Experience with EZ Drummer?

[Verne Bunsen]

Hello all,

Some things that I am working on are requiring drums with more options and versatility than what I currently have with my TRIO+ or with the drummer in Logic Pro X. Specifically I'm looking for brushes and the ability to use rhythms generated by the program but also manually manipulate specific parts. I'm looking at EZDrummer 2 (https://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-2/) which seems to fit the bill, do any of you fine folks have any experience with it? I'll be using it with Logic Pro X. I think I'd have to get expansion packs to get the specific sounds I'm looking for; EZDrummer 2 bundled with two expansion packs would run me $299 which is rather a bunch but I'd be willing to pay that for the tool. I'm open to other suggestions in that price range too if you have any.

Thanks!

-VB-

 

[stratamania]

I used to use EZDrummer with Cubase, several years ago. At the time it worked well and I then crossgraded I think it was called to Superior Drummer, which will also work with any expansion packs you have.

There are lots of MIDI files for different styles available also, and you can edit them. So it sounds like EZDrummer 2 would fit the bill.

A while back I moved to Logic, but to be honest, I have not done much recording for quite a while since then and I don't think I got around to installing Superior Drummer to use with Logic. Suffice to say that the Toontrack products work well.

Hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Thanks for that, good to know it's a solid product. I found this brief but informative breakdown of the differences between EZ and Superior:

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/toontrack-drum-software-buying-guide/

I do think the EZ Drummer is more up my alley; I don't think I know enough anything at all about mixing/producing drums to take advantage of any of the additional features in Superior.

 

[stratamania]

EZDrummer is a good starting point for sure. If you outgrow it you can always move to Superior.

As you have Logic and the included drummers, you could get them to play MIDI files. In addition to the Toontrack ones, there is also https://groovemonkee.com (not used them).

Steven Slate Drums are also well regarded, again I have not used them and apparently, probably overkill for what you want.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Steven Slate Drums are also well regarded, again I have not used them and apparently, probably overkill for what you want.

I hadn't seen the Steven Slate drums, had to go look at it. It does sound like a powerful tool; as you say though it might be a bit much for me given my general lack of experience. It's comparatively priced for SSD4 and actually appears to have more available drum sounds and "tweakability", but also looks like it requires a lot more programming from the user. I suppose that's a pretty standard trade off: ease-of-use for versatility. The more I dig into EZ Drummer, watching YouTube videos and such, the more it really seems like a good fit for both my needs and skill level. I'm out of town working for a few more days but I think I'm going to pull the trigger when I get home... Thanks for your input!

 

[stratamania]

No problem, I am sure you will find EZDrummer a useful tool.

 

[ThePhilosopher]

I use EZD2 almost exclusively; I have quite a few of the midi packs as well. The workflow and simplicity are great for me.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Cool! I’m taking the liberty of perusing your SoundCloud  :icon_thumright:

 

[ThePhilosopher]

Cool! I’m taking the liberty of perusing your SoundCloud  :icon_thumright:

You'd be better off scouring my Bandcamp starting with my release Normality; I've not updated my Soundcloud in soooo long.

 

[wolbai]

@-VB- Just saw you Post ...

I am another user of EZ Drummer 2 for my own songwriting and for playbacks I develop for my band.

I use it with Cubase Artist. A good DAW setup where each drum part (snare, hihat, etc.) is treated as a separate input track is important.

I think this drum software is outstanding for a non-drummer.

Hope that helps - wolbai

 

[Verne Bunsen]

Thanks for your input! I have actually pulled the trigger on it along with a couple of expansion packs. I've been exploring it within the EZ Drummer interface so far, I haven't even looked at it in the DAW yet but that is good to know about loading the drum channels into different tracks, I'll keep that in mind. I always enjoy your material so that speaks highly of what the software can do I reckon. Thanks!