Tag: samples

Samples

Addictive Drums 2 gets metal expansion

XLN Audio has released a new expansion for Addictive Drums 2, introducing the Progressive Metal ADpak, a collection designed to capture the nuance and power of modern progressive metal drumming. At the centre of the release is Waltteri Väyrynen of Opeth, whose playing drives the expansion. The ADpak was recorded using Väyrynen’s personal Pearl Reference Pure kit, delivering detailed articulations tailored for complex, expressive performances. According to XLN Audio, the pack features dual 22” kick drums for natural alternating patterns, multiple snare options (brass and steel), and a wide palette of Sabian HHX and AAX cymbals, ranging from shimmering crashes to aggressive chinas and articulate rides. The toms are designed for dynamic, melodic playing — a key characteristic of the […]

Gear

Akai brings MPC workflow to budget-friendly portable sampler

Akai Professional has launched the MPC Sample, a battery-powered standalone sampler priced at US$399 — the most accessible entry point the company has offered into the MPC ecosystem, and a notable addition to a market where finger drumming is attracting growing mainstream attention. The MPC Sample draws on the design language of the MPC60, featuring 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with poly aftertouch — the core requirement for expressive finger drumming — in a compact, backpack-friendly unit. A rechargeable battery provides up to five hours of use, and a built-in speaker and microphone allow basic capture without additional gear. The device operates as a fully standalone sampler with 8 GB internal storage, microSD expansion, and support for WAV, MP3, AIFF, FLAC […]

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 […]

Gear, Samples

Akai launches DAW-free MPC

Finger drumming leader Akai has launched a new instrument, MPC Live III, that delivers “a complete production and performance workflow in a compact, portable device” without the need to connect to a computer. The launch comes on the back of Yamaha’s entry into the finger drumming market with its FGDP with onboard sounds. Akai is describing its MPC Live III as “its most advanced standalone music production centre to date — reimagined for today’s beatmakers, producers, and live performers”. It features next-generation expressive MPCe pads, a dedicated 16-step sequencer and a touchscreen Clip Matrix for real-time performance and arrangement. With built-in studio monitors, a condenser microphone and rechargeable battery, the MPC Live III is an all-in-one production powerhouse, “delivering four […]

Samples, VST

Acoustic Songwriter EZX review

Just when you thought you had a drum kit for every song in your repertoire, Toontrack comes up with new “must have” samples. This time, it’s the not-quite-accurately-named Acoustic Songwriter EZX, a collection of seven diverse kits, recorded by multi-award-winning producer/engineer/mixer Dave O’Donnell (James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer). Part of the new trend at Toontrack, this pack, the 69th individual title in Toontrack’s massive collection of EZXs, is huge – weighing in at over 18 GB. This, in itself, may create a challenge for anyone with limited space on their laptop – not to mention limited download bandwidth. What’s in the pack Acoustic Songwriter consists of seven smallish (two- or three-tom) kits recorded at Sound Emporium, one of Nashville’s […]

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 […]