With the growing demand for multi-layer, round-robin drum samples — driven by more drum modules supporting sample imports — a new tool has entered the scene: VST Drum Ripper.
Developed by e-drummer Jason Smawley, well known in mimicPRO circles for his Argonaut Drums custom kits, this new solution taps into the power of the Reaper DAW with some clever automation under the hood.
“I’d been using one of the better-known sample rippers for years,” Smawley tells digitalDrummer, “but I needed a few tweaks for my personal workflow. So, I built a Reaper template, added some custom actions, and wrote a script to handle MIDI mapping.”
Unlike SDSE and Xtractpler — standalone apps for extracting VST samples — VST Drum Ripper is a Reaper-based tool that leverages the DAW’s flexibility while automating the bulk of the process. It runs on both Mac and Windows, and works with the free trial or licensed version of Reaper.
Getting Started
Like Argonaut’s sample packs, VST Drum Ripper is available via Gumroad for $25. The download includes six core files, a setup video, and PDF instructions.
While the folder contents may initially seem daunting, Smawley has taken care to break the installation into clear, manageable steps. Anyone who has loaded samples into a VST or module should be able to follow along — just make sure you have Reaper installed first.
Installation takes around five minutes and works seamlessly on both Mac and PC.
In Use
Let’s be clear: this is not a one-click tool. If you’re looking for plug-and-play simplicity, this might not be the ripper for you.
As someone who’s been extracting .wav files from VSTs for years (I even published an early how-to guide for extracting samples with Reaper and Addictive Drums), I still found VST Drum Ripper a bit fiddly at first.
The workflow starts by loading a custom Reaper template, inserting the VST Drum Ripper plug-in, and launching your VST of choice. You then select the instruments and articulations you want to rip, and initiate rendering.
For testing, I used a recent Superior Drummer 3 expansion. Although there was no dedicated MIDI map for that specific kit, I selected the Core Library map, chose just the snare, and ended up with six folders: centre, rim, rimshot, rimshot-side, snare side, and snare Xstick.
If your VST isn’t supported by default, a built-in MIDI remapper allows for manual mapping — again, clearly explained in the accompanying video.
One limitation: I couldn’t see a way to customise the number of velocity layers or round robins in the interface. That said, this may be configurable by diving deeper into the template settings.
Rendering is done in real-time, and the output is neatly organised into labelled folders — ideal for use in editors like the Mimic Pro Instrument Editor, which this tool was designed to complement.
Verdict
VST Drum Ripper is a smart, affordable solution developed by a user who knows exactly what serious sample creators need. It delivers solid results, a logical workflow, and true cross-platform compatibility thanks to its Reaper foundation.
It’s not as beginner-friendly as SDSE or Xtractpler — there’s a learning curve, particularly during set-up and with the first few VSTs. But thanks to the clear video instructions, most intermediate users should get up and running without too much frustration.
At $25, it’s also a more affordable option compared to SDSE ($35, Windows only) and Xtractpler ($36). If you already use Reaper (or don’t mind installing the trial), this tool offers great value.
Bottom line?
If you’re a DIY sample maker comfortable with Reaper — or willing to learn — it’s a no-brainer. For drum geeks who want more control without paying top dollar, VST Drum Ripper delivers.
Update
Since our review, Version 2 of VST DRUM RIPPER has been released. The update features:
- Prompt-based Drum Parts selection (less buttons, no more manually selecting tracks)
- Multi-Mic export support
- Faster Rendering (no need for asio4all to combat latency)
- Cleaner project
- Added preset for Deviant Drums Free Edition