Mix-ready sounds tailored for bright, metallic and progressive hard rock and metal.
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Mix-ready sounds tailored for bright, metallic and progressive hard rock and metal.
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USD89
This EZX features mix-ready sounds tailored for bright, metallic and progressive hard rock and metal. It was designed to offer a polarizing sound ideal to its sibling, the Duality I EZX. Both EZXs were recorded by engineer Jakob Herrmann (Evergrey, Raised Fist, Amaranthe) and drummer Alex Landenburg (Kamelot, Cyhra, Mekong Delta) during the same session at Top Floor Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden. Duality II EZX includes one full kit as well as a total of six bass drums, eight snares and a staggering range of cymbals.
In addition to the sounds, this EZX also includes a custom MIDI library as well as a collection of presets engineered to provide different takes on the core kit along with creative hybrids constructed using the large pool of additional kicks, snares and cymbal content.
When two objects – worlds, stars, planets, waves, storms – collide, they either form a clash of epic proportions decimating almost any and all things in its way, or they meld and mesh into an an awe-inspiring coherent force of energy. The Duality EZXs are an example of the latter. Welcome to two contrasting batteries of drums that balance on the divide between polarizing sonic ideals – each great on its own, but awesome together.
FULL PRODUCTIONS
DRUMS & PRESETS
Two EZXs. Equal, but worlds apart.
Two kits, twelve (12) bass drums, sixteen (16) snares, four (4) rides, four (4) hi-hats and 26 crash/china/stack/splash cymbals distributed equally over two separate EZXs. Let your drum journey begin.
LEARN MOREName: Jakob Herrmann
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Jakob Herrmann runs his day-to-day operations from the top floor of Stora Teatern, a mid-18th century building just off one of Gothenburg’s busiest streets. In here, you’ll either find him recording, mixing or producing a new record, maintaining his arsenal of gear or touching up his collection of drums – if he’s or not on the go to somewhere else in the world, that is, for another one of his many international audio missions.
You started out playing music already at the age of five. How come you finally ended up behind the console as opposed to on the stage? Where does the interest for recording come from?
I was always interested in recording and most of all producing. My first band did very DIY-type recordings in our jam space. After that I went to music school as a drummer, and there happened to be a studio where I spent every single moment I could spare for two years. After that it was basically “all systems go” for sitting in the producer’s chair instead of on the drum throne. I’ve never been much into songwriting, but I’ve always found it fascinating to record other people’s music and make it the absolute best it can be, and that mindset hasn’t changed one bit.
You have a true passion for drums and particularly for recording them. What’s so great about drums?
I love all instruments, and I actually started out as a piano player. But drums just makes my heart beat a little faster. Ever since I got my first drum kit, I’ve been obsessed in understanding how to make certain sounds and what it is that makes drums sound the way they do. I know it’s a bit excessive to have 30-40 snare drums in a studio (as opposed to my 10-15 guitar amps, haha!) but to me it makes perfect sense! The drum kit is the perfect instrument, and I think there is nothing more satisfying than a well-produced drum sound.
In fact, your drum room is known for its great acoustics. What, in your opinion, makes it stand out?
The drum room, as my entire studio, is located in an old theatre from the 1850s, but the actual studio build is very modern. It’s got very high ceilings, and it’s got the perfect balance between a short controlled sound and a full and rich decay. For anything rock and metal, it’s an amazing room.
You have a pretty impressive collection of snare drums and cymbals, tons of which were recorded for these EZXs. What was the selective process like? What sonic qualities did you go for?
Selecting drums for this wasn’t easy. The two kits in the Duality packs are my two main studio kits, so that was a no-brainer, but narrowing down the snares and cymbals was hard. Ultimately, I went with a very wide palette, to cover everything from old-school muffled sounds all the way to wide open and ringy sounds that take a bit more space and have a given place in modern productions. Some of the snares were easy to pick, like the snare that Adam in Vola refers to as my “secret weapon” snare, but sometimes I also had to choose between two favorites, which wasn’t easy. I also asked Alex to bring a snare or two of his own, one of them which I knew from the start I wanted in there.
