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Apple Computer running MainStage
MainStage is only available for macOS. It sells for $29.99 on the App Store and requires 78GB storage space for full Sound Library installation.
We recommend a newer processor and at least 16GB RAM. Other VSTs or plugins may have their own requirements.
E-drums / MIDI controller, and audio interface
Connect your module to your Apple computer (usually via USB), and you'll be able to assign each pad to the right place in MainStage.
If you plan to send your audio live to a front of house mixer, you should consider using a 2-channel (minimum) audio interface.
Add your own virtual instruments
Virtual instruments (often called VSTs) are packs you can buy to add great sounding drums to your arsenal beyond what comes included with Drum Kit Live.
If you don't know where to start, we recommend Steven Slate Drums which includes 148 kit presets from many genres and is often available for less than $100. NOTE: VSTs may have their own OS or hardware requirements separate from MainStage.
Drum Kit Live includes over 30 performance-ready kits, but part of the fun of MIDI drumming is getting to choose the best sounds from the world’s leading sound engineers.
Drum Kit Live makes it easy to mix and match your favorite sounds from multiple VSTs. Here’s a few to consider.
Top Pick:
Steven Slate Drums 5.5
Our first choice is a no-brainer. With hundreds of kit pieces included, this is the fastest way to access a huge variety of sounds with routing that works perfectly inside of Drum Kit Live.
Runner up:
GetGoodDrums Modern & Massive
Although this is one of the most resource-intensive plug-ins we've used, Modern & Massive is an absolutely amazing sounding library. The snare drums SLAP, but it's flexible enough to work with Rock to Metal to Worship & CCM.
Honorable Mentions: Addictive Drums 2 Black Velvet
An audio interface is simply a way to get audio in and out of your computer. With Drum Kit Live, a module is typically sending MIDI data to tell the computer what sounds to make, but you still need a way to get the audio out.
Although most computers have a headphone output, you will notice an immediate improvement in clarity with an audio interface versus your onboard sound card.
The other major benefit of an audio interface is it can lower latency and improve performance, which is critical for live drumming.
Top Pick (2-Channel):
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
A high-quality interface that can send a stereo mix to front of house.
Top Pick (8-Channel):
Behringer xr-18
Primarily known as a nifty mixer with wireless apps, the XR-18's superpower is that it can be a 16-channel interface with 8 outputs. If you need a ton of outputs for a traditional mixer, this is your best value by far. It might even work for your whole band, at least for rehearsals.
Honorable Mentions: Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2, PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2
A drum monitor (meaning a speaker for your electronic drum set) doesn’t sound nearly as good as a nice pair of in-ear monitors. Not adding additional sound into your house or on-stage also has its own benefits. Plus you get a stereo mix which sounds better than mono.
Friends don’t let friends buy drum monitors. Get IEMs!
Top Pick & Best bang for your buck:
KZ ZS10 Pro
At less than $50, the KZ ZA10 Pros sound better than IEMs 3x the price. These IEMs have a cult following giving rave reviews.
Honorable Mentions: MEE audio M6 PRO, Anything custom molded to your ears
If you want to experiment with hybrid drumming, you need triggers for your acoustic drums to blend in samples or completely change your sound.
Typically, you’ll use one type of trigger for your snare (a dual-zone trigger than can pick up the rim as well as the head), one for toms, and one for your kick drum.
Top Pick:
Roland RT-30 Series
Roland isn't usually cheap, but they also tend to be reliable which is important for triggers. Check out the RT-30HR for your snare, the RT-30H for each tom, and the RT-30K for your kick drum.
Best Bang for your Buck:
ddrum Pro Acoustic Trigger Kit
This is a 5-piece set for less than $200. Just watch out for the kick trigger which has mixed reviews.
Honorable Mentions: Yamaha Dual-zone Drum Trigger
