is there other software for midi controller but not ableton or garageband? i am working on this Serial_MIDI which are to convert serial to midi. and work with ableton and garageband, but i need other free software that deals with midi drums.
is there any suggestion software or options??
Are you looking for a DAW? Or a VSTi that does drums? Or both?
What platform (I assume Mac OsX since you mention GarageBand which is Mac only, but maybe you have other patforms as well).
A pretty good one thats free opensource, and works on all three major os's so dont let the name fool you, I run it on windows is:
LMMS - Linux MultiMedia Studio http://lmms.sourceforge.net/
MMS is a free cross-platform alternative to commercial programs like FL Studio®, which allow you to produce music with your computer. This includes the creation of melodies and beats, the synthesis and mixing of sounds, and arranging of samples. You can have fun with your MIDI-keyboard and much more; all in a user-friendly and modern interface.
Features
Song-Editor for composing songs
A Beat+Bassline-Editor for creating beats and basslines
An easy-to-use Piano-Roll for editing patterns and melodies
An FX mixer with 64 FX channels and arbitrary number of effects allow unlimited mixing possibilities
Many powerful instrument and effect-plugins out of the box
Full user-defined track-based automation and computer-controlled automation sources
Compatible with many standards such as SoundFont2, VST(i), LADSPA, GUS Patches, and MIDI
Import of MIDI and FLP (Fruityloops® Project) files
Just a little warning about HANKENSTEIN's post: unless you unclick all the boxes, the LMMS download package will also install one of those horrible crapware things that pollute your computer for ever and a day. I'm fed up with helping friends decontaminate their machines. There must exist less asocial ways of financing software projects.
I can't find any mention of OSX on the LMMS site. I might have had a look at it, but not if I have to build it myself.
If you just want to play drums from a midi input, http://notahat.com/simplesynth might be of use. I haven't tried it, but it is free.