Frequently Asked Questions

What format should I buy?

There are several different loop formats and many different programs (and versions of those programs). Some programs support multiple formats. Some people work on multiple platforms and programs. Each format has advantages and disadvantages. For example, Quint uses WAV files in Ableton Live and Pro Tools most of the time because the programs and the WAV format are quick and easy. But eventually he purchased and now uses Logic Express at times because for some situations he prefers REX files. (At some tempos you can slow then down farther than WAVs.) 

All of our stereo WAV files have been "Acidized." This is a format that allows tempo matching in programs that support the format. Programs that don't support Acidization just read them as normal WAV files, as if there were no time compression-expansion (TCE) tags in them. ("Acid" is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation.)

So here are some basic recommendations.

Ableton Live: 16- or 24-bit WAV depending on your sound card. Live creates its own time-compression/expansion tags when you drag and drop the loops.

Acid and other Sony/Sonic Foundry Programs: Unless you are already recording in 24-bit, we recommend 16-bit WAV. (The default is 16-bit, so you would know if you are using 24-bit already.)

Adobe Audition: 16-bit WAV unless you know your soundcard supports 24-bit. Again, the program default is 16-bit so you would know if you had changed it or not. According to this article in Keyboard Magazine, AA does interpret Acid format for tempo changes.

Cakewalk Products: Unless you are already recording in 24-bit, we recommend 16-bit WAV. (The default is 16-bit, so you would know if you would know if you are using 24-bit.) Most new Cakewalk products read the TCE tags in Acid files, called "Groove Clips" in Cakewalk materials.

Cubase, Nuendo: Cubase SL/SX supports Acidized WAV files as well as REX files (Earlier version ony REX). We recommend the WAVs because there are less technical glitches. We recommend WAV format for Cubase LE and SE.  The LE and SE editions don't support REX/RX2 files or any type of "tempo shifting." Note: Cubase SL/SX 3.1 supports REX/RX2 automatically as part of the software update. Pre 3.1 and Cubase VST 5.1 versions will need the free "REX Shared Library" update. Click here for the link.

Digital Performer: For many people the preferred format for DP is REX files. However, in recent years DP has added Acid file support (3.1 and above) and Apple Loops (4.5 and above). We recommend the WAV or Apple Loops as because REX files sometimes present technical glitches.

Fruity Loops: 16-bit WAV, unless you are already using 24-bit.

GarageBand: Apple Loops or 24-bit Acidized WAVs. Apple Loops are AIF audio files with the TCE tags we've put in them. While GB2 does support Acid files, you have to drag and drop them from the desktop; you don't find them in the Apple Loops Browser. (You can't preview them very quickly.) If you use multiple platforms then you might go with the WAVs. If you really like the Apple Loops Browser or are a basic user then go with the Apple Loops format. Note also that even though Garageband only outputs 16-bit, you can use 24-bit files within the program. So if you do go with the WAV format you might as well go 24-bit in case later on you work in another program and want the highest quality.

Logic: Unless you are an advanced, multiplatform user we recommend the Apple Loops. Experienced user might consider REX files if they are already using them on other platforms as you know the advantages and disadvantages.

Propellerheads Programs: REX. Propellerheads is the creator and licensor of the REX format in the first place. So this is an easy one!

Pro Tools 7.4 and above: WAV format for use with Elastic Audio function. Pro Tools 7.0 to 7.3: REX 2.
Pro Tools 6x and Lower: For Mac-based systems we recommend 24-Bit WAV. For PC-based systems, it depends on whether your sound card supports 16-bit or 24-bit WAV files. Most sound cards made in the last couple of years support 24-bit. We also recommend you use the lite version of Ableton Live that has been shipping with Pro Tools since fall, 2003. Live is made specifically for loops; this is why Digi has partnered with them.

Riffworks: Riffworks was originally marketed by Line 6. You can purchase some of our content as Instant Drummers directly from the Sonoma Wireworks. However, you can use all of DOD REX files directly in Riffworks. Just choose REX format as you put any DOD volume in your shopping cart. Click here for instructions on how to use them from Sonoma Wireworks. 

Stylus RMX: REX Format.

DIGITAL AUDIO WORKSTATIONS: (Roland, Yamaha, etc.): Unless you know your DAW supports 24-bit, then we recommend the 16-bit WAV. Pretty much any DAW made in recent years will read 16-bit WAV files.

If you don't see your system here or are still unsure, please email us and we'll make a recommendation.

 

What's the difference between 16- or 24-bit WAV?

