Tag: samples

DIY

New DIY sound source released

E-drummers have a new sound source option, with Italian drummer Paolo Simonazzi releasing the plans and a component list for a new USB sound expander – and the software needed to run it – all for free. DrumPi began its journey in 2011 when Simonazzi, a software engineer, began toying with the idea of using the smartphone as a sound engine for an electronic drum module. Hampered by latency, in 2015, he changed his approach and started coding prototypes on a Raspberry Pi 3. After sitting dormant for a while, the project was revived, with new software developed to transform the audio engine into a full-featured DAW, including a 64-channel mixer, effects, MIDI support, multi-layered samples, multi-velocity samples, a transients […]

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 […]

Samples, VST

Ugritone’s final offering

Finnish metal VST specialist Ugritone is releasing one final drum sample pack as it halts operations. In a message to customers, the company notes that it is closing its doors after seven years of “striving to push the boundaries of what could be achieved in the underground music scene”. “The harsh realities of life and the unforgiving nature of the free market have finally caught up with us. Despite our unwavering passion and relentless drive, the stark truth is that we’ve faced burnout after burnout, stretching ourselves thin, and simply lacking the resources to make the necessary moves to bring this project up to the speed it deserves,” the message continues. “The industry demands more than we can currently give, […]

Samples, VST

Addictive Drums 2 overhauled

Addictive Drums has long been a recommended VST for e-drummers because of its small footprint, easy-to-use stand-alone player, wide variety of sounds and reasonable cost. However, the product was showing its age, especially with the major rivals all launching new versions since AD2’s 2014 debut. The Swedish producer, XLN Audio, is attempting to catch up with and perhaps leap over some of its competitors with the recent addition of the v2.5 update – a free update to Addictive Drums 2. Updating The v2.5 update is executed via the XLN Online Installer app which automatically detects the new version, downloads what’s needed and guides you through the installation. It’s all very easy and intuitive. When it’s done, you see a fresh, […]

Samples, VST

XLN’s new product revealed

Sweden’s XLN Audio has been teasing about the launch of a new product, and many were hoping to see a new version of Addictive Drums. Well. The cat is out of the bag, and the new offering is something totally different – an iOS- and Android-compatible app that enables users to record anything using their phone, instantly making it available in the new Life by XLN Audio plugin. The Life DAW Recorder enables recording in high fidelity from a DAW, utilising any instrument, microphone or outboard gear which is connected. Users can also import audio or video directly from their phone or computer, creating beats from selected moments. “The Life By XLN Audio plugin is the heart where all the […]

Gear, Performance, Samples

Forget the beat and listen to the sounds

digitalDrummer checks whether a drum machine can be deployed as a module. The challenge We are seeing more and more MIDI controllers in the market – instruments like the trapKAT and Zendrum, as well as multipad offerings like the Avatar PD705. These devices need a sound source – or a better sound source than the stock version. Options to date have ranged from drum modules to VSTs, but both can be costly and complicated. At the same time, access to multi-layer drum samples is increasing, and with a couple of third-party tools out there, it’s possible to generate fantastic samples relatively cheaply and easily. Both Zendrum and Alternate Mode have offered dedicated sound modules for their instruments – the StompBlock […]

Gear

New module from Alternate Mode

Alternate Mode has launched a new DITI drum module with onboard sounds. The DITI 3 includes 50 kits, each with three percussion instruments laid out across the pads. The 4 GB sound library has the same sound set as the new gigKAT GS EXTended that is offered both internally in malletKATs and as an external sound module. The DITI 3 has balanced stereo ¼” outputs, two ¼” inputs for mixing external sounds to its output, along with a volume-controlled ¼” headphone jack. A single cable HD15 connector simplifies the connection to Alternate Mode’s jamKAT or hybriKIT.  The 12 input jacks, allowing up to 24 triggers, are also available along with the connected jamKAT. The DITI’s software has been updated to […]

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

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 […]