Toontrack Superior Drums 2.0®, Jazz EZX®, Metalheads EZX® and Latin Percussion EZX®…everything you need to complete your own professional drum studio

Amazing, clean and beautiful drum sound samples…check, complete instrument sound adjustability…check, full mic adjustability…check, ability to set sensitivity to match your playing style…check. Toontrack has created a highly professional-grade studio drumming software package that will make electronic drum playing a pure joy.

Superior Drums 2.0® (From Toontrack.com’s site):

Superior Drummer 2.0® is the professional drum sampler flagship from Toontrack Music.

With its excellent sounding sample-engine, its phenomenal realistic room sounds and its unrivaled extensive feature-list, it truly sets the industry standard in contemporary digital drum production.

20 GB of excellent drum sounds for professional music-production. Recorded with extensive and adjustable microphone-bleed and the unique room sound of legendary recording studio Avatar New York.

Check it out here:
Superior Drummer 2.0®

Jazz EZX® (From Toontrack.com’s site):

Throughout our history of creating sample libraries and instruments, we have strived to both innovate and preserve in all areas of performance, engineering, and genre.
In creating this library we went to new and unheard of levels of dynamic. The recordings feature layered sampling with numerous mic stems fronted by recording chains we had previously only dreamt of.

In the fall of 07, we began the Jazz with Futureman at the impeccable Blackbird Studios. His passion and knowledge of Jazz history met with a relentlessly energetic and musical approach to single note striking that left the Toontrack crew in utter disbelief.

Roy hears every single hit and swirl recorded as part of a larger whole, as part of a musical sequence rather than as solitary, monotonous hit. The results are samples that strike with intensity and force lending unique scope and musicality to these recordings.

The recordings for the Jazz EZX® set a benchmark for how sampling percussive instruments, and musical instruments in general, will be done in the future.

Toontrack Music has had the privilege to capture the magic of Futureman. His touch, his heart, his philosophy and his unique approach to his craft in this Jazz EZX®. The story of jazz drums has a new chapter.

Check it out here:
Jazz EZX®

Latin Percussion EZX® (From Toontrack.com’s site):

The Latin Percussion EZX® for EZdrummer® contains the percussion sounds from the revolutionary, award winning pro drum sampler, dfh Superior(legacy product) from Toontrack® Music. The EZX® includes MIDI files that will add that extra groove on top of your steady drumtrack.

Check it out here:
Latin Percussion EZX®

Metalheads EZX® (From Toontrack.com’s site):

Two Incredible drum sets, assembled and recorded to metal perfection, ready to bring your metal productions to the next level. And, for the first time in Toontrack history, we’ve included Separate mix channels in the EZdrummer mixer, containing kick and snare drum samples designed by Daniel Bergstrand, that augment these already amazingly recorded drums.

Check it out here:
Metalheads EZX®

Take a look at these Toontrack products in action:

Rating:

Alright…After installing, mapping to my Alesis DM10 studio drums and playing around with this software…I have to say this is one killer drum sound set that’s a must buy for the serious recording professional down to the hobbyist. The sounds are amazing, the adjustability and customization options are almost endless to provide just the right sound you’re looking for.

First things first:

I cannot emphasize this enough: READ the manual fully that comes with this software first and foremost. Don’t just hook up your drums and try to go for it…There’s a lot to this program. You can tell they’ve created this not only for the musician, but for studio engineers…It’s technical and can take a little time to map it with your drum set (more on mapping with an Alesis DM10 brain below). But once you get it set up it’s truly amazing drum software.

Mapping my drumset

It took me some time to get it mapped correctly as the Alesis DM10 Studio kit doesn’t have after touch and some things just didn’t seem to jive right off. If you own an Alesis kit with the DM10 Drum brain, your going to have to do some additional steps below to get your Hi-hat and Ride cymbal and crash choke set up correctly…of course, after reading your manual.

