Category: Samples

Samples

Acoustic Songwriter EZX launched

Toontrack is keeping them coming with the release of the Acoustic Songwriter EZX, a new expansion for EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3, featuring a broad selection of kits recorded by multi-award-winning producer/engineer/mixer Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer) at the Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, TN. This release marks the 69th individual title in Toontrack’s massive collection of EZXs. This collection of drum sounds tailored for the acoustic songwriter offers a selection of vintage to modern kits – seven in total. Some of the kits are sampled with brushes or rods. There are also a host of percussion instruments like tambourines, shakers, claves and finger snaps/claps. The recordings were produced using two top-of-the-line 48-channel API consoles, Neve […]

Samples, VST

BFD 3.5 released

BFD has released an update of its drum VST, just dropping BFD 3.5. The new version introduces an enhanced engine and “best-in-class features designed to push realism and sonic customisation even further”. There’s a redesigned workflow, a range of new kits, mix-ready presets and advanced modelling technology for tom resonance and cymbal swells. The new version also boasts a new mixer and sound browser, Apple Silicon AAX support, cross-platform VST 3 compatibility and a new Microphone Inspector panel. The Core library features 51 kits and 60 mix-ready preset BFD kits, along with 48 high-quality audio effects and flexible multi-mic control. The update is a huge download, requiring 55 GB of free disk space. BFD 3.5 is a free update for […]

Gear, Samples

V3 Sound launches DRUMITY

Austrian sound expander maker V3 Sound has added a new MIDI-audio device for e-drums, DRUMITY. The company describes its new unit as “a very powerful drum sound expander with 12,000 samples and 1,000 instruments neatly packed into its iconic V3 triangular housing”. The device aims to expand the capabilities of any MIDI drum kit, enhance live performance, and enrich home studio productions with high-quality and exotic sounds. The hardware has 256-voice polyphony and a 4 GB internal flash memory. The sound expander offers two stereo outputs: stereo main is connected to two resonance processors that can spice up each sound with room and reverb, while aux out can be set to either stereo or dual mono mode. DRUMITY includes samples […]

Samples, VST

Fusion EZX has tons of toms

  Toontrack’s latest expansion pack, the Fusion EZX, must have the most toms ever offered in a sample pack, with four seven-tom kits. Toontrack’s 67th individual EZX pack was recorded by engineer Stefano Civetta (Nile Rogers, Ed Sheeran and Earth, Wind and Fire) and drummer Pete Riley (Guthrie Govan, Keith Emerson and Ritchie Kotzen). “If you’re looking for big, resonant kits that can handle the entire dynamic range from the subtle to the explosive and offer tones covering the bright, crisp, earthy and warm, this EZX is for you,” the company boasts. The sampled kits are two Yamaha Recording Custom 9000 kits  – one from the ‘80s and one from the ‘90s, a Sakae Almighty and a Tama Star, recorded at […]

Gear, Performance, Samples

This one’s a page-turner

Drummers may not need chords and lyrics, but as Allan Leibowitz has found, many of us still need notes to help us keep track of songs at a gig. We’ve previously referred to the OnSong app in our reviews of devices like the iRig AirTurn, but a few enhancements of the lyrics and chords software make it worthy of a stand-alone review. What’s in the box OnSong is a Mac/iPad/iPhone app, available through the AppStore, to display and share song data. That description is a bit of an understatement compared to the official OnSong description as a “Swiss Army Knife of apps for musicians”. OnSong is available as a digital download, starting with a free version. Unlike the initial one-time-fee […]

Samples

Soundworks library expands

The expansions just keep coming for the DW Soundworks drum library, with the company just adding the DW Collector’s Pure Cherry expansion pack. This latest addition features sounds from Collector’s Series Cherry drums, known for their bright attack, musical tone with rich midrange and balanced sustain. According to DW, “this brighter alternative to Maple is suited for up-tempo and dynamic styles like fusion, funk, gospel and pop – or just a great way to find a new sound”. The Cherry pack comes hot on the heels of the recent release of the Design Series Acrylic expansion pack. The producers classify the pack as representing “all the bright, clean attack, focused tone, controlled sustain and oversized live sound acrylic drums are […]

Gear, Samples

Choosing the right module

We’re often asked for advice on the ‘best module’. However, it’s more appropriate to consider the most suitable module for your needs. The drum module is the cornerstone of any electronic drum kit and choosing the right one is crucial for crafting your ideal sound and performance experience. With so many options out there, there’s a lot to consider when making your choice: Sound quality and variety The first consideration should be the module’s sound library. Modules like the Pearl mimicPRO, Roland V71 or TD-50X, or Yamaha DTX ProX deliver high-quality, dynamic sounds, suitable for a wide range of genres. Look for a module that offers a diverse selection of preloaded kits and the ability to customise or upload your […]

Samples

Soundworks adds Acrylic pack

DW Soundworks and DWe owners have a new option with the recent release of the Design Series Acrylic expansion pack. The pack is based on sampling of a DW Design Series Acrylic kit, recorded at the DW factory with sounds sampled in high fidelity. DW says the new sample collection features all the bright, clean attack, focused tone, controlled sustain, and oversized live sound acrylic drums are known for. “The new expansion pack makes it easy to punch up music tracks with a big, boomy backbeat,” the company notes. The kit has been remixed in 12 custom presets to fit a variety of playing styles and includes a range of mic selections to give producers and drummers even more control […]

Gear, Samples, training

Yamaha offers free Drumeo lessons

Yamaha Drums has announced a new promotion with the online learning platform Drumeo, beginning December 5, 2024. When customers purchase and register a Yamaha EAD10 Electronic Acoustic Drum Module, they unlock 90 days of unlimited access to Drumeo’s drum courses. Yamaha says its EAD10 – known for its revolutionary stereo microphone sensor and studio-quality digital effects – combined with Drumeo’s expert lessons, is perfect for helping drummers sharpen their skills. “Combining innovative technology from Yamaha with Drumeo’s expertise creates the ultimate learning experience, whether you’re just starting your musical journey or a seasoned drummer looking to advance your skills,” a spokesperson says. Canada’s Drumeo is no stranger to collaboration with e-drum companies, and is currently doing a promotion with Alesis, bundling […]

Gear, Performance, Samples

E-drum Labs for Europe

Following a successful debut at the 2024 UK Drum Show, the digitalDrummer E-drum Experience Labs will be staged as part of the 2025 Europe Drum Show in Germany in March. In Liverpool, audiences were captivated by the series of presentations, workshops and masterclasses – all performed on cutting-edge technology. The Labs will return, with new artists, new gear and new applications. Artists already confirmed for the Europe Show include e-drum pioneer Steven Fisher from the US and popular German YouTube demonstrator Ralf Schumacher. Hosted by digitalDrummer founder and editor Allan Leibowitz, this exclusive presentation stream will feature eight carefully curated sessions in which e-drum experts will share their insight, skills and talents in performances designed for drummers of all levels, […]