Toontrack Roots SDX – Brushes, Rods & Mallets and Roots SDX – Sticks Review

What do you get when you combine some of the most premier drum software producers in the world; some of the best audio engineers in the world; Roy “Futureman” Wooten, electric drummer extraordinaire; and put them all together in one studio? You get one of the most comprehensive,technical, awesome sounding, drum-sound libraries available. If you’re into electric drumming, this software is a no-brainer…It’s a must buy. Toontrack has done it again.

How does software like this work?
1. Get yourself some electric drums
2. Grab your computer
3. Grab a cable (usb) and plug your drum set into the computer
4. Start up your recording software and load this plugin as an add-on to the Superior Drummer software.
5. Map your drums to the software (So the pads you hit on your drums strike the corresponding drums on the virtual drum set in the software)
6. Put your headphones on and listen as you play high end, beautifully recorded drum kits.

This awesome drum software allows you to go beyond one sound that you would typically get from a single acoustic drum set in a room that is most likely acoustically challenged…and gives you perfectly mic’ed drums…every time, all through your headphones, speakers, amp, etc! The sounds on this software are recorded from REAL DRUMS in optimized studio environments.

From Toontrack’s Site:

Roots SDX – Brushes, Rods & Mallets

FEATURES
• Recorded by Roy “Futureman” Wooten in Blackbird Studio Nashville, TN
• Approximately 36 GB of raw, unprocessed sounds
• A total of 23 separately recorded, tweakable channels available in the mixer
• Custom MIDI included
• Large selection of different drums and cymbals (Pearl, Gretsch, Ludwig, Zildjian, Paiste)

Roots SDX – Sticks

FEATURES
• Recorded by Roy “Futureman” Wooten in Blackbird Studio Nashville, TN
• Approximately 36 GB of raw, unprocessed sounds
• A total of 23 separately recorded, tweakable channels available in the mixer
• Custom MIDI included
• Large selection of different drums and cymbals (Pearl, Gretsch, Ludwig, Zildjian, Paiste)

IN THE MIXER
• 16 mono, 7 stereo
• Decca Tree (3 mono mics)
• Acoustic live reverb chamber
• 3 different ambience stereo mic pairs
• 3 different OH mics
• 3 different kick drum mics
• 3 different snare drums mics
• 1 extra “trash” mic

Rating:
This is awesome software. You get beautiful sounding drums with perfect acoustics and sensitivity. When you strike the drum for the first time, it will put a smile on your face. There’s something about playing a GOOD sounding drum set, that makes your playing “feel” better. All of the tuning and sound optimization has been taken care of for your.

Roots SDX – Brushes, Rods & Mallets just feels so good. There’s no way to tell it’s coming from an electric drum set if you were to look away. I love the subtleties of the sounds. You can almost hear every individual strand of the brush. What’s great is to increase the volume a little with some rods, change it up and play with some mallets, etc…the possibilities are endless.

Listen closely to the buzz roll when playing Roots SDX – sticks and you’ll be in drum heaven. The dynamics are incredible, the snares have that tinge of ring and depth. It feels organic and natural. The toms and cymbals follow suit with subtle overtones and open sounds. As a jazz drummer, these sounds are about as close as it gets. It goes well beyond jazz sounds, though. There are a bunch of different drum brands packed into this software to make and customize your own hip-hop drums, rock drums…you name it. This is truly one beautiful sound pack!

Roots SDX – Brushes, Rods & Mallets

Roots SDX – Sticks

Pearl Sound Check 5-Piece Drum Set with Zildjian ZBT Cymbals

A complete drum kit with mahogany shells, heavy-duty hardware, and Zildjian cymbals.

Pearl’s entry level kit, SoundCheck, is intended to change the mindset of what an entry-level drum set should be. These Pearl drum shells are made from 9-ply mahogany and are finished in a durable high-gloss covering.