About engineering and recording, you’ve said that it’s your job but also your passion. What is it like having a career in a field which is also your biggest passion?
Very life consuming. I’m in my studio basically every day of the week, and I don’t really have any other interests. I love my life, and my life is built around me being a producer, not the other way around. This is basically what I’ve been working with my whole life, and with it being my not only biggest but really my only passion, there is really nothing else I can see myself doing.
Walk us through a regular day “in the life of Jakob Herrmann”!
I wake up, I pet my dog, I go for a workout and then I’m off to the studio. At the end of the day I go home, and at night I usually look at my calendar to see when I have a small gap between projects so I can travel somewhere. Then it’s all rinse and repeat.
What’s the one project you haven’t yet done that you absolutely love to do? What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Oh, I don’t know, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some artists and fellow producers and mixing engineers that the younger me would have never thought possible. And having recorded with everything from international superstars like Anthrax and Machine Head, to big local pioneers like Dark Tranquillity, Evergrey and In Flames, as well as working with some of my personal childhood heroes, I’d say for me it’s already hard to top that. At the same time, I enjoy working with bands and artists on all levels. I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing, and be thankful as long as I’m able to do it.
You used a mid/side (M/S) microphone placement technique for this project. Explain a little more on the background of this technique and its advantages. Also, please walk us through your general philosophy for the Duality EZXs.
I chose to add M/S mics because to my ears it adds focus to a wide drum sound. It was invented by Alan Blumlein in the early 1930s, but is still a micing technique that has a lot of use even in modern metal productions. If the kit sounds huge but lacks definition, the M/S micing can help add some “closeness” in a fantastic way. The mid microphone acts as center, while the side microphone adds ambience and stereo spread, and the balance between the two can really make a kit sound huge. In some of the presets I’ve used it on only toms, but in others the whole kit is included. My vision for the Duality EZXs was to give the user endless possibilities within the same basic kits. For example, it’s possible to add or take away or phase shift all four kick mics in different combinations. And having separate controls of the ambience mics, the M/S mics, the different distortions, parallell compressions and reverbs make it an extremely versatile kit. I’d say the basic guideline for me going into this project was always making a very lively and natural-sounding EZX but with lots of control.
Finally, listening back to the finished sounds and working with the products – what’s that like? Did they come out as you had envisioned?
Yes, very. It was fun to be allowed to do my own vision without any restrictions for two drum libraries, that are similar but at the same time very different. And choosing Alex as drummer for this was obviously the right choice, as he’s just as picky with good drum hits as I am with good drum sounds. I’m very proud of my Duality packs and I can’t wait to see and hear what people do with them!
Name: Alex Landenburg
Location: Saarbrücken, Germany
Mastering anything from ferocious thrash beats and insane double bass cannonry to the most fundamental and rock solid grooves, Alex Landenburg is the definition of a versatile metal drummer. If he’s not doing clinics or otherwise traveling the world in the service of groove, you’ll find him on the drum riser or in the studio with bands like Mekong Delta, Cyhra and Kamelot.
If we start by rewinding to the very beginning: How and when did you discover your passion for music?
I grew up in a very musical household, in the sense that there was always music playing and that in my family, we often talked about artists and specific music. My parents listened to a huge variety of styles, including lots of ’70s prog like Genesis, but also Queen, Elvis or the Beatles. I still remember the 1985 Live Aid as a very little kid. Seeing Queen on that stage, in front of all these people, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, too.
What are some of the drummers that you think helped shape the musician you are today?
I could list a hundred names here. Phil Collins was a big one for me, but growing up as a real metal kid, it was also the usual suspects: Lars Ulrich, Nicko McBrain, Nick Menza, etc. Then at about age 15, I really got into progressive metal. Mike Portnoy and Mark Zonder were super important. Also Deen Castronovo, Simon Phillips, Jeff Porcaro, Terry Bozzio and Steve Smith were extremely important to my development, but the biggest impact probably had and still has Vinnie Colaiuta.
