Superior Drummer 2

[crs7string]

I use Addictive Drums and Superior Drummer 2.0, as well as Stylus for drums.

Addictive Drums has two expansion packs for jazz drums that are the best drum sounds I've heard for jazz.


"you can never have too many options for drums" (Im reduced to quoting myself )


Chuck

[elser]

"you can never have too many options for drums" (Im reduced to quoting myself )


Chuck

Now you've been reduced to expanding on yourself.

I only have the brushes expansion for AD but it's really good.

[mazz]

I'm trying to reduce my self expansion........

[matto]

[I don't think there is a comparison between the two. That being said, Addictive drums is more than adequate to deliver a strong performance for a drum track but your options are limited. If you really want more flexibility, then between those two, this is no comparison, SD 2 is... Superior... please excuse the pun

Then again, the jazz expansions on AD are IMHO superior to anything available for "Superior"...

I think there's a good argument to be made for AD...EZ Drummer is fine but has poor flexibility, SD2 has far superior flexibility but is not exactly "EZ" to use anymore. One could argue AD hits that sweet spot in between and may be ideal for the composer who writes in many styles and may want (or be able to afford) only one "real drum" solution. That being said this is the SD2 thread...and I certainly wouldn't advise anybody against SD2. Just be aware of your options...

[bigbluebarry]

[I don't think there is a comparison between the two. That being said, Addictive drums is more than adequate to deliver a strong performance for a drum track but your options are limited. If you really want more flexibility, then between those two, this is no comparison, SD 2 is... Superior... please excuse the pun

Then again, the jazz expansions on AD are IMHO superior to anything available for "Superior"...

I think there's a good argument to be made for AD...EZ Drummer is fine but has poor flexibility, SD2 has far superior flexibility but is not exactly "EZ" to use anymore. One could argue AD hits that sweet spot in between and may be ideal for the composer who writes in many styles and may want (or be able to afford) only one "real drum" solution. That being said this is the SD2 thread...and I certainly wouldn't advise anybody against SD2. Just be aware of your options...

I will concede that the Jazz expansions for AD are better than the Jazz options for Superior (as of now).

But I would argue that the latest version of SD 2 is just as "EZ" to use as EZ Drummer is. The first release of SD 2 was a little bit clunkier. You had to use the EZ Player in conjunction with SD 2 but that issue has since been resolved. You can drag and drop grooves from the Groove window just like you can with EZ Drummer and you can choose one of their existing presets to change the sound of the kits. And Toontrack has some great tutorial videos on how to use SD 2 that can help reduce any learning curve that may exist. If you want to dive in and really tweak away, then you have the ability to do so, if you choose.

If someone asks me what drum software I recommend, my first response is going to be SD 2. But as the conversation progresses and it is discovered that the person is on a tight budget and can't afford SD 2, then I would steer them towards EZ Drummer OR Addictive Drums, depending on their budget and/or style of music. If they need Jazz drums, then I will gladly recommend AD. But if they plan bone crushing Metal, then I will recommend that they sacrifice their first born so that they can get SD 2 with The Metal Foundry kit! LOL... I'm kidding, I'm kidding... well, mostly lol

- Big Blue

[raymy]

Wow, look what I started. Thanks for the comments. I already have AD so I think I will stay with that for now. Although, I do not have the jazz kit and it sounds like I should get it.

[mazz]

All of the options discussed will make excellent sounding drum tracks. They all offer separate outputs which can be processed to taste by the tasteful composer. Superior offers a deeper range of options, one of which is mic bleed, which is adjustable per drum.

I agree that at this point ADs jazz options are the best going. Having the ability to have brush stirs that follow the tempo is a huge step forward in making jazz drum tracks that don't suck.

But the bottom line is: any drum vi can create great parts if the composer running the show knows what comprises a great drum part and a great drum sound.

Superior is my go to drum vi for rock, pop, etc. For jazz, AD gets the nod.

[crs7string]

Regarding Addictive Drums jazz expansions. There are two, Jazz Sticks and Jazz Brushes.

A very common thing for a drummer to do in jazz is to play with brushes during the sections where the group plays the theme. (often AABA)

After the theme is stated the piece typically moves to solo sections and the drummer may start playing with sticks at that point. (after solos coming back to brushes to take the theme out one more time is very typical)

You have to load up two instances of AD to pull this off, one with brushes and one with sticks, but one now has the ability to pull off what a drummer would play on a jazz tune.

One logistic issue is letting the drum track have a transtion measure (or two) for the "drummer" to change from brushes to sticks and back. A drummer would usually continue to mark time with the hihat or ride during this measure (or two)

Very, very cool.

Chuck

[matto]

Regarding Addictive Drums jazz expansions. There are two Jazz Sticks and Jazz Brushes.

A very common thing for a drummer to do in jazz is to play with brushes during the sections where the group plays the theme. (often AABA)

After the theme is stated the piece typically moves to solo sections and the drummer may start playing with sticks at that point. (after solos coming back to brushes to take the theme out one more time is very typical)

You have to load up two instances of AD to pull this off, one with brushes and one with sticks, but one now has the ability to pull off what a drummer would play on a jazz tune.

One logistic issue is letting the drum track have a transtion measure (or two) for the "drummer" to change from brushes to sticks and back. A drummer would usually continue to mark time with the hihat or ride during this measure (or two)

Very, very cool.

Chuck

It also has very good fast swing beats which can be extremely difficult to pull off playing from a keyboard...saved my butt more than once.
Sorry for the OT Barry, we should just start an AD thread...

[mojobone]

I think I probably would prefer SD2 if I did mainly rock or metal; AD suits my needs very well, being more of a retro/roots kinda guy....