Unlike iOS, Android as a platform is rather lacking in the realm of mobile music production. With such a wide variety of devices, there’s simply not much demand for mobile editing suites, or even virtual instruments. That’s why we’re super stoked to have Drum Set, by developer nullap, in the studio today: The app’s responsive and quality virtual drum kit provide for an entertaining experience for Android.
Concept and Functionality
Drum Set
Drum Set has no pretenses about itself, starting with its simpleton name. The app is, without fanfare, a finger drum set for your Android device. This means the app comes with a snare, a kick, two toms, and something like three million cymbals—all of which will respond at a moment’s notice with only a single touch.
It’s simple and fun, and for the most part it works fantastically. All of the drum pieces included were very quick to respond to my probing. Likewise, the sounds themselves are actually much better than I’d expected. They won’t be replacing your best synth rig just yet, but for playing around on the morning commute, they’re far more than passable.
I did have some issues with multitouch responsiveness, however. Though the app very rarely “froze up,” my hits would occasionally go unnoticed. The faster I pummeled, the more this occurred, leading me to think the app’s sensors themselves are at fault. That being said, Drum Set is still the most responsive drumming app I have seen for Android, and on the whole, its touch controls can hardly be faulted.
Design and Layout
As mentioned, the included sounds really are top-notch. It’s hard to find anything wrong with the set-up itself, either, aside from the mountain of cymbals. On that note, I would have liked to trade one or two of the accent cymbals for another tom. The two that are included are great, but having a third would really open up a world of fills, much more than an extra crash would.
Drum Set is also ad-supported, meaning there’s a banner advert along the left side of the screen for you to avoid. I say avoid, as the placement of the advert is just so that you’re most likely to hit it while reaching for your hi-hats. If the dilemma created by the ads placement gets on your last nerve, though, you can always pay via in-app purchase to have it removed.
Overall Value
As a free and virtual set of drums for Android, Drum Set is absolutely a must-have. The kit could use another tom, and the lack of any recording or exporting functions limits any real creative potential, but Drum Set is still the best recourse for those looking to rock out during the morning commute.
Android Apps Review Details: Drum Set app is free. This app requires Android 2.1 and up. You may download Drum Set from the Android Market.