Includes Zildjian ZBT cymbal set

Includes 700 Series hardware
This is a complete hardware pack that was built to Pearl’s exacting professional standards, which gives you dependable hardware for an affordable price. This pack is lightweight yet sturdy and great for gigging professional drummers as well as beginners on a budget. This package includes a bass drum pedal, snare drum stand, hi-hat stand, boom cymbal stand, straight cymbal stand, and a throne.

Pearl P-120P PowerShifter bass pedal
This bass drum pedal features Pearl’s True Round Cam for linear action with smooth, well-balanced feel. It also includes a PowerPlate for stability and Pearl’s patented PowerShifter function that allows the footboard to be moved to three positions for light, regular, and heavy feel. S-70W snare stand
This snare drum stand is a light-weight, yet sturdy snare stand with a slip-proof gear tilter, clamp-style basket, and double-braced legs.

H-72W hi-hat stand
When it comes to entry-level hardware Pearl’s H-72W hi-hat stand leads the pack in quality and value. It features double-braced legs for exceptional stability while remaining compact and lightweight. A retractable spur is provided for slip-resistance.

B-70W boom cymbal stand
This boom stand features two-sections, double braced legs, and positive locking gear tilter for slip-proof cymbal positioning.

C-70W cymbal stand
The cymbal stand features three-sections with a positive locking gear tilter for slip-proof cymbal positioning, and folds compactly for ease of transport.

D-70W throne
This throne features a thickly padded round vinyl covered cushion and features a die cast seat bracket for security and durability. Height adjustment is infinitely adjustable and height settings are Stop-Lock secured and memorized.

Pearl Sound Check 5-Piece Drum Set with Zildjian Cymbals Features:

* 10″ x 12″ and 11″ x 13″ toms
* 16″ x 16″ floor tom
* 22″ x 16″ kick drum
* 14″ x 5-1/2″ wood snare
* 2 tom holders

Includes the 700 series hardware pack:
* B70W boom stand
* C70W straight cymbal stand
* P120P bass drum pedal
* H72W hi-hat stand
* S70W snare stand
* D70W drum throne

A ready-to-go set for rockers on the move.

Rating:
Great drum set for the beginner. Comes with the full set up with cymbal stands and hardware. Made out of durable materials. Check out the white set with black hardware by clicking on the view larger button. Looks pretty cool. Should get the new drummer up and running in no time. Click the price button below to see the low price on this kit. Great bargain for everything you get. I personally play Pearl drums and Sabian cymbals and love them. I love Pearl’s sound, finish and great hardware. Sabian cymbals are top notch as well. These are brands that have fully gained my trust. I truly believe the new drummer can’t go wrong with this kit.

Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Set

The SD5K Electronic drum kit has very sensitive drum pads made of a durable, yet highly responsive, material that accurately captures every hit. All of the drum pads have adjustable rack placement and angle adjustments for unlimited customization to your playing style. This includes two cymbal pads and one hi-hat pad which have height and angle adjustments for a convenient, custom-tailored fit.

The included hi-hat control pedal gives you much better feel of a real high-hat pedal, providing instant hardware familiarity to your playing. Similar to an acoustic drum set, the hi-hat functions as a closed hi-hat when pedal is stepped on, and open when the pedal is released.

Unlike acoustic drum sets, the bass drum kick pad can be located independently from the toms for even greater customization to your body size and playing style.

The SD5K is controlled through an easy-to-read, multifunction LED display that shows all of the parameter settings on your kit so you’ll always know where you’re at.

The sound module contains 237 voices and gives you lots of sounds with which to customize your own drum kits. You can store up to 10 different custom kits, or use the 22 preset kits that come with the module for a head start. Also included are a reverb effect, a built-in metronome, and 48 preset songs to practice with.

The lightweight aluminum construction provides the strength of steel, but without the weight. What does this mean? Easy transportation to and from the audition, rehearsal, and gig. An easy to put together design make setups and breakdowns easier. Specially made locking hinges keep your setup from drifting, ensuring your kit stays exactly where and how you set it up.