I spent a lot of time looking for the information contained in the following links. They are invaluable for getting your Alesis kit set up:

Hi-hat triggering set up with Superior Drummer for Alesis DM10 Studio kit–Post #2:
Hi-hat set up

Cymbal choking set up with Superior Drummer for Alesis DM10 Studio kit–Post #3:
Cymbal choking set up

General Midi Mapping numbers set up with Superior Drummer for Alesis DM10 Studio: – I had to manually assign the ride bell and ride bow area with the corresponding midi values
General midi mapping for DM10

Get everything mapped to your drums, create your kit, set sensitivity levels for each pad (Ultra cool feature to match your playing style), choose your mic options and SAVE your different settings. You can easily pull them up again with any new project.

Ok, I got through the mapping, built my drum kits and tweaked my sound and mics…now it’s time to play

It’s going to bring a smile to your face…I guarantee it. The sounds from these different sound sets we’re truly amazing. They’re crisp and sound better than the real thing! What’s cool is with all the adjustability, you can really create your “own sound.” Sensitivity is incredible…from the softest buzz roll to pounding hit, the dynamics were incredible. Overall, I’m very pleased with these drum sample sets. Set up was a little difficult, but once I overcame some of that learning curve and learned some alternatives to set it up with my kit, I found this to be some of the best drum sampler software out there.

Requirements:
PC:
Windows XP SP3 or newer, 2 GHz Pentium 4 or Athlon processor with 1 GB RAM (multi-core CPU with 2 GB RAM or more recommended)

Mac:
Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher, 2 GHz G5 with 1 GB RAM (multi-core CPU with 2 GB RAM or more recommended)

4GB free hard disc space, DVD drive (25GB free hard disc space, Sequencer application and professional soundcard MIDI controller such as keyboard, drum pads or electronic drum kit recommended)

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!

Korg Wavedrum

Start with a real drum head that responds naturally to brushes, sticks, mallets, or even your bare hands. Add in a sensitive acoustic transducer, advanced DSP synthesis, and hundreds of superior samples. The result is the astounding Korg Wavedrum. Delivering accurate and imaginative sounds from around the globe, Wavedrum creates an interactive, organic, and spellbinding playing experience that no trigger-based system can match. The affordable 2nd generation Korg WAVEDRUM is sonically richer, more sensitive, and packed with enough power and expression to create its own musical legend. The WAVEDRUM's wide dynamic range mimics that of an acoustic drum. WAVEDRUM responds perfectly to your action, from subtly nuanced tapping and stroking to aggressive, repetitive strikes.The original Korg WAVEDRUM amazed the world back in 1994. This legendary musical instrument was instantly famous for its innovative design, performance possibilities, and unique sounds. Now the Korg WAVEDRUM's broad variety of sonic offerings ranges from traditional acoustic percussion instruments to new and unique percussive sounds. With WAVEDRUM, instruments that normally require special techniques to play, such as the tabla, or conga, can be played with ease. In addition, WAVEDRUM establishes its own way of playing, granting you unparalleled levels of expression, full of originality and depth. Compact and lightweight in design, Korg WAVEDRUM is ideal in all performance situations—from casual playing through to a full-on recording session or a live concert performance.Totally unique sounds and innovative ways to play open the door to new musical journeys. The Korg WAVEDRUM delivers inspiration and satisfaction to creative percussionists seeking new realms of expressiveness and sounds. Moving beyond traditional drum and percussion sounds, WAVEDRUM also provides totally new and unique sounds that are not available in the real world, and offers new ways of playing to achieve new levels of musical expression. With a Korg WAVEDRUM, you can change the pitch randomly with each hit, or play melodic phrases by choosing a musical scale and applying pressure to the head. Traditional hand-drum techniques, such as adding pitch and tonal changes to a strike by pressing the head, were previously unobtainable on an electronic instrument. Korg WAVEDRUM processes and responds to these intimate performance gestures as no other percussion instrument can. These same techniques provide a wealth of performance possibilities. For example, WAVEDRUM can produce sitar and tambura sounds at the same time. You can produce tanpura sounds alone by hitting the head, adding the sitar sounds by applying pressure to the head before hitting it. Applying further pressure can change the pitch of the sitar continuously within the selected scale. These and other performance characteristics are unique to the Korg WAVEDRUM.Multiple sensors and playing techniques deliver previously unimaginable expressiveness

Rating:
I’ve been scouring the internet for information on this cool electronic drum. It’s a very cool, interactive drum that can stand alone or be used in conjunction with any acoustic or electric drum kit. Play it with your hands, sticks, brushes…however you want. What’s cool is that the sound triggering goes beyond the head itself. The entire top surface can be interacted with. Cool drum…kind of pricey, however.

