Singular Sound offers a selection of “one man band” pedals. Their integrated system of drum machine, the BeatBuddy, and looper pedal Aeros can be used individually or together and are designed to be controllable by a highly programmable switcher called MIDI Maestro. A comprehensive selection of dedicated switches and expression pedals further enhance the power of this system.
Following up on the 10th anniversary of the BeatBuddy, BeatBuddy 2 offers a significant upgrade in sonics and feature set. A medium size pedal, BeatBuddy 2 retains the look of its predecessor in an attractive design that more closely matches their other pedals than the BeatBuddy did. BeatBuddy 2 features an LCD display, two footswitches, a tap pad and three control knobs. The three knobs enable changing drum set, tempo and volume. The BeatBuddy 2 now features full-sized MIDI connections to replace the mini-MIDI cables from the BeatBuddy.
BeatBuddy 2 Includes 13 real drum kits and over 200 songs across 23 genres, with room for 320 drum sets and 3.2 million songs. Designed to be interactive and expandable, beats can be changed through pre-programming, or on the fly with footswitches that can trigger drum fills and song form changes. The emphasis is on being able to create nonlinear and real feeling drum performances that don’t reek of… drum machine. The optional SuperSwitch with six switches ($149) gives you the ability to pause and trigger an accent hit, switch parts, and start a fill without missing a beat. It also enables jumping directly to any song part, triggering half-time or double-time tempo, accessing multiple accent hits and navigation of setlists hands free. An online program called BeatBuddy Manager enables fine programming down to individual drum sounds in a timeline. Sounds are stored onboard in an SD card and new is USB-C connectivity.
The software and firmware of Singular Sound products is an evolving environment with a company that is clearly dedicated to product development. Optional sound sets are available, and Singular has a history of recording additional drum and percussion sounds to expand your library. For musicians wanting accompaniment that is interactive, time spent learning the system will be well rewarded. Singular Sound has an innovative and systemic approach that is unique and powerful.
BeatBuddy 2 can also be used effectively by musicians that just want a plug and play situation where they don’t have to dive deep into the product. For advanced users wanting specific functionality, Singular Sound has a customer support structure that you may want to avail yourself with.
Noted actor-musician Rob Morrow from Northern Exposure offered MC his experience: “During Covid I wanted to create a one-man band. I found Singular Sound’s BeatBuddy and it was a revelatory discovery.” $499
