You will need:
- A laptop
- Percussion Pad (like the ones we mentioned above), or...
- Electronic drum module (like a Roland TD-50, for example) with one or more triggers.
Now, we can take this all even further. By using the MIDI I/O on the percussion pad or drum module, we can take advantage of advanced software, editing capabilities and enormous sample libraries. MIDI information generated by the acoustic triggers and drum module is sent to software such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro or Cubase. From here, you can use drum samples from BFD or Toontrack, as well as non-percussion or custom-built samples to create unique effects.
The triggers themselves could take the form of full-sized heads like the Roland PDX8 Mesh Head or the Roland RT30H Acoustic Drum Trigger. The latter actually allows you to clip the trigger on to your existing drum, and trigger a sample at the same time. This gives you plenty of options when it comes to integrating this technology into your current setup.
You could also use the triggers to launch various loops and samples, and arrange them into compositions on the fly. The sounds you use could be fragments of existing tracks, and your goal could be to create remixes, or loop the tracks and jam with them. By using loops and extended samples, you can start to accompany yourself and dabble with melodies as well as percussion.