E-drummer Steve Monti gave the two SDXs in our Area 33 series a go in these two original tracks. If you’re into industrial and ambient rock-meets-metal-type songs with hypnotic beats, this is for you!

You’ve used Superior Drummer 3 for years. When and how did you first discover the software?
My interest started with Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell. From there I moved onto Superior Drummer 3. It was so long ago that I can’t remember how long ago it was. I think it was about 20 years ago! I’ve been here ever since. I’ve never really needed to venture anywhere else – everything I need is there.

As an e-drummer, what are the feature of the software that mean the most to you?
I learned playing real drums where dynamics and articulations are so important. I need software which will make things as close to the real deal as possible. I feel Toontrack put a lot into this and it feels authentic. I also find the mapping is pretty simple to set up too.The number of kits and sounds are so varied it’s just amazing. Also the noise factor plays a big part too. I live in London and an area surrounded by neighbors who are unlikely to appreciate live drumming. With e-drums, they hear nothing. When my son was small, his nursery was directly below my home studio and he slept through it all.

Which SDXs are your go-tos and why?
I have most SDXs and I would be sad to lose any! In my top list would be (no particular order) Decades SDX, Fields of Rock SDX, The Rooms of Hansa SDX, Death &Darkness SDX and Hitmaker SDX. I’m recently enjoying both the Area 33 SDX and Area 33 – Origin SDX. As to why, they are so versatile and can be used for any genre of music!