Your history with different bands range from thrash and power to modern metal. Is there one style in which you feel at most “home”?
Actually, I feel really at home in progressive metal. I always try to give everything I play a bit of a proggy edge, of course always making sure it’s still musical and supporting the song.
How would you describe your style of drumming?
My goal is to merge technicality and interesting drumming with musicality while always supporting the music and the song. Like a sculptor, I want to carve out the structure of a piece of music and make it clearer and more impactful. The question if I always manage to meet that goal, however, is for others to answer!
You have been doing this for quite some time now. If you had to pick out some highlights so far in you career, what would the they be?
My first real big tour with Annihilator, following the footsteps of none other than Mike Mangini at the time, was an amazing experience. Also playing with Stratovarius, alongside Jens Johansson of Yngwie Malmsteen fame, was simply incredible. Another real highlight was recording the most recent live DVD with Kamelot in 2018. Also working with Luca Turilli and co-producing the “Cinematic and Live” album was something I will carry with me forever. A different sort of highlight was my 2019 clinic tour in China for Mapex. Meeting all these young Chinese drummers and seeing the excitement in them was truly amazing.
If you weren’t a professional musician, what do you think you’d do for a career?
I would have been a pro tennis player. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
Looking back on the experience of sampling these EZX libraries, what are your biggest takeaways?
It was such a big learning experience. On any prior project I was involved in, we always took the sound aspects like tuning the drums, the right choice of heads and mic positioning very seriously, but on these recordings, we went so much further with these details. And it really shows. The sounds we recorded are nothing short of amazing. Also, sampling all these instruments at all these velocities gave me another perspective as to how many different sounds you can actually get out of a ride cymbal or a pair of hi-hats. Many things I used to do subconsciously I now had to really figure out, because they had to be reproduced consistently. I’ve learned so much about the instrument again. It was a great experience.
And listening back to the final product – what was that like and did everything turn out like you had initially envisioned?
It was very emotional. I will never forget when I heard the first audio samples of our work. Some of the cymbals we sampled for this product were from my first batch of Zildjians I received when I originally got the endorsement, which were pre-selected from the factory and then hand-selected by me. That was one of the best days of my life and now these supreme cymbals are immortalized and that’s just beautiful. On top of that, we also sampled my number one “go to” snare, the Mapex Sledgehammer, and it turned out better than I ever could have imagined. It goes for all the other instruments we recorded as well. They all sounded great and Jakob and I were able to capture these sounds 100%. Finally, now to be able to play these instruments also with my electronic drums, is just a dream come true.
Kick
Brand: DS Drums
Model: Rebel Custom Shop
Material: Maple/mahogany
Finish: Satin Black Pepper
Size: 17×22″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Powerstroke 3 Fiberskyn
Snare
Brand: DS Drums
Model: Rebel Custom Shop
Material: Aluminum
Finish: Satin Brush
Size: 6×14″
Batter head: Remo Ambassador Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Rack tom 1
Size: 7×10″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
Rack tom 2
Size: 7.5×12″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
Rack tom 3
Size: 8×13″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
Floor tom 1
Size: 13×14″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
Floor tom 2
Size: 14×16″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
Hi-hat
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K/K Limited Edition (Hybrid)
Size: 14″
Ride
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K Custom Hybrid Ride
Size: 20″
Crash 1
Brand: Zildjian
Model: A Custom Medium Crash
Size: 17″
Crash 2
Brand: Zildjian
