Four kits recorded by Michael Ilbert – tailored for singer-songwriter, tight, edgy and modern!
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Four kits recorded by Michael Ilbert – tailored for singer-songwriter, tight, edgy and modern!
| ADD TO CARTIn an unpretentious brick building on Sunset Boulevard, right smack in the hustle and bustle of one of the most busy and iconic streets of LA, some 60 years of music history has transpired. Saying that the inside of its walls is hallowed ground where legends have roamed simply doesn’t cut it: Sunset Sound is a shrine. When asked where multi-Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer and EZdrummer 3 core sound library engineer Michael Ilbert would bring a handpicked collection of some of the most amazing, unique and sough-after kits on the LA studio scene, the answer was simple – it was here.
Michael Ilbert’s series of Signature EZXs comprises two separate titles: Part 1 and Part 2. To offer maximum versatility and width, both volumes were recorded in separate studios of the Sunset Sound complex and includes its own unique set of kits, MIDI and presets. Part 2, which you are looking at now, was recorded in Studio 3 and covers four kits, three of which were recorded in its main live room and one in its famed isolation booth. This gives you two completely contrasting ambiences and a selection of rare and unique kits for anything from the warm, mellow and round to the tight, edgy and beat-oriented. Just like with Part 1, the kits were sourced from the vaults of the Drum Doctors and curated, tuned and prepped by someone just as notable on the LA studio circuit as the Sunset Sound studio itself: Ross Garfield. To add, a comprehensive selection of percussion instruments were recorded, making this EZX a definitive go-to package for full creative leverage.
If you’re in the market for drums, expertly captured by one of today’s most in-demand engineers in rooms that the likes of Prince, Beck, Fleetwood Mac and many more trusted to grace their albums, here you go.
This EZX expansion requires EZdrummer 3 or Superior Drummer 3.
Even though both volumes of these EZXs stand perfectly fine on their own, combined they’re nothing short of a powerhouse of sound. If you’re looking for full creative leverage, go for both! Or even better – get them as part of a bundle!
Michael Ilbert’s
Scorpions ”Rock Believer” (2022)
Coldplay ”Music of the Spheres” (2021)
Adele ”30” (2021)
The Weeknd “After Hours” (2020)
Ed Sheeran “No. 6 Collaborations Project” (2019)
Muse “Simulation Theory” (2018)
Pink “Beautiful Trauma” (2017)
Alphaville “Strange Attractor” (2017)
Travis “Where You Stand” (2016)
Adele “25” (2015)
Taylor Swift “1989” (2014)
Tove Lo “Queen of the Clouds” (2014)
Katy Perry “Prism” (2013)
The Hives “Lex Hives” (2012)
A-ha “Analogue” (2006)
Robyn “Robyn” (2005)
Supergrass “Road to Rouen” (2005)
The Hives “Tyrannosaurus Hives” (2004)
The Cardigans “Long Gone before Daylight” (2003)
Having worked with the likes of Coldplay, Adele, The Weeknd, P!nk, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran and countless more, multi-Grammy Award-winning Swedish producer/mixer/engineer Michael Ilbert has been a cogwheel in shaping the sound of modern music history through his now-30-plus-year career.
Since 2007, