Double-click the icon on your desktop to launch your preferred digital audio workstation.
Create a new session. The exact process varies between workstations, but you typically do this through the "File" menu.
Create a new MIDI track, either through the "File" menu or by using the shortcut tab.
Open the "Instruments" menu and select a drum kit sound. Click on the drum icon to audition the sounds.
Open the drum sequencer tool. The method varies slightly, but you typically do this through the "Instruments" or "Tools" menu. For example, in Logic, click "Instruments, Ultrabeat Drum Machine." Drum sequencers have a grid interface. The horizontal axis represents time, in beats and bars. The vertical axis represents the different drums.
Click on a series of squares on the "Snare" row to program the snare strokes. The exact pattern is matter of preference, but you should leave some squares blank so the roll has some dynamic range. The start of a roll is typically more intense than the end. Approximate this feel by "front-loading" the roll. This means putting more snare strokes at the start and decreasing toward the end.
Hit "Play" and listen to the pattern. To remove a snare stroke, click on an illuminated snare. Click on blank squares to add snare strokes.
Drag the audio from the drum sequencer into the MIDI track.
Open the MIDI edit window, which displays the notes of the snare roll in a new grid interface. This is typically located in the main "Arrangement" window. Under the horizontal axis is a volume control for each note.
Adjust the volume of each drum stroke by moving the slider. A human drummer would not be able to play a drum roll where each stroke is at the same volume. By adjusting the volumes so they are slightly different, you "humanize" the roll.
Click "Effects" and select "Reverb." This effect adds ambiance and space to the snare roll. This typically has the effect of softening the harsh edges of the snare roll and making it sound more natural.
Adjust the "Depth" parameter to determine the intensity of the reverb effect. For example, to achieve a "stadium rock" sound, dial the "Depth" up to around 70 percent. For a more "lo-fi" sound, set it at approximately 30 percent.