EZDrummer 2: A Comparison of the Modern and Vintage Libraries and the Best EZX Sound Expansions for Each
EZDrummer 2: A Comprehensive Review of the Software and Its Expansions and Updates
Introduction
If you are a musician, producer, or songwriter who wants to create realistic and professional drum tracks for your music, you might have heard of EZDrummer 2. This software is one of the most popular and widely used drum virtual instruments in the market, and for good reasons. It offers a huge library of high-quality sounds, a user-friendly interface, a powerful search engine, a creative songwriting tool, a flexible mixer, and a lot more features that make drum programming easy and fun.
EZDrummer 2 All Expansions With UPDATES
But what exactly is EZDrummer 2, why should you use it, and how can you install it on your computer? And what are the expansions and updates that you can get to enhance your drumming experience with this software? In this article, we will answer these questions and give you a comprehensive review of EZDrummer 2 and its expansions and updates.
What is EZDrummer 2?
EZDrummer 2 is a drum virtual instrument software developed by Toontrack, a Swedish company that specializes in music production tools. It is designed to be easy to use, yet powerful and versatile enough to suit any genre or style of music. It works as a standalone application or as a plugin in your digital audio workstation (DAW).
EZDrummer 2 comes with two sound libraries: Modern and Vintage. The Modern library features five full drum kits and various additional instruments, recorded at British Grove Studios in London. The Vintage library features three classic drum kits from the 1970s, recorded at Avatar Studios in New York. Both libraries cover a wide range of sounds, from warm and organic to crisp and modern.
Why use EZDrummer 2?
There are many reasons why you might want to use EZDrummer 2 for your drum tracks. Here are some of them:
It sounds great. The sounds in EZDrummer 2 are recorded by top engineers using high-end equipment and played by professional drummers. They are carefully edited and mixed to provide you with realistic and dynamic drum sounds that fit any mix.
It is easy to use. The interface of EZDrummer 2 is intuitive and user-friendly. You can drag and drop sounds, grooves, effects, and settings to create your own custom drum kit. You can also use the search tab to find the perfect groove for your song, or the song creator to generate a complete drum arrangement based on your preferences.
It is versatile. EZDrummer 2 can handle any genre or style of music, from rock and pop to jazz and metal. You can customize the sounds, grooves, and effects to suit your musical vision, or use the track transformer to change the feel and intensity of your drum track. You can also expand your sonic palette with the EZX sound expansions, which offer more sounds and styles to choose from.
It is creative. EZDrummer 2 is not just a drum sampler, but a songwriting tool. You can use it to create inspiring and original drum tracks that will enhance your music. You can also use the groove editor to tweak and edit the grooves, or the mixer to add effects and processing to your drum sounds. You can also export your drum tracks as MIDI or audio files, or drag and drop them into your DAW for further editing and mixing.
How to install EZDrummer 2?
To install EZDrummer 2 on your computer, you will need to follow these steps:
Download the EZDrummer 2 installer from the Toontrack website. You will need to create an account and register your product with your serial number.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to choose a location for the sound libraries and the plugin files.
Launch EZDrummer 2 as a standalone application or as a plugin in your DAW. You will need to authorize your product online or offline using the Toontrack Product Manager.
Enjoy your new drum software!
Features of EZDrummer 2
EZDrummer 2 has many features that make it a powerful and flexible drum software. Here are some of them:
The interface
The interface of EZDrummer 2 is divided into five main sections: the header, the browser, the search tab, the song creator, and the mixer. The header contains the menu bar, the toolbar, and the track transformer. The menu bar allows you to access various settings and options, such as preferences, help, updates, and expansions. The toolbar contains buttons for playback, tempo, metronome, tap to find, record, save, load, undo, redo, and export. The track transformer allows you to change the feel and intensity of your drum track by adjusting four parameters: power hand, amount, velocity, and complexity.
The browser shows you the available sounds and grooves in EZDrummer 2. You can browse by library, kit, instrument, or preset. You can also create your own custom kits by dragging and dropping sounds from different libraries. You can preview the sounds and grooves by clicking on them or using the keyboard shortcuts.
The search tab
The search tab allows you to find the perfect groove for your song by using keywords, filters, or tapping. You can type in keywords that describe the style, feel, or genre of your song, such as "rock", "shuffle", or "funky". You can also use filters to narrow down your search by library, tempo range, time signature, playing style, or power hand. You can also tap a rhythm on your keyboard or MIDI controller and let EZDrummer 2 find matching grooves for you.
The search tab also shows you the results of your search in a list view or a grid view. You can sort the results by relevance, name, library, tempo, or length. You can also rate the results by using stars or colors. You can drag and drop the results into the song creator or the groove editor to use them in your drum track.
The song creator
The song creator is a unique and innovative feature of EZDrummer 2 that allows you to generate a complete drum arrangement based on a single groove. You can drag and drop any groove from the browser or the search tab into the song creator, and it will analyze it and create a song structure with different sections, such as intro, verse, chorus, bridge, fill, and outro. You can also use the song track to edit the song structure, change the order or length of the sections, add or remove sections, or adjust the transitions between them.
