How do I convert drum loops purchased online into MIDI drum racks in my DAW?

Question

I am totally new to the world of loops, which seem to be a pretty big deal for some genres, such as EDM and techno. I've always taken pride in creating my drum beats from scratch and modifying the sounds of each percussive element until I was satisfied.

However, i've come to realize that my grooves aren't very developed and lack "feel."

So, i've subscribed to loopmasters.com and found some really cool drum beats that can be exported as .wav files.

After importing the audio file into Ableton, however, I realized that I would not be able to edit the drum loop at all, making it pretty unusable for my purposes--I need to have far more control over the beat than that.

So, I "convert audio to MIDI," which Ableton makes super easy, but then my issue is that the notes are no longer assigned to the original kit but to whatever kit I choose from my files. So then I sort of have the groove captured, but it sounds terrible. Part of the benefit of loopmasters.com (I am hoping) is the ability to work with the drums the way they were produced (complete with reverb/distortion/EQ/etc.)

Is this, as far as you know, even an option with loopmasters? Or, alternatively, do I need to choose either "one-shots" or "loops"? My goal is to use the MIDI-programmed loopmaster drum loops (remember, these are purchased as audio files) as the foundation to demos and songs, modifying the original beat as I go along.

Thank you!

Update: This is all I see in terms of export options.

Answer 1

No, that's not possible. And AFAIK there are no sites that offer that kind of source files. Loopmasters (and the alternatives) are aimed at bedroom producers who are not interested in creating their own sounds but just want to get quick results, or content creators who want to add a soundtrack very easily to their video. To be fair (towards those sites) I think that market is a LOT bigger than the market for producers who are looking for source files to expand on and create their own beats and loops.

But it's not just market goals, it's also practicality: the loop creators will use a TON of virtual instruments, plugins and tricks to create those sounds. As you found out such a midi file is basically useless if it's not accompanied with the specific samples. So what you are asking for is that they would sell the DAW source file, with the samples and/or VST's as a separate package included. That's just not going to happen, that could literally cost thousands per loop. And technically, and rights-wise, it would be quite a (costly) challenge too.

Answer 2

You might find these tutorial videos useful:

Future Music Magazine - How to process a sampled breakbeat for maximum impact

STRANJAH - THIS SECRET will allow you to make ANY BREAK!! | Insane Ableton Tutorial 2022

Fanu - D&B breakbeat basics #1 in Ableton Live

Becky Saif Music - How To Process Drum Breaks | All You NEED To Know | Ableton Live 11

Answer 3

If you get MIDI track, then you need to provide a (most likely virtual) instrument to play back these loops.

When you click at "formats" on the site you will find a long list of choices. If you select a format, the bottom of the page will show a description. Then if you hover each position you will find what kind of data is included. In many cases it seems to be both loop and the samples it uses.

I never used this site, but I presume it would allow you to download a loop in given format, open it in dedicated software and edit as you like while preserving the original sound (at least to some degree, depending on particular format).

Note, that in most cases this will require you to have the necessary proprietary software.