Category: Samples

Samples, VST

MIDI 2.0 comes a step closer

After three years of intensive prototyping and many virtual and face to face meetings, the Association of Music Electronics Industry and the MIDI Association have just published four significantly updated MIDI 2.0 core specifications and a brand new specification for a MIDI 2.0 SMF Clip File. These are the result of years of volunteer work by members of AMEI and the MIDI Association and consist of over 350 pages of detailed specifications. These core specifications define the architectural foundations for MIDI 2.0 and define minimum requirements for devices to claim MIDI 2.0 compatibility and to apply to use the MIDI Association’s MIDI 2.0 logo. According to its creators, MIDI 2.0 is part of a plan to share tools and source […]

Drumless, Samples

A ripper application

digitalDrummer tries another solution in our quest for DIY drumless tracks. In May 2020, we reviewed a couple of track separation apps, attempting to create drumless tracks from full music mixes. The results were ‘mixed’, ranging from pathetic to good, and were determined more by the nature of the original mix than the app capability. Since then, there has been an explosion of apps, many free, offering to create up to five separate tracks from a music mix. Most of these are based on Spleeter, a technology developed by music platform Deezer in 2019. According to its authors, “Spleeter is a solution for recreating multitracks from a flat audio file, whether for a song, podcast, movie, game, etc. Our model […]

Samples, VST

New Toontrack SDX

Toontrack has released a new expansion pack for its Superior Drummer 3 sampler. The Stockholm SDX is inspired by Sweden’s extensive music exports. The samples were recorded at Riksmixningsverket (RMV) Studio. Housed in a 150-year-old naval warehouse and situated right on the water at the inlet of the river, this is one of the gems of the central Stockholm studio scene. In all, five kits were recorded – each handpicked to complement the others and to serve its own role in what the team set out to capture: a unique palette of beautifully singing drums covering the entire spectrum of tones – from warm, earthy and genuinely sparse to bright, loud and vibrantly forceful. The kits include 12 snares, nine […]

Gear, Samples

Sensory Percussion upgraded with Evans

digitalDrummer’s August 2017 review of Sensory Percussion dubbed the system “a game-changer that will extend your musical palette as far as you can imagine”. Since then, we have watched the developers tweak the hardware, update the software and add heaps of sample content as the instrument matured and gained an almost cult-like following. So, it’s no surprise that the independent instrument launched via Kickstarter would attract the attention of the drum instrument mainstream. Shipping will begin in 2023 of a new collaboration between Sunhouse and drum accessories manufacturer Evans – the Evans Hybrid Sensory Percussion Sound System. The system consists of three redesigned Sensory Percussion sensors, a new Evans i/o interface and upgraded and enhanced Sensory Percussion software, as well […]

Samples, VST

Great sounds in the air

Allan Leibowitz samples Toontrack’s Hitmaker SDX pack. Everything about Toontrack’s Hitmaker SDX pack is massive – from the names associated with its producer to the drum sounds and even the size of the package – a massive 94 GB. What’s in the box Of course, the box is virtual as the drum plug-in is supplied as a download. As mentioned, it’s a very sizeable download, so you’ll need decent internet bandwidth and a bit of time to grab it all. You’ll also need Superior Drummer 3 to run the sample pack, and with Toontrack’s Product Manager, installation and registration are quick and easy. The SDX consists of six meticulously sampled acoustic kits, and, in keeping with the ‘80s/’90s vibe, 11 […]

Gear, Samples

Update lifts mimicPRO even higher

There’s something to be said for delivering more than you promise – especially in the e-drum market characterised by hype. So, hats off to Pearl (actually to Steven Slate Drums) for the latest update to the mimicPRO module. The long-awaited update includes a range of compatibility improvements and performance enhancements. These include new trigger presets for a range of third-party triggers, including Lemon and ATV, which make it easier to dial in a growing array of pads and cymbals. The big advance for many drummers is the inclusion of positional sensing – previously only available on Roland modules and, more recently, the GEWA drum brains. Interestingly, the positional sensing works with multi-sensor drum pads like the ATV 13” snare – […]

Samples

Meet the guru

digitalDrummer continues to showcase the work of the geeks around the world who slave to improve e-drum performance. This month’s e-drum superhero is Tobi Hunke from Göttingen in Germany. What solutions do you offer? I specialise in everything to do with Ableton Live and live performance, Ableton Live and drumming and controlling hardware and software (like e-drums, lights, video synths, etc.). I help people to set up their live performances with Ableton Live and develop (custom) solutions, short cuts and (more accessible) approaches to use Ableton Live. I also develop plugins (Max for Live devices) to make functions available which are not natively supported by Ableton Live. Why did you develop these solutions? It makes me happy to solve problems – that […]

Samples, VST

New kits for MODO DRUM

IK Multimedia has released an update for its MODO DRUM drum sampler. MODO DRUM 1.5 has three new kits, taking the tally to 13. The Silver Kit is a six-piece vintage maple kit, designed as an all-round and versatile solution with open sounds. The new Brit Custom Kit is a four-piece birch kit with a warm and rich sound, ideal for styles like indie-pop and indie-rock. It’s coupled with the 2022 cymbal collection that includes a 20″ ride, 18″ crash, 16″ crash and a new  hi-hat. Finally, there’s a new eight-piece Metal Kit with a fat, dark character. MODO DRUM 1.5 is available for download at a cost of $/€299.99, while existing owners can upgrade/crossgrade for $/€79.99 for the full […]

Samples

Toontrack goes dark

The Toontrack rock onslaught continues with the release of the Into the Dark EZX expansion for EZdrummer 2 and Superior Drummer 3. Like the Fields of Rock SDX reviewed in our November edition, this sample pack is also a collaboration between producer/engineer/mixer Tom Dalgety and Iggy Pop drummer Mat Hector. The blurb claims this pack is designed for “any production that calls for an extra bit of that grisly, ghastly and raw tint of dark rock, post-punk and goth”. The Into the Dark EZX comes with three full drum kits as well as a bespoke set of cymbals and extra instruments derived from the Fields of Rock SDX. The Goth kit is a 1980s Sonorlie, the Futuristic kit is a […]

Gear, Samples

Three new sample packs

Three new sample packs have been released in recent weeks: Steven Slate has dropped its Patrick Carney Expansion Pack and Toontrack has added the Singer-Songwriter EZX while Drumforge has released a Savior sample pack. Patrick Carney Expansion Pack Slate’s new expansion pack for SSD and Trigger features the vintage collection of Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney. This pack features two highly prized drum kits –  the ’61 Round Badge Gretsch and a ‘70s Ludwig Vistalite. The Gretsch was the go-to kit for jazz legends for decades, while the Vistalite is brighter and packs a serious punch with its acrylic shells. Both kits feature a 1960s EMT 140 reverb plate recorded in stereo. The pack sells for $79.   Toontrack Singer-Songwriter […]