The song creator also shows you suggestions for alternative grooves and fills for each section, based on the original groove. You can preview the suggestions by clicking on them or using the keyboard shortcuts. You can drag and drop the suggestions into the song track to replace the existing grooves or fills. You can also use the power hand and amount knobs to change the feel and intensity of the suggestions.
The mixer
The mixer allows you to control the sound and effects of your drum kit. You can adjust the volume, pan, mute, solo, and output of each instrument or channel. You can also add effects, such as EQ, compression, reverb, delay, distortion, and filter, to each instrument or channel. You can use the presets to quickly apply different effects settings, or use the knobs and sliders to fine-tune them. You can also use the master effects to add effects to the entire drum mix.
The mixer also allows you to change the microphone settings of your drum kit. You can choose between different microphone options, such as close, overhead, room, or ambient. You can also adjust the bleed level of each microphone, which affects how much sound from other instruments is picked up by that microphone. You can use the presets to quickly apply different microphone settings, or use the knobs and sliders to fine-tune them.
The groove editor
The groove editor allows you to tweak and edit the grooves in your drum track. You can access the groove editor by double-clicking on any groove in the song track or in the browser. You can also drag and drop any MIDI file into the groove editor to edit it.
The groove editor shows you a piano roll view of the groove, where you can see and edit each note of each instrument. You can use the tools to select, move, copy, paste, delete, quantize, humanize, or velocity-adjust the notes. You can also use the grid to change the resolution and snap of the notes. You can also use the properties to change the name, color, tempo, time signature, or swing of the groove.
The groove editor also shows you a waveform view of the groove, where you can see and edit the audio of each instrument. You can use the tools to select, move, copy, paste, delete, fade, or trim the audio. You can also use the grid to change the resolution and snap of the audio. You can also use the properties to change the name, color, volume, pan, mute, solo, or output of the audio.
The track transformer
The track transformer is a feature that allows you to change the feel and intensity of your drum track by adjusting four parameters: power hand, amount, velocity, and complexity. The power hand determines which instrument is playing the main rhythm of the groove. The amount determines how much variation is applied to the groove. The velocity determines how hard or soft the instruments are played. The complexity determines how busy or simple the groove is.
You can access the track transformer by clicking on the button in the header or by right-clicking on any groove in the song track. You can use the knobs to adjust each parameter individually or use the presets to quickly apply different settings. You can also use the randomize button to generate a random setting for each parameter.
Expansions of EZDrummer 2
EZDrummer 2 can be expanded with EZX sound expansions, which are additional sound libraries that offer more sounds and styles for your drum tracks. There are over 40 EZX sound expansions available for EZDrummer 2, covering a wide range of genres and eras.
What are EZX sound expansions?
EZX sound expansions are sound libraries that are compatible with EZDrummer 2. They are developed by Toontrack or by third-party producers and artists. They contain new drum kits, instruments, grooves, presets, and effects that complement and enhance the sounds in EZDrummer 2.
EZX sound expansions are designed to suit specific genres or styles of music, such as metal, jazz, pop, rock, country, hip hop, electronic, world, and more. They are also inspired by different eras or scenes of music history, such as vintage, modern, classic, indie, progressive, and more. They are also influenced by different artists or producers who have shaped the sound of music, such as Metallica, Neil Peart, Steve Albini, Peter Henderson, and more.
EZX sound expansions are not just sound samples, but creative tools that allow you to explore new sonic possibilities and express your musical ideas. They are also compatible with each other, so you can mix and match sounds from different EZX sound expansions to create your own unique drum kits.
How to download and install EZX sound expansions?
To download and install EZX sound expansions for EZDrummer 2, you will need to follow these steps:
Purchase the EZX sound expansion of your choice from the Toontrack website or from an authorized dealer. You will receive a serial number for your product.
Download the EZX sound expansion installer from the Toontrack website. You will need to create an account and register your product with your serial number.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to choose a location for the sound library and the plugin files.
Launch EZDrummer 2 as a standalone application or as a plugin in your DAW. You will need to authorize your product online or offline using the Toontrack Product Manager.
Select the EZX sound expansion from the browser and enjoy your new sounds!
Some examples of EZX sound expansions
Here are some examples of EZX sound expansions that you can get for EZDrummer 2:
Synthwave EZX
The Synthwave EZX is a sound expansion that captures the essence of the synthwave genre, which is inspired by the 1980s music, movies, and video games. It features three drum kits that blend acoustic and electronic sounds, as well as various percussion and effects. It also includes over 250 MIDI grooves that cover different styles and tempos of synthwave music. The Synthwave EZX is perfect for creating retro-futuristic drum tracks that evoke nostalgia and excitement.
Post-Metal EZX
The Post-Metal EZX is a sound expansion that explores the dark and atmospheric side of metal music, which is influenced by genres such as post-rock, doom metal, sludge metal, and progressive metal. It features two drum kits that are tuned low and hit hard, as well as various cymbals and effects. It also includes over 200 MIDI grooves that cover different styles and tempos of post-metal music. The Post-Metal EZX is ideal for creating heavy and cinematic drum tracks that convey emotion and intensity.
