First 20 minutes from class

 

Acoustic Drum Programming Overview - Scroll Down for an Audio Demo

In this session, we explore the art of programming realistic acoustic drum parts inside Ableton Live using powerful plugins like Addictive Drums. Whether you're crafting indie, rock, neo-soul, or jazz-inspired beats, this workshop is all about capturing the nuance and groove of a real drummer. Learn how to add human feel, subtle imperfections, and dynamic expression to your drum parts—giving your productions a live, organic edge without ever touching a mic.

What You’ll Learn

How to Acoustic Drum Programming: Craft believable drum parts using MIDI and acoustic drum plugins.

Realism & Humanization: Techniques to add groove, timing variation, and velocity detail for a natural feel.

Smarter MIDI Clips: Hack General MIDI in Ableton and use Smarter MIDI Clips that show each drum instrument by name.

Ghost Snares: Subtle snare hits that add swing, groove, and movement to your beat.

Fills & Turnarounds: Write transitions that sound like a live drummer, not a loop.

Rhythm Generator for Complex Rhythms: Use tools to inspire non-repetitive patterns and new grooves.

Seed Tool for Fills: Automatically generate unique and musical drum fills.

Layering: Stack drums, cymbals, and percussion elements for added weight and detail.

 

Example Project from Class

 

 

Smarter MIDI Clips

There is a hack that allows you to see the drum name in the MIDI clip. Included in this session are presets for smart MIDI clips for Addictive Drums, Kontakt Drummers, and Labs Drums. Using MT-Power Drum Kit? Click HERE

 

MIDI Beats Pack

Included in this session is a pack full of MIDI beats in GM format so you can load them to be played by your preferred midi plugin to learn from and/or use in your productions.

 

What's Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• MIDI Beats Pack
• Supa Fat Supa Dry Preset Pack for AD2
• Addictive Drums Smart Rack
• Kontakt Drummer Smart Rack
• Labs Drums Smart Rack
• PDF with a list of the best free and commercial drum plugins

 

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Yeuda Ben-Atar, a world renowned Ableton Certified Trainer, hails from Los Angeles, California. Originally from Israel, Yeuda’s passion for music led him to the United States, where he discovered his true calling with Ableton Live in 2007, embarking on a journey of mastery.

He approaches Ableton in a unique way; producing and performing with video game controllers under the moniker Side Brain.

One of Yeuda’s most remarkable qualities is his exceptional knowledge and speed, combined with his unparalleled ability to explain complex concepts in a simple and engaging manner.

With years of experience as a music production instructor and educator, Yeuda has contributed his expertise to prestigious institutions throughout the United States, including USC, UCLA, UCSD, Colburn Music School, Berkley School of Music, Cal Arts, NAMM, Skywalker Sounds, Bedrock LA, Sonos Studios, Sweetwater Headquarters, 1500 or Nothing studios, Grammy U, Pensado’s Place, Vintage King, Museum of Making Music, Lynda.com (now known as Linkedin Learning), and Perfect Circuit Audio, among many others.

His projects have included working with and teaching artists such as Timbaland, Ludacris, Lavel Kali(Beyonce, Drake) DJ Numark and Jurassic 5, Beck, Skrillex, Flying Lotus, Ed Sheeran, Rick Rubin, Giorgio Moroder, Simi, Bootie Brown (Pharcyde), Dave Pensado, Madison Mcferrin and countless others.