Simmons SD5K Electronic Drum Set Features:

* Ins/outs and pad connections
* MIDI out
* Hi-hat controller
* Hi-Hat pad
* Crash cymbal pad
* Ride cymbal pad
* Snare drum pad
* Tom 1 drum pad
* Tom 2 drum pad
* Tom 3 drum pad
* Kick drum pad
* Line output (R & L/mono)
* Aux In (stereo TRS)
* Stereo headphones output

Package includes
* Drum key
* Drum sticks (1 pair)
* 9V DC adapter
* User manual
* Assembly instructions
* All connection cables

Bass drum pedal not included

Rating:
Low priced electronic drum set. Simmons have been around for quite some time, perfecting their craft. This electronic drum kit would be good for all types of playing styles and a great practice set due to the multiple drum voices that can be selected. Great for a beginner. What’s kind of cool is that the vendor throws in a free starter pack that’s valued at around $150 which includes a pedal, throne, sticks and headphones…The price on this electronic drum set with that pack is awesome. But, don’t expect the sound that you would find on a “pro-priced” kit…

Alesis DM10 Studio Drum Kit Review

The professional DM10 Studio Kit 6-piece electronic drum set supplies natural-feeling RealHead drum pads. The Alesis DM10 kit also includes low-noise-emitting DMPad Cymbals, the groundbreaking DM10 drum module, and a compact, flexible four post stage rack.

DM10 Module
You will notice the DM10 module’s outstanding sound quality, immediately. This drum-sound module contains true drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds, created from real samples of classic studio drums and prized cymbals. Drummers will find some of the most in-demand acoustic drum sounds from legendary drum brands including: a huge arsenal of top-producers’ go-to snare drums; real American, Canadian, Chinese, and Turkish cymbals; and a choice selection of classic drum machine and electronic percussion sounds which have fueled the biggest hit records.

The drummer’s discerning ears will notice that each of the Alesis DM10 module’s sounds are actually a series of different samples; multiple dynamic-level samples and articulations are all built in, so as you play harder and softer, the drum or cymbal changes its timbre—not just its volume. This engineered realism is known as Dynamic Articulation–an Alesis exclusive.

The Drummer can play the Alesis DM10 electronic drum kit with or without reverb for different room sounds and enjoy a wide variety of rim shots, rim clicks, and different stick-placement sounds on the cymbals. For example, a hi-hat’s sound depends on a number of factors—how open or closed the pedal is, how hard it is struck, and many other variables. The result: 40 different sounds, plus foot chick and heel splash.

The DM10 Studio Kit’s sound module not only has an awesome collection of sounds onboard, it is also the world’s first drum-sound module that enables the drummer to load new sound sets via USB connection from your computer. This means that your sounds will always stay fresh, current, and cutting edge.

The demanding drummer can also use the Alesis DM10 as a trigger-to-MIDI interface for performing and tracking with software drum modules such as BFD, Toontrack, and Reason, among others. For practice, you can play along with the tracks in the DM10′s internal sequencer, mix in an MP3 player, and play along.

The Alesis DM10 module has 12 trigger inputs, perfect for creating custom configurations. The DM10′s top-panel mixer gives the drummer easy access to creating custom mixes.

Alesis Realhead Drum Pads
The DM10 Studio Kit features Alesis’ acoustic-feeling RealHead pads in 10″ and 8″ sizes. The dual-zone pads feature real mylar drumheads and real triple-flanged counterhoops for the feel you demand. The snare and tom pads are dual-zone enabled, which allows you to perform rimshots, rim clicks, or assign other sounds such as wind-chimes, cymbals, gongs and cowbells on the tom rims.

RealHead snare and tom pads ared mounted on standard 10.5mm L-rods with low-slip, knurled mounting surfaces.

You can use virtually any single or double kick pedal with the RealHead Kick Pad (kick pedal is sold separately), or split the DM10′s kick input with a Y-cable and connect an optional second kick pad for the pedal feel you prefer.