Metal Machine EZX
The Metal Machine EZX is a sound expansion that delivers the ultimate metal drum sounds, which are recorded by legendary producer Andy Sneap at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles. It features three drum kits that are custom-made for metal music, as well as various cymbals and effects. It also includes over 300 MIDI grooves that cover different styles and tempos of metal music. The Metal Machine EZX is a must-have for any metal fan or producer who wants to create powerful and aggressive drum tracks that rock.
Pop/Rock EZX
The Pop/Rock EZX is a sound expansion that provides the classic pop and rock drum sounds, which are recorded by renowned engineer Neil Dorfsman at Avatar Studios in New York. It features four drum kits that are suitable for any pop or rock song, as well as various cymbals and effects. It also includes over 400 MIDI grooves that cover different styles and tempos of pop and rock music. The Pop/Rock EZX is a versatile and reliable sound expansion that can handle any pop or rock project with ease.
Latin Percussion EZX
The Latin Percussion EZX is a sound expansion that adds some spice and flavor to your drum tracks with authentic Latin percussion sounds, which are recorded by percussionist Mikael Emsing at Toontrack Studios in Umeå. It features over 30 different percussion instruments that are commonly used in Latin music, such as congas, bongos, timbales, cowbells, shakers, claves, maracas, and more. It also includes over 500 MIDI grooves that cover different styles and tempos of Latin music. The Latin Percussion EZX is a great way to add some groove and diversity to your drum tracks with exotic percussion sounds.
Updates of EZDrummer 2
EZDrummer 2 can be updated with new versions that offer bug fixes, improvements, and new features for your drum software . There are several updates available for EZDrummer 2, which are free to download and install for registered users.
What are the benefits of updating EZDrummer 2?
Updating EZDrummer 2 can bring you many benefits, such as:
Fixing any bugs or errors that might affect the performance or functionality of your drum software.
Improving the stability and compatibility of your drum software with your operating system and your DAW.
Adding new features or enhancements that can improve your drumming experience and workflow with your drum software.
Keeping your drum software up to date with the latest technology and standards in the music industry.
How to download and install updates for EZDrummer 2?
To download and install updates for EZDrummer 2, you will need to follow these steps:
Launch the Toontrack Product Manager, which is a software that manages all your Toontrack products and updates. You will need to create an account and log in with your credentials.
Select EZDrummer 2 from the list of products and click on the Updates tab. You will see a list of available updates for your drum software, along with their version numbers, release dates, and descriptions.
Click on the Download button next to the update that you want to install. The update will be downloaded to your computer.
Click on the Install button next to the update that you have downloaded. The update will be installed on your computer.
Launch EZDrummer 2 as a standalone application or as a plugin in your DAW. You will see a message that confirms that your drum software has been updated successfully.
Some examples of updates for EZDrummer 2
Here are some examples of updates that have been released for EZDrummer 2:
Version 2.2.3 (2022-02-28)
This update fixes a bug that caused crashes when using certain MIDI controllers with EZDrummer 2. It also improves the compatibility with macOS Big Sur and Windows 10.
Version 2.2.0 (2020-10-13)
This update adds a new feature called Scale Tempo, which allows you to change the tempo of your drum track without affecting the pitch or feel of the grooves. It also adds support for HiDPI displays and touchscreens, as well as various bug fixes and improvements.
Version 2.1.8 (2019-05-21)
This update adds support for MIDI drag and drop from EZDrummer 2 to Ableton Live 10, as well as various bug fixes and improvements.
Version 2.1.6 (2018-06-19)
This update adds support for MIDI drag and drop from EZDrummer 2 to Logic Pro X, as well as various bug fixes and improvements.
Version 2.1.5 (2017-11-21)
This update adds support for MIDI drag and drop from EZDrummer 2 to Studio One 3, as well as various bug fixes and improvements.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have reviewed EZDrummer 2, a drum virtual instrument software that offers realistic and professional drum sounds, a user-friendly interface, a powerful search engine, a creative songwriting tool, a flexible mixer, and more features that make drum programming easy and fun. We have also discussed the expansions and updates that you can get for EZDrummer 2, which offer more sounds and styles, bug fixes, improvements, and new features for your drum software.
Recommendations for using EZDrummer 2
If you are looking for a drum software that can handle any genre or style of music, from rock and pop to jazz and metal, we highly recommend using EZDrummer 2. It is easy to use, yet powerful and versatile enough to suit any musical vision. It is not just a drum sampler, but a songwriting tool that can help you create inspiring and original drum tracks that will enhance your music.
To get the most out of EZDrummer 2, we suggest that you:
Explore the different sounds and grooves in the Modern and Vintage libraries, as well as in the EZX sound expansions.
Use the search tab to find the perfect groove for your song, or the song creator to generate a complete drum arrangement based on your preferences.
Use the mixer to add effects and processing to your drum sounds, or the groove editor to tweak and edit the grooves.
Use the track transformer to change the feel and intensity of your drum track, or the presets to quickly apply different settings.
Update your drum software regularly to get the latest bug fixes, improvements, and features.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive review of EZDrummer 2 and its expansions and updates, and that you have learned how to use this a