USB Drum Kit Pad

Most recording software comes with some type of VST Plug-in with a drum map and editor on it. You can record a track with the help of the program’s metronome to help ensure that you’re in rhythm and then add an instrument track and open the drum map and editor and go to town. Even if you don’t play drums you can still get a basic beat and add in other sounds along the way.

(Image: Thinkgeek.com)

If you record and don’t have a drum set but prefer to “keep it real” or somewhat closely, you can buy a USB drum kit that you can just plug in to your computer and make the beats by beating on the pads. Granted this isn’t  a good, expensive electronic drum kit, but this would be good for kids that want to get started, maybe.

This is actually a pad that you can roll and unroll. It comes with sticks and software with all sorts of pre-programmed sounds and kits that you can use. This is made for windows only and is powered off of your USB port. For $39.99 you might be able to get one of your children to start practicing with this until they are sure that a real drum kit is something they want to pursue and you want to spend money on. I spent money on a real guitar for my son after he started playing Guitar Hero. After he realized it’s not as easy as pushing 4 or 5 buttons he kind of gave up on it as most kids do.

You can pick thi up at Thinkgeek.com , or at least read up on it.