SD3 is available as a download, but if the download size scares you, for an additional €189, Toontrack ships an SSD with the library pre-installed, which is how it arrived here for review. Beyond the kits themselves, SD3 features a built-in MIDI editor, MIDI beats ready to use in the form of ‘grooves’, a full-featured mixer with effects, macro controls, and audio-to-MIDI conversion. The kits are from Gretsch, Ayotte, Pearl, Yamaha, and Premier, and the core library includes 230GB of 44.1kHz/24-bit samples, with an additional 350 or so drum-machine sounds.

It’s built around recordings of seven acoustic kits recorded at Galaxy Studios in Belgium (“the most quiet recording space of this size in the world”), by renowned engineer George Massenburg. SD3 runs standalone, or as an AU/VST/AAX plug-in. See the individual tutorial descriptions for more info.Toontrack has updated its flagship product, Superior Drummer, and while I admit it’s not something that’s been on my radar – in fact, I’ve never heard of it before – I’ve discovered that many of my fellow producers are fans, especially those involved in soundtrack composition, needing fast access to a large library of high-quality sounds, detailed programming, and possibly a bit of Surround, too. He then shows you how to load Superior Drummer 3 core library sounds into an expansion library and apply the mixer presets from that expansion library for new completely new sound design options. Next, Luke shows you how to easily create hybrid drum configurations and Mixer FX chains for custom kit creation,Īs well as how to load drums from another expansion library and apply the Superior Drummer 3 core library mixer presets to those sounds. Luke welcomes you to the series, and then gets started by demonstrating a variety of stacking techniques that include stacking multiple layers, using unorthodox drum selections within your instrument stacks, and using the Tuning and Pitch FX parameters to alter the sound of your layered drums in creative ways. This collection focuses on Stacking, Tuning, Independent Selection, and Mixing Presets, for creating your own sounds that stand out from the rest, and make for inspiring productions.

Toontrack wiz Luke Oswald reveals some of his favorite tips and tricks for creating new sounds within Superior Drummer 3.

Superior drummer 3 kits