Category: Samples

Samples

Straight from the source: VST developers on getting the best from their software

In part one of this series last month, we worked through the hardware fundamentals — what to prioritise when buying or configuring a system for drum VSTs, and where the conventional wisdom tends to mislead. For part two, we went straight to the people who build this software. We sent the same set of questions to a number of VST producers including XLN Audio (Addictive Drums 2), Toontrack (Superior Drummer and EZdrummer), and Steven Slate Drums, and asked them what they actually see from their users and what they genuinely recommend. The responses came from Emil and Oskar at XLN Audio’s product team, Tore Jarlo from XLN Audio support, Toontrack’s technical team, and Jamey Zebrack, product specialist and technical support […]

Gear, Samples, VST

Novation launches Control XL 3

British music technology maker Novation has introduced the Launch Control XL 3, a redesigned compact MIDI control surface aimed at producers and performers seeking hands-on control over DAWs and external gear. The new model updates the long-standing Launch Control line with a mix of physical controls and workflow enhancements while retaining a focus on broad compatibility and flexible configuration. Expanded controls and features The Launch Control XL 3 retains the layout familiar to users of earlier versions but introduces several notable enhancements: Eight 60 mm faders for mixer control or continuous parameter adjustment. 24 endless rotary encoders with RGB LED feedback for parameter tweaks. 16 assignable buttons that can be mapped to functions such as mute/solo, track selection or custom […]

Performance, Samples

Fadavi masterclass targets growing multipad market

Antoine Fadavi — a 2018 finalist in the digitalDrummer E-drummer of the Year awards — has released a short masterclass on sampling pads through Drum Channel, reflecting the rapid growth of multipads among both electronic and acoustic drummers. The 20-minute lesson, Getting Started with Sampling Pads, covers the practical essentials: mounting options, connectivity, MIDI integration, backing tracks, and hybrid setup configurations. Rather than walking through any specific device, it focuses on workflow — organising samples, setting pad velocity, and building set-ups that work in live performance. The release reflects a broader shift in how drummers across genres are incorporating sampling technology. What was once primarily the territory of electronic drummers has become standard kit for touring musicians in pop, rock, […]

Gear, Samples, VST

Built to Play: The Drum VST Hardware Guide

The marketing around drum VSTs has never been better. The samples are more detailed, the mixing engines more sophisticated, and the sonic options more nuanced than anything that existed even five years ago. Superior Drummer, BFD, Steven Slate Drums, Addictive Drums — any of these can produce results that rival a professional studio recording. But open one of them on an underpowered or poorly configured machine and the experience is miserable: dropouts mid-fill, latency that kills the feel, or a spinning beachball every time you load a new kit. The good news is that building or configuring a system for drum VSTs isn’t as complicated — or as expensive — as it might seem. The bad news is that a […]

Samples

Drumopolis SDX Expansion drops

Swedish music software developer Toontrack has released Drumopolis SDX, a new Superior Drummer 3 expansion produced by veteran record producer Tony Visconti. The pack features eight fully sampled acoustic drum kits, captured at Metropolis Studios in London during sessions overseen by Visconti, drummer Stephen Gilchrist and engineer Liam Nolan. The kits are designed to span a range of rock styles from open, powerful sounds to tighter, more focused tones, and include a detailed set of presets. Kits and Components Drumopolis SDX has a diverse kit selection, including: The Duke Kit – A 1970s-era Slingerland Artist Series kit recorded in the main room. This set includes a 14×26″ Slingerland Marquis kick, a 6.5×14″ Ludwig Black Beauty snare, Slingerland rack and floor […]

Samples

E-drum application for the new BeatBuddy

A couple of years ago, I discovered the BeatBuddy as a sound source for MIDI controllers such as the Zendrum and trapKAT. To recap, the original BeatBuddy is a “drum machine pedal”, delivering “authentic, studio-quality drum beats” spanning more than 220 styles and 24 genres. At the time, I noted that the beat-generation function was probably irrelevant to 99% of the digitalDrummer audience. We don’t need drum machines — because we are drum machines. The real appeal of the little box lay in its 24-bit, studio-grade sound engine and the ability to load a large number of custom drum samples via an accessible SD card. I used the BeatBuddy with my Zendrum for well over a year, creating custom kits […]

Industry, Samples

Native Instruments enters preliminary insolvency process

Native Instruments GmbH has confirmed that it has entered a preliminary insolvency (pre-insolvency restructuring) process in Germany, following reports earlier this week that the company had filed for insolvency protection. The move applies to Native Instruments GmbH and three German non-operating holding companies, and is intended to support a financial restructuring rather than signal an immediate shutdown of operations. In a statement released after the initial reports, Native Instruments CEO Nick Williams sought to reassure customers, partners and developers that day-to-day business remains unaffected. “Please rest assured that business continues as usual at Native Instruments, iZotope, Plugin Alliance and Brainworx,” Williams said. “Our hardware and software products remain on sale and available for download and activation. Our passionate and dedicated […]

Performance, Recording, Samples, VST

Why DAW integration matters more than ever for drum libraries

In online discussions about electronic drums, one recurring theme keeps surfacing: many virtual drum instruments still struggle to deliver flawless e-drum performance straight out of the box. German e-drummer software guru Martin Trommler recently summed up the issue in a detailed post to the community, arguing that DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) integration is essential for serious players. With the exception of Toontrack’s Superior Drummer 3, Trommler says that most drum samplers “need improvement in order to deliver flawless electronic drum performance”. For many libraries, the standalone version simply doesn’t provide enough control to adapt perfectly to the player and the hardware. Instead, a DAW such as Reaper becomes the essential link in the chain. Below are the three main problem […]

Samples

Yamaha offers stem splitter app

Okay, so we’ve been banging on about stem separation for some years now – all because e-drummers are constantly asking digitalDrummer about sources of drumless tracks. As we have reported in the past, the mainstream story began in 2020, when online music library Deezer released Spleeter, a stem separation technology which forms the backbone of many online and in-app separation tools available today. We’ve reviewed a range of online tools, from free to pay per-use to subscription versions as well as the functionality bundled into leading DAWs. And now, there’s another new option – a free app from music giant Yamaha. Currently available in the US and Europe, Extrack is an iOS/Android music app that allows users to “practise and play their […]

Samples

Toontrack releases New Orleans EZX

Toontrack has released its 70th EZX expansion pack: the New Orleans EZX bydrummer Terence Higgins (Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Dirty Dozen Brass Band) andmulti-award-winning engineer/producer/mixer Misha Kachkachishvili (Jon Batiste,Ziggy Modeliste, Smokey Robinson).The New Orleans EZX was sampled by Higgins and recorded at Esplanade Studios,one of the hubs of today’s New Orleans recording circuit. The main recording roomin Studio A alone boasts a staggering 315 sq m space with ceilings up to 8 m high.Naturally, the ambience is awe-inspiring. For this recording, however, the drumswere partially sectioned off using gobos to create a lively yet viscerally close feel.The EZX includes two separate libraries, Traditional and Artist, each featuring arange of instruments carefully selected by Higgins.The first fully hones in on the […]