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.

Just Released! Pearl E-Pro Hybrid Electronic Acoustic Drum Set with Brass Cymbals Review

* Real wood drums for totally realistic feel
* eClassic brass cymbals
* TruTrac heads
* Pearl Redbox Drum Module
* 1000 sounds & 100 preset kits with 100 user kits
* Ability to import external virtual drumsets from ToonTrak, BFD2, Sonic Reality, Ocean Way Drums, Steven Slate Drums, and Virtual Drumline from Pearl’s website.

Some info from Pearl’s site:

“No more playing on small 8″ pads. e-Pro Live features 10″x6.5″, 12″x7″ and 14″x8″ rack toms with a 20″x12″ bass and 14″x4.5″ snare with white heads.”

“No one makes better hardware than Pearl, and the foundation of e-Pro Live starts with the modified Icon Rack. The tom arms, shells, cymbal holders and rack are all covered under Pearl’s Lifetime Warranty. The rack will accommodate adding more drums and cymbals.”

“e-Pro Live features 6-ply, beautiful wood shells along with robust drum hardware and durable drum finishes. Two finishes available: #31 Jet Black and Pearl’s new Artisan II finish, Quilted Maple Fade #464.”

“e-Pro Live is two kits for the price of one. e-Pro Live is made with real, wood drums and turning your kit into a great sounding acoustic drumset is as easy as 1-2-3. One, remove the top hoop and the Tru-Trac head. Two, replace with a regular drumhead. Three, replace the top hoop, and tune and play!”

“Cymbals featured on the e-Pro Live are Pearl’s E-Classic high-end electronic cymbals, and are made with real brass. The E-Classics feel and respond to your playing just like real cymbals, because they ARE real cymbals. E-Classics feature a 3-zone plus choke 16″ Ride, 13″ chokable crash and super responsive 12″ Hi-Hats.”

“The traditional rubber EPC2 cymbals are also available and feature a 14″ 3-zone Ride, a 12″ Crash, and a set of 12″ super responsive hi-hats.”

“Pearl’s Tru-Trac Electronic Heads feature dualzones that reproduce all of the intricacies a drummer hears when playing acoustic drums. Smooth coating on the heads makes moving from drum to drum fast and easy. The formula used to create Tru-Trac Heads produces a feel virtually identical to acoustic drums.”

“The ultimate goal of a drum module is to reproduce the REAL SOUND of drums. And who better to engineer REAL SOUND than Pearl, the company who knows drums the best. The r.e.d.box. is Pearl’s drum module. R.E.D. stands for REAL ELECTRONIC DRUMS, and it’s also the color of this amazing module.”

“The r.e.d.box features 128MB of RAM. The full memory is used to accommodate the Original Acoustics of 1000 High Definition sounds and 100 High Definition kits. The sound library includes acoustic and vintage drums, electronics from beat machines to modern digital and a variety of orchestral, concert and world percussion instruments.”

“One of the most unique features of the r.e.d.box module is the ability to flash the memory of the module and replace the Original Acoustics with one large and lush-sounding kit. A few easy steps and you’ll be on your way to playing premium kits on your e-Pro Live from the best drum sampling software companies in the world! Visit redboxsoundshop.com to preview and purchase specially designed kits from Toontrack, BFD, Ocean Way, Steven Slate, Sonic Reality, and Virtual Drum Line and download the free software that allows your PC or Mac to communicate with the r.e.d.box.”

Rating:
Wow…It looks great. Pearl quality, real look…this is revolutionary. This kit looks phenomenal. I’m very impressed with the way they have incorporated a “real drum” look. You’ll even be able to buy new drum set sounds, etc. Is it time to cash in my Pearl Acoustic set?…hmmm.