derek_cooper

Live is my go-to editor and instrument creation tool. I started using this as a DAW several years ago, and everything I create on every other tool goes through Live. M4L provides a robust community filled with extremely creative tools that never fail to inspire creativity. I've since started using Logic as my mixer and "final" DAW, with Live to supplement, and have begun to think of Live more as an instrument generator itself. Live can do anything.

Logic has become my go-to DAW for finalizing mixes. It's modern, simple UI, combined with pro-level tools, provides a seamless experience for providing delicate touches for finalization on tracks.

This product made me create a custom kit just for a set of these. Combined with the Roland KD-7 and a Scarlett interface, I'm able to program and create/trigger anything in my arsenal in a way that is both natural and experimental for a drummer. This and iOS are the future and cutting edge of new ways to intuitively make music.

This continues to be my primary editing platform. I can arrange, perform, write/draft/capture, and experiment with one machine that keeps me out of menu fatigue.

I've had 20 years of experience with these, and they can do it all.

The creativity potential is endless in the iOS environment. There is a robust ios music community online, and an endless stream of new music creation apps. This platform is a gift that keeps on giving, and supplements my workflow well between "organic" instruments and Ableton. My go-to for new ideas, as well as visual art creation.

The minimal profile and high functionality, combined with low cost, makes this an easy recommendation for any musician. I can use with my iPad and Live to write new parts and trigger samples. Easy to throw on a drum set tom and go, fits in my small messenger bag, and doesn't need an external power source when combined with the iPad. Incredibly useful for low profile tactile keys for synths.

I'm not very into modular, but the experimentation this amazing instrument brings to my life brings a smile to my face. Incredible signature Moog warmth, intuitive but unique interface, pairs well with a drumkit for wilding out. So, so fun. I've wanted this since I first heard about them from Moogfest. The build quality is great, and the small profile makes it easy to put anywhere. The knobs are so satisfying to use.

The endless potential of sampling and standard triggering, combined with intuitive kit creation, allows me to run backing tracks or create entirely new arrangements, as well as the standard "trap table" percussion sample setup that drastically reduces my need to carry additional odds and ends. Best, I can load my own samples into this for a less "canned" sound with these percussion sounds. The industry standard.

I was looking for something slightly outside the usual crash ride space, and found this dark hybrid crash created by Akira Jimbo, one of Japan's top drummers. It can hold its own on the bell in terms of a ride sound, and the crash is brilliant, dark, and generally predictable. The unlathed bell gives it a fuller sound as a whole. A thin crash that carries like a heavier cymbal, it is my secret weapon that provides unique versatility and great dynamic range. If I had to pick one cymbal for the most uses, I would likely choose this.

Responsive and bright, this cymbal opens up quickly and has a very standard, characteristic "crash" sound. I use this to open up the characteristics available to me on my kit - both as a go-to standard sound, as well as something to use combined with bells, sizzles, etc. A great foundation for recording or experimentation.

This aluminum shell drum can take a beating and keep on delivering. Time-tested, pro level quality. This drum is dry and crisp but still delivers in tone and resonance. Extremely responsive at all volumes. This snare provides the fundamental framework for further experimentation with dampening and adding percussion.

These drums have a wide tuning range that can cover jazz and rock equally. It's been used for 60 years by many standards, and I enjoy it for its ability to navigate capably in different spaces. Bass drum: 14" X 22", Rack Tom drum: 9" X 13", Floor tom: 16" X 16".

Made my Mason Self, these cloth dampeners are made to fit various size drums and can be fully utilized or folded to provide custom dampening. Limited runs of various patterns mean you can buy a set, mix and match, request custom patterns, and express yourself visually as well as sonically.