Tone Load function on BR900/600/1600 vs. 800 :)

[64Guitars]

1. No Toneload function - you can't import your own drum kit.

you can do these with the DR880. (Imports SMF 1)

Midi file import is not the same thing as Tone Load. Tone Load allows new drum and cymbal samples (instruments) to be loaded into a drum kit (from WAV files, for example). Midi files only tell the DR-880 which notes to play. They don't change the instrument sounds that are available in the DR-880. The DR-880 does allow you to create up to 100 custom drum kits, but they can only use the instrument sounds that are already available in the DR-880. It can't import new sounds. I think that was Chuck's point. He needs to be able to import his own samples and the DR-880 doesn't allow that. For the type of music Chuck plays (flamenco), I believe he needs a certain hand-clap sample that isn't available in the DR-880.

The DR-880 seems to have good midi support, so I suppose one solution to Chuck's problem would be to connect the DR-880 to another midi device which does allow custom samples. Perhaps something like the Korg microSAMPLER. The DR-880 could then trigger samples stored on the microSAMPLER. But maybe that's more equipment than he wants to tote around.

[Glenn Mitchell]

I see.
I have a GR20 guitar synth that has 50 drum samples and MIDI in and out (No thru). What could I do if I hook that up to the drum machine?(MIDI in and out, No thru unless I can use the USB for that)
Play the DR880 sounds thru my MIDI guitar?
Play GR20 sounds thru the drum machine?
I'm just trying to get my head around the possibilities.

[Gnasty]

There are two MAJOR limitations for me.

1. No Toneload function - you can't import your own drum kit.
2. No Pattern Play - there is no global tempo option.....

(I have a DR-880 for sale... CHEAP!....:-)

Chuck

+1. The DR880 takes a good bit of time to learn but sounds great and is very flexible.
There are several ways to make up a track.
Have you tried using the USB as a MIDI to a DAW yet? I have to give that a try.
I've just been plugging it directly into the BR800 and then transferring to the DAW thru the BR Wave Converter.

If you have the dr.880 already and want drum tracks. Why would you want to sell it? Nothing comes close to it but a human drummer. 

[64Guitars]

I have a GR20 guitar synth that has 50 drum samples and MIDI in and out (No thru). What could I do if I hook that up to the drum machine?(MIDI in and out, No thru unless I can use the USB for that)
Play the DR880 sounds thru my MIDI guitar?
Play GR20 sounds thru the drum machine?

Yes, you should be able to play DR-880 sounds from the GR-20, and GR-20 sounds from the DR-880. You might even be able to do both at the same time if they're communicating over separate midi channels.

Do you have a midi keyboard instrument? They usually have a lot more sound possibilites than the GR-20 or DR-880. You could, for example, connect the GR-20 to your midi keyboard and play the keyboard's sounds from your guitar. Or, with a midi interface such as the M-Audio MIDISport 1X1 you were planning to buy, you could load VST instrument sounds into SONAR and play them with your guitar.

[Glenn Mitchell]

I'm not a piano player but my wife does have an EP70 with In and out.
I don't think it has many sound options.
I did connect it one time and it was able to play the GR20 sounds which was cool.
Again I'd rather use the guitar as I know how to play it.

[BuleriaChk]

64Guitars has it right.

Because I want my own sounds, not canned drum tracks, and I want different patterns to sync to my tempo so I can play them live.

(For a REAL thorough discussion of these limitations, check out the DR-880 user group on Yahoo....)
Actually, a netbook and Ableton Live is a far better solution for me than the DR-880...
And if I need the pads, I can hook up my padKontrol....

The true solution was the BR series with the ToneLoad function, and now I just use the BR-80 with loops created in Ableton Live in E-Band mode (I have a lot of Middle Eastern loops which are fun to add to the basic flamenco rhythm backing tracks....)

Chuck

If you have the dr.880 already and want drum tracks. Why would you want to sell it? Nothing comes close to it but a human drummer.