Alesis DMPad Cymbals and boom stands
The DM10 Studio Kit includes a set of four low-noise Alesis DMPad cymbals. The electronic drum set includes 1 DMPad hi-hat cymbal, 2 DMPad crash cymbals, and a 3-zone DMPad ride cymbal. DMPad cymbals provide a rubberized playing surface for a great balance between natural cymbal feel and low stick-on-pad sound. The ride and crash cymbal feature large choke triggers on the undersides for superior, accurate cymbal control. The DMPad ride also features multi-zone triggering on the bell, face, and edge. The DMPad hi-hat cymbal and RealHat pedal give you continuously variable control from wide open to tightly closed. Cymbals are mounted on awesome boom stands for tons of mounting possibilities.

Alesis four post stage rack-new for 2011!
Alesis equips the DM10 Studio Kit with an awesome, black aluminum four post stage rack. The stage rack is fully adjustable and large enough to easily accommodate adding on additional pads, yet takes up a fraction of the space of an acoustic kit so it’s perfect for studios and rehearsal spaces. It employs standard 1-1/2″ tubing for compatibility with virtually all drum manufacturers’ rack hardware.

The Alesis DM10 Electronic Studio Drum Set Features:

* DM10 high-definition drum module with 12 trigger inputs and mixer
* RealHead 10″ snare and four 8″ toms; dual-zone drum pads with real mylar heads
* DMPad cymbals: hi-hat, two crashes, and triple-zone ride
* Black aluminum StageRack
* Premium sound library of uncompressed samples from real drums and cymbals
* Dynamic Articulation changes sounds’ timbre along with dynamics for realism
* Sound-set loading and use with software drum modules, both via USB
* Play along and record yourself with the sequencer function
* Mix input for practicing with CD and MP3 players

Includes:
* 1 DM10 drum module
* 4 RealHead 8″ dual-zone drum pads
* 1 RealHead 10″ dual-zone drum pad
* 1 RealHead kick pad
* 1 DMPad 12″ hi-hat cymbal
* 1 DMPad 12″ crash cymbals
* 1 DMPad 14″ ride cymbal
* 1 StageRack with mounting clamps and arms
* 1 RealHat pedal continuously variable hi-hat control pedal
* 1 set of interconnection cables
* Boom cymbal stands

This fabulous electronic drum kit gives you more drums, more cymbals, more sounds, more flexibility, and more value to power your creativity.

Rating:
This is one beautiful electronic drum set at a beautiful price. I personally own the 2010 version and love it and I’m thoroughly impressed with this drum kit. I put in a lot research looking at different sets from different manufactures, etc and this kit just fit the bill perfectly. I’m still amazed at the price for such a high quality electronic drum kit that includes adjustable drum heads, a great module, hardware and more…Finally, an electronic drum set that comes stock with more than just the standard, 5-piece set up with only two cymbals on top…The DM10 module is a sophisticated drum brain that delivers plenty of choices and allows the drummer full flexibility. And, being able to load new kits and sounds through 3rd party programs like Toontrack EZ Drummer and Addictive Drums is one of the most impressive features that allows the player endless possibilities and quality, professional, fully adjustable sound sets. This definitely needs to be checked out by all.

One thing…If you pick this kit up, make the investment and get some good studio-quality headphones…It’s night and day difference when listing through pro equipment and picks up every hit, tap, ghost note, thumping bass, etc. These are what I use and absolutely love them:
Audio-Technica Studio Monitor Headphones.

Also, if you really want to turn this into a pro-level recording machine, check out my review on coupling this set with Superior Drummer 2.0 and Addictive Drums…They turn this drum kit into a recording beast.

DW 3000 Series Double Kick Drum Pedal

Single-post casting allows for pedals to be played independently or simultaneously.

This 3000 Series Double Kick Drum Pedal is packed with features like dual-chain turbo drive, bearing spring rocker assembly, 101 2-way beater, and heavy-duty all metal construction, with a price tag that’s in reach for more drummers. DW believes that well made pedals shouldn’t just be for the pros, but that they should be for all drummers.

