I'd still recommend playing the pads live - and record what you play into a sequencer - because then you get "human" microdelays and velocity. Note that in a normal sequencing situation, you'd only use one MIDI channel for the Nord Drum and then you can control the 6 pads with note values 60, 62, 64, 65, 67 and 69. You can't change pitch then by playing a different note (you'd have to use MIDI CC for that), but you save some valuable MIDI channels in your setup. I know I'm always short on free MIDI channels 😉
I def enjoy playing the pads more than sequencing. Because I am a drummer I feel like the creative ideas find me much more quickly if I’m playing the pads. I normally hard quantize everything though because I like the precision sound but I’ll keep the velocity data for feel. I think I’d be more inclined to do individual channels on the Nord Drum if I was DAWless but at that rate if I’m going to search for a synth I’ll just grab a vst. Normally I just have my drum rack set to the single global MIDI channel and then I capture those 6 pads. Fun to explore all the options! I’ve been spending a lot of time with Korg Gadget 3, would be fun to sequence the Nord Drum that way.
Great video. I've been in my deep dive phase of recording and making sounds with the Nord Drum 3p, and your videos have been a huge inspiration for sound design and experimentation, both before and after picking one up. Thank you!
That is awesome! I love the Nord drum so much. I’ve been taking a break to see what sort of inspiration comes when I reconnect with it. Keep me posted on stuff you are working on!
It’s funny in the background of your video I see the device I use to sequence the Nord drum; the novation circuit rhythm. It’s a dead simple sequencer. What it lacks in ppqn precision it more than makes up for in speed of programming. It also does keyboard emulation so it can sequence notes. I find it a good companion for the Nord drum. It can also sample the device while playing back midi to free up Nord drum channels.
My friend helped me realize that the Circuit Rhythm was able to sequence external stuff a couple of weeks ago. I thought only the Circuit Tracks had that ability. I’ve been using the Rhythm to sequence my MS20. I’ve also ran the output of the Rhythm into the external signal processor on the MS20 so I can monitor both the MS20 sounds and Circuit Rhythm Sounds via headphone out on the MS20 and I don’t need a mixer. You are right, the super simple way the Rhythm works makes it really fast and fun to play with. I’ll have to hook it up to the ND next!