Model: A Custom Crash
Size: 17″
Crash 3
Brand: Zildjian
Model: A Custom Crash
Size: 18″
China 1
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K China
Size: 17″
China 2
Brand: Zildjian
Model: Oriental China Trash
Size: 18″
Splash 1
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K Splash
Size: 10″
Splash 2
Brand: Zildjian
Model:A Custom EFX
Size: 10″
Stack 1
Brand: Zildjian
Model: Oriental China Trash / A Custom EFX Splash
Size: 10″ / 10″
Stack 2
Brand: Zildjian
Model: Oriental China Trash / Zildjian K EFX
Size: 10″ / 18″
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Additional kicks
Brand: DS Drums
Model: Rebel Custom Shop
Material: Maple/koto
Finish: Satin Black Pepper
Size: 15×24″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Powerstroke 3 Fiberskyn
Brand: Mapex
Model: Saturn V
Material: Maple/walnut
Finish: Flat Black Maple Burl
Size: 20×22″
Batter head: Powerstroke 3 Coated
Resonance head: Mapex Original
Brand: Pearl
Model: Masters
Material: Maple/gum
Finish: Platinum Gold Oyster
Size: 16×22″
Batter head: Remo ‘Head Only’
Resonance head: Pearl Original
Brand: DW with Ludwig Woofer
Model: Collectors Series
Material: Maple
Finish: Candy Apple Red
Size: 16×22″
Batter head: Powerstroke P4 Clear
Resonance head: Original
Brand: Vox
Model: Telstar
Material: Alder
Finish: Silver Crocodile
Size: 12x13x18″
Batter head: Original
Resonance head: Original
Additional snares
Brand: Mapex
Model: Brass Master
Material: Brass
Finish: Brass
Size: 5.5×14″
Batter head: Remo CS Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Brand: East
Model: Copper
Material: Copper
Finish: Copper
Size: 5.5×14″
Batter head: Remo CS Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Brand: Pearl
Model: Ultra
Material: Cast Aluminum
Finish: Black
Size: 5×14″
Batter head: Remo CS Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Brand: DW
Model: Collectors
Material: Maple
Finish: Broken Glass
Size: 6×14″
Batter head: Remo Powerstroke P77 Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Brand: Tama
Model: Warlord Athenian
Material: Brass
Finish: Charcoal Grey
Size: 6×14″
Batter head: Evans UV2
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Brand: Pearl
Model: Ian Paice
Material: Steel
Finish: Steel
Size: 6.5×14″
Batter head: Remo CS Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Brand: DS Drums
Model: Rebel Custom Shop
Material: Steel
Finish: Satin Brush
Size: 7×13″
Batter head: Remo CS Coated
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side
Additional toms
Brand: DS Drums
Model: Rebel Custom Shop
Material: Maple / mahogany
Size: 14×16″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
Brand: DS Drums
Model: Rebel Custom Shop
Material: Maple / Mahogany
Size: 15×18″
Batter head: Remo Emperor Clear
Resonance head: Remo Ambassador Clear
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Additional hi-hat
Brand: Zildjian
Model: New Beat
Size: 15″
Additional ride
Brand: Zildjian
Model: Custom K High Definition Ride
Size: 22″
Additional crashes
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K Dark Medium Thin Crash
Size: 18″
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K Custom Hybrid Crash
Size: 18″
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K Dark Thin Crash
Size: 19″
Additional stacks
Brand: Zildjian
Model: K EFX / A Custom China
Size: 18″ / 20″
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
The included library of presets was engineered to provide different takes on the core kit as well as several creative hybrids constructed using the large pool of additional kicks, snares and cymbal content. The preset collection includes content created by both Jakob Herrmann as well as by the Toontrack sound design team.
The Duality II EZX MIDI library was performed by sampling drummer Alex Landenburg and features custom material tailored for the specific sound ideal of this EZX. In turn, the Duality I EZX comes with a contrasting content, offering grooves and fills that in many ways are the polar opposites of its sibling’s. For this volume, expect a battery of foundational grooves – perfect for any bright, metallic and progressive-sounding hard rock or metal track.
5 GB free disk space, 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended).
A working EZdrummer 2.2.2 (or above) or a Superior Drummer 3.2.6 (or above) installation.
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