When I start a new track I still hesitate between using a drum machine track or have separate tracks for kick, snare, and so on. I guess there is no right or wrong answer because there are plenty of good examples of both approaches, but I’d welcome some advice about the pros and cons to consider.
And related: Splitting Drum Machine into separate tracks
you could go with both, if you use Group track, then put drum machine on it, and have all the tracks in group use note receiver from that drum machine, a note or channel filter to only get relevant notes, and then sampler with relevant drum, without bypassing input. now you can use full pattern with note clip on group level, or separate clip patterns on specific tracks, and you can also make them hybrid tracks. all approaches at once.
Classic question. FWIW Here’s how I’ve netted out.
I may sketch with stepwise, but then I print the midi pretty soon so I can properly look at things. Inevitably I break out the kick so I can do note length detailed edits, remove the swing, and align my kick and sub. It’s inevitable, I break it out.
You may want other drums to be on or not on swing, so that means breaking them out.
For finishing tracks, a lot of people print then do further editing on the audio. I try to keep it in midi and use very specific segment envelopes to control when sounds cut off. I’m going for a modern, clear, separated sound.
I don’t think you can access project FX from inside the drum machine?
If you’re really getting detailed in your songs, I think you end up with tracks so you can have everything at the same “level” then use groups/busses as your song dictates.
Stepwise, is a good starter, as are arps, but I find myself printing and editing pretty early now.
Also, recording midi is such a horror show, the notes are off by hundreds of milliseconds. I have to send them a bug, it’s a bit of a joke.