EZX Expansion Packs – Why?

[KenB123]

As a newer user of Superior Drummer-3, I am wondering about the EZX Expansion packs. Am I correct (or incorrect) in thinking that a user could create on their own the same MIDI notes, note flow, and similar drum sounds on these EZX Expansion packs, just by using the provided New York Avatar or Music City USA drum packs and SD-3 editing capabilities?

I am assuming the reason to buy the EZX Expansion packs is because professionals have done that work for you, and provide a variety of fills patterns reflective of the various EZX music styles being sold. So it comes down to whether you wish to put the work in yourself, or pay a bit for someone else’s effort.

I don’t mean this to sound as though I am unhappy with having to purchase the various EZX  Expansion packs. Rather I am just trying to understand the value in buying the EZ Expansion packs.

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.2.4
Operating system: Windows 10

Topic

[Scott]

Well, EZX packs are EZdrummer expansion packs first and foremost. They do happen to work with S3 so it’s a bonus for those S3 users that want them. They do ship with premixed sounds and some of the processing was done using vintage analog which you would only approximate using the built in plugins in S3.

Scott Sibley - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

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Thanked by: KenB123

[Mac McCormick]

Yes, the EZX expansion packs also include new drum samples as well. If you’re talking about just MIDI Packs, then you are correct. You could create those yourself if you’re are one hell of a drummer. The MIDI packs are played by professional drummers and the subtleties and articulations in these packs are great and are not something I could program myself being a keyboard player. So these are very valuable to me. Not only that, but I find them inspirational as well. Most of the time I’ll write part and then fine a groove that’s close to what I want and edit the groove to fit what I have written. But occasionally I have edited what I’ve written to fit the groove simply because the groove was so cool.

So, to answer your question is, yes, the MIDI packs are only MIDI events and you certainly create these yourself. But the grooves in these packs are really good. Of course, you can listen to any Toontrack products, including the grooves, on their website. You can also download MIDI grooves from within Superior Drummer3 and check them out that way as well.

Superior Drummer 3 version: 3.2.3
Operating system: Windows 10

Cubase Pro, Korg Kronos, M-50, Hammond XK-1c, Toontrack SD3, EZBass w/lots of expansions, many VSL Vi's, Shreddage 3 everything, and shit-tons of FX plugins.

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Thanked by: KenB123

[Bear-Faced Cow]

You could create those yourself if you’re are one hell of a drummer.

of course, the drum programmer in me can only agree in part.

Even for as long as I have been doing it (long enough to show my grandchildren the art of drum programming), I find myself doing it less these days because there are so many great midi drum groove packs. Why should I waste my time programming something to sound in the style of Kenny Aronoff, when I can simply open the Kenny Aronoff groove pack and create some music?  Sometimes, I simply find myself grabbing a groove and a guitar (or bass guitar), and jamming away. I also find that I have enough room for experimentation with edit play styles, grid editor and groove parts. Thus, I can still program a customize groove when I still need it and still make it fit in the song.

As far as the sounds in the EZX goes for me, I often buy them for the more unusual sounds that you would not find in an SDX. For traditional drums, I will often reach for an SDX, especially for certain producers/engineers. However, that is more a context related to the song at hand.

jord

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Jordan L. Chilcott

Web Site: https://jordanchilcottmusic.com/

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Thanked by: KenB123

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