101 2-way beaters
Industry-standard reversible beaters, with high-impact plastic and felt surfaces to cover a range of musical applications.

Dual-chain turbo drives
Chain-and-sprocket design with offset cams for quick response.

Single-post casting
DW’s double pedal design provides ease of movement between the pedal and hi-hat, which allows the pedals to be played independently or simultaneously.

Steel base plates
Provide a sturdy foundation and insures nonskid play on carpet and other flooring surfaces via adjustable spikes and Velcro®.

Dual adjustable toe clamp
The dual adjustable toe clamp ensures the pedal and drum stay connected. Convenient clip with drum key also included.

DW 3000 Series Double Kick Drum Pedal Features:

* Dual-chain Turbo drives
* Bearing spring rocker assembly
* 101 2-way beaters
* Heavy-duty all metal construction
* Single-post casting
* Steel base plates
* Includes drum key

Rating:
dw pedals are the stuff. Made with high quality materials, craftsmanship and leading-edge design, these bass drum pedals help the drummer get the motion and sound they want. I have personally owned dw pedals for years and love them. Attention to detail and performance seems to be the driving force at dw when it comes to their drum set lines and hardware.

Addictive Drums Metal Ad Pak, Diabolic Midi Pak, Latin Afro Midi Pak Review:

Metal Ad Pak…Crunching metal sound just like the big boys…

Sound sets are expertly created from a Ludwig Classic Maple Drumkit.

XLN Audio’s description:

With thunderous toms, a heavy kick drum, a sharp but balanced snare drum and vicious Zildjian cymbals this kit really delivers in any kind of style in metal. The 18 piece drum kit was hand picked and tuned by Ross Robinson for the recording sessions. Listen to the audio demos and watch the videos to experience its wrath!
Presets

The Metal ADpak includes 30+ mix presets tweaked by professional metal producers and musicians such as Roberto Laghi and Björn Gelotte (In Flames), David E.K. (Fuge), Martin Preikschas and many others. The different presets all have different characteristics: big, small, close, wide, heavy and light.

Trig Sounds:

A special feature in this ADpak is the new trig sounds for the kick and the snare. Four different trig sounds are included to give your sound that extra edge and attack in your mix. Watch this video to listen to the sounds.

Diabolic Midi Pak…Get the metal grooves of one of the most powerful drummers around.

XLN Audio’s description:

Daniel Erlandsson from Arch Enemy was brought in to record the MIDI Pak: Diabolic, featuring a wide range of metal styles and grooves in different tempos and variations. Daniel’s power and impeccable groove is widely recognized- and now you can use him in your music any time!

Latin Afro Midi Pak…Latin/Afro groove machine that includes some of the most popular styles: Samba, Salsa and more.

XLN Audio’s description:

The Latin Afro MIDI Pak is a unique mix of the rhythms of Latin America and the Afro Beat culture. Included are 220 live recorded MIDI grooves in both 6/8 and 4/4 time signatures, in different feels, tempos and lengths.

Recorded by groove expert Måns Block (Damn, Timbuktu, Amanda Jenssen etc), these MIDI grooves and beats range from Samba and Salsa to Songo and Afro Funk.

Rating:

Metal Ad Pak:
XLN Audio has done it again. This Metal Ad Pak will surely bring a smile to your face when you light it up. The drums are indescribably powerful and sound just like the real thing…better, really, because they’ve been masterfully mixed and have just the right mixture of punch and dynamics. I’ve been a fan of XLN Audio’s products for a while now for their ease of use, ease of setup…it’s basically plug and play and this Ad Pak is no different. The price is unbelievable for all you get. The pak includes a wide variety of recorded variations…And, they’ve made it easy for you to modify the sounds to your own liking as well. I see many hours of enjoyably music making with this Pak!

Diabolic Midi Pak:
Immersive Metal grooves will make your hair stand on edge. Masterfully created by Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy, In Flames, Eucharist). Add these high energy grooves to your music…or do what I do and study them for your own drum playing. There’s nothing better than hearing then doing.

