Yeah, I heard your sigh. But just to let you know, I used the searching tool and only found one thread on this -- which wasn't very helpful. So, here's my thread...
I've heard of some bands using only a drum machine (of course, some of Mortician. and also I heard "Fuck...I'm dead" do it too). But what kind? I can play the drumset on my keyboard, record it to the keyboard files, and play it back so it can be like a drummer. And I've got an automatic drum "loop" or whatever (sorry if that's not what it's called) with my effects processor, but that just sucks ass. So I was thinking of an actual "drum machine". Should I go with a drum machine that you play it yourself and record it as a play-back file, or a drum machine that has all beats and stuff automatic (but better than the average drum loop thingy)? I'm looking for a good drum machine to replace a drummer basically. At least for recording, and possibly live shows (if it doesn't look TOO stupid). I was just wanting a little information on the two kinds of drum machines and your recommendations on brands.

the following post was taken from the Fuck ...Im Dead forum:

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you'd better make a damn good stage presence through the vocalist. which jay does very nicely for FID, so they are excused for having a drum machine.

he makes for a big stage presence

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get hold of cubase or nuendo, get their lm4 plugins (drum machine), and download (or create from existing ones) drum samples, and there you go.

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Well, I doubt the "vocalist" will make a good stage presence--I am the vocalist. But I'm also the bassist. And since I use my bass with a guitar effects processor, it just sounds like a really low yet nicely filled guitar. Therefore, it sounds fine without another stringed instrument. Long explanation short, I'm the only guy in the band besides a drummer. So if i used only a drum machine, I'd be alone on stage. That's why I was alittle worried about how it would look. But hopefully, I'd be one of those guys that are able to use a drum machine with recording and stuff, and only has to have a real drummer for the road.


And I just bid (last night) on a Boss DR660 on eBay. Hopefully I'll get it there (it's quite cheap), but if not I'll probably run down to my local music dealer and get one from him.
I'll also look into that download thingy.

I have a damn cool drum machine. It gives you beats, you can make beats, you can plug your guitar/bass/mic in and it will record them. Plus it has a shit load of effects and a compresser. So I usually record through that before I put it into my recording system on my computer and burn it down.

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Sounds kick-ass! I'll go down to the store and ask for "one of those damn cool drum machines".

(by the way, hope you didn't take that as mean or anything. just fuckin around. but what kind is it?)

I think they mean the BOSS DR-670...I have it myself, if you calibrate it right, it works pretty good!

Here are some specs:

256 Drum sounds
16 Bass sounds (Guess you won't be needing those)
Maximum of 200 user patterns (Watch the number of notes though)
Maximum note storage: appr. 8,000 notes
Tempo: 20-260 BPM (Quarter note)
Output Jacks L/R
Headphones Jack (Stereo Miniature phone type)
Foot Switch Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)
MIDI Connectors IN/OUT
AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9v) <----Adaptor not included though

I use it for both drums and bass, and I can put 2 really complex or 3-4 "normal" songs in it...So for drums only, I'd guess about 4-6 "normal" songs...Not to much really.

Contact me if you want more info.