that ship with Reaktor (from the Massive ensemble, actually)

Reaktor drum machine with parameter locks from Peter Dines on Vimeo.

Earlier version available here.

Reaktor drum machine with parameter locks

Another peek at what’s cooking at ReaktorTips Sound Laboratories.

This is a granular drum sampler I’m working on in Reaktor that has Elektron MachineDrum style parameter locks. I think it sounds pretty good so far. Note the ridiculously low CPU usage – 2% to 2.1%

Reaktor drum machine with parameter locks from Peter Dines on Vimeo.

At the moment, the knobs are used to write looping parameter automation per step, and this works great with Kore 2 hardware controllers, but entering percussion sequences must be done with the mouse. I’ve tried using a keyboard to enter data but it’s hard and fiddly to get the exact velocity you want on a given step, and a pain to remove steps.

I’m going to wait till my Maschine arrives and use its drum pads to trigger sequence entry. The sequencer doesn’t send MIDI yet, but the controller does and from everything I’ve heard it’s a joy to use.

Sorry to keep teasing you guys with this stuff but no downloads – I’m trying to think of a way to monetize this, either with a small payment for the ensemble plus documentation, or maybe something sponsored. And yet at the same time, I want to share. Ah, conflict.