Logic Pro 9 comes bundled with a huge number of loops and presets and patterns for it's drum synth/sampler, Ultrabeat and the EXS24. One of the problem with using loops (and even your own recordings ...
Rounik Sethi
Rounik is the Editor and Lead-Writer on the MPV Hub.
As an Apple Certified Trainer for Logic (and a self-confessed Mac fanatic) he's taught teachers, professional musicians and hobbyists how to get the best out of Apple's creative software. He is a Visiting lecturer at Bath Spa University's Teacher training program, facilitating workshops on using iLife and digital media tools in the classroom.
If you're looking for Rounik, you'll most likely find him (and his articles) on the macProVideo.com Hub & Forums.
This is great stuff, and I use the 'slicing' method a lot - especially with samples where the whole drum kit has been recorded.
Another method I like is a bit more hands on, and makes me feel like I'm 'playing' the loops. I thought you might appreciate it:
Use two samples of the same drum kit (generally you can find variations of the same drum kit in sample packs). Put the samples on two different audio tracks (eg channel 1 and channel 2).
Assign the output of each audio track to a bus (eg bus 13) then create a new audio track (channel 3) with bus 13 as the input. Set the new audio track to record.
Loop the samples on channel 1 and 2 for about a minute or so, match the volume levels as best you can, then mute one channel.
Set up an external controller to allow you to swap the mute from channel 1 to 2 by pushing a button. - I use a Novation Zero
Go back to the start and start recording onto channel 3. Then use an external controller to swap the 'mute' from one channel to another. With some practice you can get it sounding like the drummer is improvising fills.
record all the different variations that you like!
(PS this is really great if you like a bit of 'human error' in your mixes)
Thanks for all your advice Rounik I look forward to your next post!
Hamish
btw, if you have any suggestions for future posts (Logic, Final Cut, OSX, iLife, Photoshop, etc...) do let me know :)
Thanks again!