What is a drummer pedal?
The BeatBuddy and BeatBuddy MINI 2 are described with many different terms, including “drum machine pedal”, “beat pedal”, and “drumbeat pedal”, but here at Singular Sound we like to call them “drummer pedals”. We chose the term “drummer pedal” because the BeatBuddy and BeatBuddy MINI 2 are more than just drum machines with fills, they’re your own personal drummer in a pedal. :)
How did you get the BeatBuddy to sound so realistic?
A lot of work went into ensuring that the BeatBuddy was the most realistic sounding drum machine on the market. The very first thing we made sure to do is go straight to the source. However, instead of relying on samples from 3rd parties, we recorded professional drummers for our own samples.
We did this because we’re able to utilize multiple velocity playback as a result. For example, most drum machines utilize just one sample for each sound, using volume to increase or decrease that single sample. But, drums are dynamic and the overtones and attack vary between hits at different velocities. So, in order to accurately recreate this we had to record samples ourselves. However, we took the time to record a multitude of velocities, which allows the BeatBuddy to not just play a sample turned down or up, but to play different samples depending on the volume.
But, multiple velocity playback isn't the only factor. We also needed to ensure the BeatBuddy wouldn't sound robotic, and this was accomplished through non-quantized playback. Quantization is the process of aligning notes perfectly on the beat, and by playing back without quantization, we're able to more closely recreate the subtle nuances in a rhythm.
As a result, this drum machine that doesn't just sound amazing, it plays amazing.
What’s the difference between the BeatBuddy and BeatBuddy MINI 2?
Both the BeatBuddy and BeatBuddy MINI 2 offer the same core functionality and default content. However, there are 3 key differences. First, the BeatBuddy MINI 2 can’t load any additional content like the BeatBuddy can.
Secondly, it also utilizes 16-bit sound vs the BeatBuddy’s 24-bit sound. Finally, there is no MIDI functionality in the BeatBuddy MINI 2.
If you want to perform live, create your own content, download additional content, and have an ear for studio-grade sound quality, there is no drum machine on the market as awesome as the BeatBuddy.
What’s the difference between songs, kits, styles, and beats?
The term song refers to the multiple verses, transition beats, fills, etc. that you control. We chose this term because each song is made up of several individual beats. Sometimes you’ll hear other people (or us!) referring to songs as styles or beats, and most people know what you mean by that, but the official term is song.
What songs/styles can the BeatBuddy play?
Here are all of the default songs on the BeatBuddy.
Can I record my album with it? Do I need to pay any royalties?
Feel free to use the BeatBuddy in any which way you like! Use it for recording an album, use it live, use it to create music that you sell, anything you want. It is all royalty-free, you don’t have to pay us a dime. We would appreciate it though if you listed us as your drummer in your album credits, though. :-)
What’s your return policy?
From the date of delivery, you have a full 60 days to try out any of our products. If at any point within that time period you want to return them, email us and we will provide you instructions on where to send it. Once received, we will issue you a full refund on your purchase to the original payment source used.
What’s your warranty and what does it cover?
The warranty is a full two year warranty. This covers any innate manufacturing defects and any other issue that seems to have been caused by a factor outside your control. If there is any issue, we will either repair or replace your unit (at our option) free of charge, as long as the issue being dealt with is within the terms of the warranty and the relevant time span. Technical issues that aren't covered are ones that are due to obvious negligence, such as connecting the BeatBuddy to too high a voltage of a power supply, dropping it in water, etc. (basically anything that someone with common sense wouldn't do).
Click here to register your BeatBuddy's warranty.
I play acoustic guitar/piano/trumpet/didgeridoo... can I still use the BeatBuddy?
Most definitely! And many users of the BeatBuddy do. Use it as a guitar drum pedal; it is your versatile drum machine pedal. You do not need an instrument to be plugged into the BeatBuddy for it to work. The BeatBuddy is incorporated with many performers’ setups, and we continuously receive amazing feedback from them on how much it adds to their performances.
What kind of power supply can I use with the BeatBuddy?
The BeatBuddy and the MINI 2 are compatible with any adapter that meets these specs: 9 volt, center negative, and a minimum of 300 mA. Do NOT use an adapter with higher voltage, otherwise you will fry your BeatBuddy and the warranty does not cover that!
Do you release updates and new features for the BeatBuddy? Where do I get them?
Yes, we do. The frequency varies, but it’s usually once every few months. Every update is in the form of a firmware upgrade which is simply a matter of just placing some files on your SD card and giving it 10 seconds to update. Every update will come with a changelog, and if you are subscribed to our newsletter, you should receive a notification by email once an update is ready.
We plan on making the firmware update process automatic via our free software, so the simple process will be even simpler! :-)
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