Hello,
This is my first post. I’m desperately trying to find a solution that allows me to record and track SD3 using a TD-27 separately tracked with the Superior Drummer 3 (SD3) into a DAW with low latency and processing. I love the kits I have on SD3 with the SDX and EZX packs, the different trigger response options in SD3 for precise e-drumming, and the multi-out function of SD3 to track everything separately. I want to use SD3 in a DAW to record drums live and not rely on recording in SD3, export all of the tracks, and then bring them back into Ableton Live 11 (AL 11), where I can further mix and process the drums with my plugins.
My problem is that I have AL 11, and when I use the VST version of SD3 in Ableton Live, it has bugs it doesn’t allow the e-drums to function correctly. It will miss-trigger or not let me use the choking cymbals functionality. So, I’ve resorted to using the Standalone App for SD3 because I can still select my user-saved presets and things. In AL 11, it also doesn’t let me choose those user-saved presets in the VST option.
I’m open to any suggestions or ideas on how to best achieve recording and multi-tracking SD3 with TD-27 into a DAW.
I only currently have a Motu M4 with a total of 4 I/Os. Right now, the only solution I have thought about doing is using an interface with enough ins, and outs, and a midi option for controlling the e-drum kit. I would route the multi-outputs from SD3 out of the outs of the interface, and then I’ll just use patch cables to go into the inputs and then select those inputs in Ableton Live to capture the audio, separately tracked. Hopefully, I will have enough processing power on my laptop to run both at the same time and record all the tracks.
Since I don’t have any Apple or MAC products, I was thinking about doing a MOTU 828es 28×32 Thunderbolt or the Soundcraft Ui24R 24-channel Remote-controlled Digital Mixer. Those do get pricey. I’m a single Therapist living in a studio apartment by myself, so money can get tight.
The drawback of using a mixer for me is they don’t have Midi I/O’s to use the e-drum. I might see if I can get a mixer, but then I would need to capture the midi from the e-drum kit to use with SD3. I also haven’t explored connecting the TD-27 via the wireless Bluetooth or wireless Midi interface. I’m unsure if the latency would still allow for low enough latency when playing e-drums via a laptop connecting wirelessly. I would love to hear from anyone who has also had success with using a wireless MIDI option to track your MIDI in SD3?
I’m very interested to hear any feedback or ideas. I’m also considering just using a different DAW to see if the multi-routing would still work while still having the e-drum kit function correctly while using it in the DAW, hopefully working better than AL 11 with SD3 and TD-27. I would use Logic Pro, but I don’t use MACs. I’m planning to stick with Windows. Any ideas are welcome. I’m sure I’m not the first one to want to record and track SD3 with an e-drum kit playing live. I’m wondering if anyone else has a setup that works for them and if you have been able to track SD3 with your DAW and have the e-drum kit respond as it should?
I’m just trying to pull this together most affordably and effectively, so any solutions are welcome. Please let me know your thoughts?
-Cameron Cox