Latin Afro Midi Pak:
Grooves that will make you move…Again, besides just sticking them into my own music creations. I use them as a study guide. Beautiful, masterful grooves by drummer Måns Block (Damn, Timbuktu, Amanda Jenssen etc).

I couldn’t be happier with these products. This is top of the line stuff guaranteed to deliver the sounds you’re looking for for your next project.

Pintech Dingbat Tubular Pad

The Pintech Dingbat Tubular Pad takes up less room than a couple of pairs of drumsticks and sounds like anything your trigger module can come up with. Rugged construction, 9″ playing surface, excellent tracking and response. Compatible with all popular trigger modules. Mounts easily. Lifetime warranty.

Pintech Dingbat Tubular Pad Features:

Compact 9″ playing surface with realistic rebound-smaller version available as well!
Tough construction
Perfect tracking

Rating:
For all you electric drummers: Need a closed hi-hat while playing your double bass and want to have the ability to switch back to your regular hi-hat? Is your snare drum only 2 zone? While playing jazz you’re going to want to have your standard head and rimshot assigned to your snare for accenting…but, how do you get a sidestick for those softer grooves? Need more options like assigning an alternate snare drum or other effect while playing drum-and-bass? Look no further, the Dingbat by Pintech is here…

All I have to say is this electric drum pad is sweet…innovation at its finest. It fits into places on your electric kit boldly where no other electric drum pad has ever gone. And it’s half the price of a normal drum pad. You can mount it almost anywhere on your kit with the provided mounting system. Sensitivity and tracking are excellent. One thing, you’ll need to purchase a 1/4″ patch cord that you can find at any local Radioshack for hooking it into your drum brain-they’re cheap and easy to find. It takes a little innovation and trial and error to get it positioned in tighter areas (I mounted mine right behind the snare), but once you do, it opens up a whole world of opportunities. Definitely need to check this cool piece of drum equipment out!

Roland TD-4KX2-S V-Compact Series Drum Set

The most affordable series from the V-Drums family has undergone a number of upgrades and refinements, including a new Kick Pad and V-Cymbals. With its improved playability, this kit will help you maximize your performance and practice time. You’ll get better faster with the built-in Coach and Quick Rec/Play function, and the mesh snare and tom heads as well as the cloth-based kick pad will give you an accurate feel for when you use your hard-earned skills to play an acoustic kit.

Roland TD-4KX2-S V-Compact Series Drum Set Features:

* Mesh heads for snare and toms (PDX-8, PDX-6)
* Natural swing motion and playing feel with new V-Cymbals (CY-12C, CY-13R)
* Three-way triggering for ride (CY-13R)
* Great feel and reliable playability with new mechanics and a cloth-based kick drum head (KD-9)

Includes:
* (1) TD-4 Percussion Sound Module with multi-pin cable harness and module mount
* (2) PDX-8 Mesh Pads (Snare, Tom 3)
* (2) PDX-6 Mesh Pads (Tom 1, Tom2)
* (1) KD-9 Kick Trigger Pad
* (1) CY-12C V-Cymbal Pad
* (1) CY-13R V- Cymbal Pad
* (1) CY-5 V-Cymbal Pad
* (1) FD-8 Hi-Hat Control Pedal
* (1) Drum rack
* (1) DW throne
* (1) DW kick pedal
* Clamps and arms for both the pads and cymbals

Rating:
Awesome, affordable electronic drum kit. Roland’s new version of V-series drums, the TD-4, is absolutely stunning. The sounds are amazing and it’s built with Roland quality. Compact to fit into tight spaces or studios. Definitely an electronic drum set to be checked out.

Zildjian apparel and other gifts
Stylish Zildjian apparel, including hats, t-shirts, drummer gloves, Zildjian bags, Zildjian bar stools, Zildjian glasses and more…What more could the drummer who uses Zildjian cymbals ask for?

Rating:
Zildjian makes high quality goods no matter it be a hand hammered cymbal or a slick messenger bag…They make it possible for the Zildjian drummer to show their drumming pride.