Do DJs Use Drum Pads? Drum pads are an integral part of the DJing process; there is no debate about it. They can be used for various tasks, from controlling the tempo to providing accuracy when mixing tracks. But what are the best drum pads for DJs?
While various pads are available on the market, some factors to consider include size, type of material, and price. Ultimately, what works best for one DJ may not work as well for another – so experimentation is key!
Do DJs Use Drum Pads? (In short)
DJs use pads to control the beats in their sets. Pads come in all shapes and sizes, so finding one that feels comfortable for you is important. You’ll also want to ensure the pad is responsive to your hands.
What Does a Drum Pad Do?
A drum pad does many things, but primarily it provides a surface on which a drummer can play rhythms. Drum pads come in many sizes and shapes and can be padded or non-padded.
Padded drum pads are usually more durable but more difficult to play on because the padding makes the drumstick feel heavier. Non-padded drum pads are generally easier to play but may only last briefly because the drumsticks can damage them easily.
Should You Use a DJ Drum Pad?
There are pros and cons to using a DJ drum pad as your primary drumming surface. On the positive side, a DJ drum pad is durable and can take a beating. Additionally, most DJs use pads to create loops or beats, so they’re already familiar with how to use them.
In contrast, some people find that using a traditional drum set gives them more control over their sounds. Plenty of great electronic drums rely on something other than pads to play. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you want in a drumming surface.
Common Drum Pad Setups:
Many people think of cymbals and hi-hats when it comes to drumming. But what about the other drums? The bass drum, for example, is often left out of the mix. That’s where a drum pad comes in handy. A drum pad is a piece of equipment that you can use to simulate the sound of a real bass drum.
Setup #1. The Roland SPD-Style
Setting up a drum pad can be daunting, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the different types of drums and their corresponding places. If you’re using a Roland SPD-Style pad, there are a few things you’ll want to consider:
- Make sure that the surface on which the pad is sitting is level.
- Find the center of the pad and line it up with one edge of the surface.
- Adjust the pad’s height until it’s at your desired level.
There are also several other factors to consider when setting up your drum pad, such as arm length and hand position. By taking these steps, you’ll be able to get started playing confidently on your new drum pad setup!
Setup #2. MIDI Fighter-Style Controller:
A MIDI fighter is a type of drum pad controller that uses a mix of buttons and pads to produce sounds. Drum pads can be used to play all kinds of rhythms, but they’re especially well-suited for playing MIDI loops or songs.
You’ll want to set it up comfortably to get the most out of a MIDI fighter. I suggest using all the pads on one side or all the buttons on one side. If you’re comfortable with your controller’s work, there’s no wrong way.
When setting up your fighter, remember that the pads should be close together so your hand doesn’t have to travel too far across the pad surface. This will help you stay on time while you’re playing.
Setup #3. Ableton Push-Style:
If you’re a drummer who likes to use electronic drum pads, you’re familiar with Ableton Push. But what if you want to use your pads with other software? In this article, we’ll show you how to set up a common drum pad setup using Ableton Push-style.
- To start, create a new project in Ableton and import your audio files.
- Next, connect your pads to the computer using the included cables.
- Launch the Ableton Push software and select your Pad 1 device from the list on the left side of the window.
- On the right side of the window, click on “Options.” In this menu, click on “Drum Rack Setup.”
Do DJs Use Drum Pads? Takeaway
Many DJs use drum pads as part of their beat-making skills. Here’s a look at the typical setup and what you can expect from using them.
Many people think drum pads are just for beginner DJs, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many professional DJs rely on drum pads to create beats and rhythms.
Here’s a look at the most common setup: A DJ stands in front of their turntable with the record player running and puts the needle on the record they want to play. They then put one or more Drum Pads on the ground in front of them so that it sounds like they’re hitting drums when they hit their hands against the surface.
Also Read:
