A virtual drumline is a type of percussion software that lets you create digital music with a variety of drum sounds. Virtual drumline software, by definition, does not offer full percussion composition capability, but instead typically just provides samples of a variety of drums. Virtual drumlines are frequently compatible with other music technologies, allowing for advanced applications such as composition.
VDL, or virtual drumline software, gets its name from the fact that it, like a live drumline, includes a variety of drums. The bass drum produces a distinctive booming sound at the low end of the percussion register. Virtual drumline software with high-quality sampling allows musicians to synthesize bass drum sounds similar to those heard in live concert or marching band music. When including a live bass drum sound would necessitate moving these heavy and bulky percussion instruments, the VDL software comes in handy.
Many of the samples in virtual drumline software, including the bass drum, have a signature sound that mimics a sound heard in live music. The sound of the snare drum is one of the most common. The snare drum is a medium-sized drum head with an attached metal accessory that produces a rattling sound when struck. The snare drum is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical settings, including military music. Virtual drumlines almost always include it.
The tom, cymbal, and hi-hat are some of the other percussion instruments commonly used in virtual drumlines. A non-snare round drum is referred to as a tom. A cymbal is a flat metal piece that when struck produces a metallic ringing sound. The hi-hat is a pair of cymbals that can be adjusted to produce a ringing open or crisp closed sound. Other instrument sounds, such as tambourines and maracas, may be added as well.
A virtual drumline is used by musicians to create a background for various digital projects. A virtual drumline can be used to imitate the percussion of a full marching band by those attempting to synthesize the complex sounds of live events. Others might use virtual drumlines to mimic the sounds of a traditional drum kit in rock music. Various manufacturers compete to offer VDL software products that can be used to simulate both concert and band music, with easy-to-use and convenient features that assist composers in incorporating more realistic percussive sound into their projects.