Programming Cymbal Rolls and Chokes in Addictive Drums 2 and BFD3

Programming Classic Cymbal Techniques

This time we’ll explain how to program the classic cymbal techniques “roll” and “choke”,
using two popular drum instruments: Addictive Drums 2 and BFD3.

If the names don’t sound familiar, listen to these examples.

• Cymbal roll
• Cymbal choke

Let’s learn each technique in turn.

Video: Programming Cymbal Rolls and Chokes

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Cymbal Roll

In Addictive Drums

First, program the cymbal notes.

In this example, we use 32nd notes at 120 BPM, with velocities forming a rise and fall.
On its own, though, each attack is too strong to sound convincing.

To adjust the attack in Addictive Drums, use the VOLUME ENVELOPE on the EDIT screen.

There is one problem, however:
the VOLUME ENVELOPE cannot be automated in this workflow.
Changing it would therefore leave the cymbal with a softened attack throughout the song.

To solve this, add a cymbal dedicated to rolls in an empty slot.

You can then use the cymbal with a strong attack for regular playing
and the softer one for rolls.

Now adjust the VOLUME ENVELOPE for the newly added cymbal.

The leftmost point controls the attack.
Drag it to the right to slow the onset and soften the attack.

This adjustment alone makes the programmed notes sound much more like a roll.
If the attack is too slow it can sound unnatural, so adjust it while listening.

In BFD3

BFD3 does not use the same envelope approach here.
Instead, it has its own feature called Cymbal Swell.

To access Cymbal Swell, select the cymbal track you want to adjust
and click MODEL in the upper right.

Find Cymbal Swell in the middle section and turn the switch on.

Then, while listening, adjust the Amount knob. As before, avoid making it excessively smooth.

BFD3’s Cymbal Swell does not weaken every cymbal attack.
It softens the attack only when notes arrive close together.
The attack remains softer until the meter in the Swell section returns to zero.

If you rarely program closely spaced cymbal hits during normal playing, you can leave it enabled.
If you do use closely spaced hits elsewhere and the softer attack is a problem,
create a separate track, as with the Addictive Drums approach above.

A Practical Tip

This applies to both Addictive Drums and BFD3:
instead of placing all the roll notes evenly as 32nd notes,gradually speed them up and slow them down,
or introduce variation with randomization for a more realistic result.

Cymbal Choke

In Addictive Drums

Programming a choke in Addictive Drums is simple.
Usually, the choke is mapped one semitone above the cymbal note.

Simply place a note one semitone above after the cymbal hit.
The timing of the choke changes its character, so
listen and adjust it to suit the song.

In BFD3

In BFD3, some presets may not have a choke mapped.

To check, click the i icon on the kit screen.

The key map for the selected slot appears on the right.
If “Choke” is listed, you’re ready; otherwise, add it in the key map.

Click Key Map on the screen.

Select the cymbal you want to choke, then choose Choke from the articulations on the right.

Select the key to assign on the left, then click Assign to Selected beneath the articulations on the right.
For this example, we chose B-1.

Then, as in Addictive Drums, place a choke note after the cymbal note.
This produces a more realistic decay than simply muting the volume.

That covers cymbal rolls and chokes.
Try these techniques to make your programmed drums sound more realistic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What if the attack is too strong when programming a cymbal roll in Addictive Drums?

Drag the leftmost attack point of the VOLUME ENVELOPE to the right to slow the onset. To work around the automation limitation described above, add a separate cymbal in another slot for rolls.

Q2. Does BFD3 have an envelope like Addictive Drums?

BFD3 offers Cymbal Swell, which automatically softens attacks when notes are close together. The effect continues until the Swell meter returns to zero.

Q3. How can I map a choke in BFD3 if it is not already mapped?

Check the current key map using the i icon on the kit screen. Click Key Map, select the cymbal, and choose Choke from the articulations; then assign it to a key as described above.

Q4. How can I make a cymbal roll sound more natural?

Rather than placing every 32nd note evenly, vary the timing or use randomization to make the performance closer to a real drummer’s.