The variety of percussion software available to musicians is growing as digital audio workstations (DAWs) improve. Drums and percussion instruments suitable for nearly all mainstream musical genres, such as Latin, hip hop, dance, or rock, are among the various types of percussion software that have been developed. Virtual studio technology (VST) is a popular type of music software that typically requires DAW software. However, standalone percussion software is available if you don’t have access to a DAW. From simple virtual drum machines to full orchestral percussion, percussion software covers a wide range of complexity.
Most of the sounds in percussion and drumming software are either carefully recorded audio samples of real instruments or synthesized sounds. Only acoustic samples, electronically developed synthesizer sounds, or both can be used in the software. Both types of sound are used in musical production across a wide range of genres, and are typically chosen based on the musician’s preferences.
Instruments such as shakers, cowbells, congas, or tumbadoras, drums, bongo drums, and claves are commonly used in Latin percussion programs. Synthesized kick drums, snare drums, and hi-hats are frequently used in hip hop. Electronic sounds and lower frequency bass drums are common in dance percussion software, as are heavily modulated, “thumping” kick drums. Rock percussion software is more diverse, with acoustically sampled instruments being the norm.
Drum loops are frequently found in the same package as percussion programs, which may be made up of different sounds from individual instruments such as kick drums or cymbals. A drum loop is a piece of music that can be played over and over again without changing the tempo. Some percussion applications allow the user to sample individual instruments from loops that have already been pre-arranged. Percussion loops can range in complexity from simple to complex.
Most percussion software can be customized in a variety of ways, whether the software is standalone or designed to be used with a DAW. Tempo control, access to an equalizer, pitch and frequency controls, and time stretching are examples of these features. The customizable elements allow the musician or band to drastically alter the sounds available to suit their personal tastes. Furthermore, most software can be used with a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) device, which is useful for both composing and live performances.