If you are unsure of which bit-depth to order, chances are you are recording at 16-bit. This is the standard resolution of a CD (16-bit, 44.1khz) and is the default for many audio applications. Along with 16-bit loops, we offer a 24-bit version for our customers who have the setup to take advantage of this higher resolution format. Whether or not this is right for you depends on the capabilities of your sound card, software application and the requirements of your projects. We can't answer the question, "Does my sound card support 24-bit audio?" Because we don't know. But email us and we'll send you a file for you to test. Our general recommendation is that if you're not already using 24-bit, then you order the 16-bit version. You may want to read the following articles or check out the Cakewalk link in the next FAQ as well. Tweakheadz, 24BitFaq.org

I'm using Cakewalk/Sonar and I can't get the 24-bit WAV version working?

16-bit is the default setting for Sonar and other Cakewalk programs. You must go in and change your audio preference settings. For directions visit the Cakewalk site.

How do I install DOD Apple Loops in Garageband or Logic?

As shown in this Garage Band video, we recommend you install Apple Loops one Song Set (song folder) at a time as shown in this video. This way you have direct access to specific Song Set files.

 

My Co-Writer: What's the difference is between Music CD only and 24-Bit WAV Data CD?

Both of these basic options are stereo (not multitrack). The difference is that with the music CD, you'd have to rip it yourself to use it in an audio program and end up with 16-bit. The 24-bit are stereo files ready to import into your recording program.

Vol. 1 REX version is working fine, but why can't I get Vol. 2 or later volumes REX format working?

 To use the new 24-bit REX2 files of DOD Vol. 2 and later volumes (as opposed to the 16-bit REX2 files of Vol. 1), you need to download the latest "Rex Shared Library" extension from Propellerheads. This is true for all programs (Cubase, DP, etc.), not just those from Propellerheads. Before installing the new Rex Shared Library, you must remove ALL older versions of the Rex Shared Library from your computer. For some software applications there are multiple copies in various places on your computer. So in addition to doing a search on the hard drive, you should look through the main application folder as well. If you don't remove ALL older versions before installing the latest Rex Shared Library, then the update won't take effect and the files won't play. For more help, go to the URL indicated on your DOD disk.

Samplitude: How do I use these in Samplitude?

Here is a video from Samplitude on YouTube.

What is your return policy?

We provide extensive preview opportunities for all of our products. And, like other audio and software products, Drums On Demand are not copy-protected. Thus, upon receipt, all sales are final. Downloaded products are considered delivered. If a CD, DVD or download is delivered damaged or defective, we will replace it immediately. If for some reason you purchase the wrong format, we can offer an exchange for that same volume. But please, consult the format guide above. (If you're still not sure we are happpy to email you loops to test as well.)

I'm an international customer and my CD/DVD order hasn't arrived yet?

International orders are shipped USPS Air Mail. It takes an average of 10-15 BUSINESS DAYS (do not count Saturdays or Sundays) for orders outside the U.S. to arrive. Take the day you ordered and start counting on the following business day and see where you are at. Email us if you have not received it by the 15th business day. Sometimes it takes longer because the order must clear customs.

Can I use DOD in my Yamaha workstation?

 The short answer is yes. Here's one example:

Yamaha AW16G (from Yamaha)
The AW16G's built-in loop sampler makes it easy to add realistic drum tracks and sound effects to your recordings. Simply assign audio samples to the 16 flash memory locations and tap the sample pads as you record. Right out of the box, the AW16G comes with a sample library containing over 250MB of professionally produced drum kits, loops and other stereo samples for you to use in your music. You can even record your own samples directly into memory, copy and paste audio phrases from tracks you've recorded, or import WAV files from a CD. And even if the original loops don't match the tempo of your song, the AW16G's Slice function will automatically sync them to the proper BPM-without changing their pitch! Each sample pad has its own recording track, so you don't have to use up any of the 16 audio tracks to record samples.

DOD products are WAV files. And you can use 24-bit with the AW16G. 

Consult your users manual, but this basic idea is true for most audio workstations made since 2004 or so.

I'm having trouble unzipping/unpacking my download?

Some versions of Winzip can be a little funky with our zipped files. Try this free unpacking utility. It will do the trick.

What volumes have odd-time time signatures on them?

There is now a totally original, all odd-time volume. Most other Drums On Demand volumes have several odd-time time signature Song Sets on them as well. These comprise time signatures like 6/8, 3/4, 12/8 and others. Click on the track listing for any particular volume and look for the term "odd time" of "6_8" and the like in the Song Set names. Look for these terms in the preview player(s) as well.  Volumes that don't have any odd time state this in the volume description, "No Odd Time" or "All 4/4," etc.

Preview Player