Play Drums With Your Fingers! The World of “Finger Drumming”

Hello!
I’m Kaoru, a composer!!

This time, I would like to talk about “finger drumming”!

First of all… are you familiar with finger drumming??
I think many of you have heard of this at least once.

As the name suggests, it refers to creating beats using only your fingers!

It’s not only used for composition, but also incorporated into live performances by some artists.

Starting on drums usually requires equipment like an electronic drum kit, which can be a bit of a hurdle financially and in terms of space, but finger drumming can be started without exerting much space or effort, making it great for beginners!

I’d like to introduce a carefully selected range of equipment that you can purchase from Sound House!!

Native Instruments / MASCHINE+ (PLUS)

Hardware produced by “Native Instruments,” a top-tier brand known for its software instruments.
Its gunmetal and black color scheme looks very sleek and is sure to boost your creative motivation!!
This is the highest-grade model in the globally popular “MASCHINE” series and comes packed with a wide range of features.

Here are some of its main features:

■ Standalone Function

When it comes to finger drumming, many people set up a PC-based environment, but MASCHINE+ (PLUS) can operate in standalone mode (on its own), allowing you to complete everything with just this device.
Of course, it can also be used in conjunction with a PC.

With this feature, you can immediately input ideas as soon as they come to you.
The created data can be saved on the device itself, and later connected to a PC for detailed editing.

■ Comes with Highly Popular Software

Among Native Instruments’ extensive software lineup, several especially popular titles are included. The lineup is as follows:

• MASSIVE
• FM8
• MONARK
• PRISM
• MASCHINE Factory Selection
• RAUM
• PHASIS

What I’m particularly excited about is the classic synth “MASSIVE”! It comes with a wide range of presets, so even those who are not confident in sound design can use it with ease!

In addition, the dedicated package includes 9 synthesizers, sampled instruments, 35 types of effects, and 7 expansions (including 2 of your choice), offering virtually limitless possibilities depending on how you use them.

■ Equipped with Audio Interface Function

It features a wide range of inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect a microphone and perform recordings.
In other words, there is no need to prepare a separate audio interface, making it possible to build a compact setup.

■ Includes “Expansions” with a Massive Sound Library

These genre-focused sound packages include:

• Synth presets
• Drum kits
• One-shot samples
• Loops

Supervised by top-class artists and sound designers, these sounds can be used immediately in production.

It is rare to find hardware packed with this many features. Truly a professional-level device!!

AKAI / MPX8 Sample Player

A model created by the long-established sampler brand AKAI.
Its compact body makes it highly portable and easy to carry around.

By using an SD/SDHC card (sold separately), you can play back your own audio samples, making it suitable not only for musicians but also for stage performances and theater cue playback (such as triggering sound effects). Since it doesn’t require complex operations, it’s easy to use even for those who are not comfortable with machines.

In addition, the 8 pads support velocity and pressure sensitivity, allowing for expressive performances.

It is the most compact and affordable sampler among those handled by Sound House.

AKAI also offers a variety of other models:

AKAI / MPC ONE

AKAI / Force Music Production / DJ Performance Device (Standalone)

AKAI / MPC X Music Production Tool

↓ If you want to start finger drumming the least costly way possible, using a MIDI pad controller is likely the best option to go.

AKAI / MPD218 MIDI Pad Controller

Unlike the equipment introduced above, this pad alone does not produce sound.
It needs to be connected to a PC or iOS device and used in conjunction with software instruments.
In this case, it comes with the “MPD2” software, so you can start producing sound immediately by using it.

Additionally, it includes:

• Ableton Live Lite（DAW）
• AKAI MPC Essentials
• Big Bang Cinematic Percussion (percussion sound source)
• Big Bang Universal Drums (drum sound source)

So even those who do not own any equipment can use it with confidence.

Despite this generous package, it can be purchased for around 10,000 yen, making it highly recommended for beginners!!

KORG / nanoPAD 2 WH Pad Controller

The most affordable MIDI pad available at Sound House.

It features a very simple and slim design.

By including only the essential functions needed for finger drumming, it achieves both simplicity and excellent usability.

You can assign chords to the trigger pads, allowing it to be used for playing chord tracks as well.
Simply connect it to a PC via USB and it is ready to use immediately.

NEKTAR / IMPACT LX25+

An all-in-one unit that combines a MIDI keyboard, MIDI pads, and control knobs.

You can divide roles by using the keyboard for chords and melodies, and the pads for drums and beats.

It integrates with major DAWs, providing excellent operability.

That concludes my introduction of equipment needed to start finger drumming.
Since it is easy to get started, it also makes for a fun hobby!!

So be sure to give it a try!!

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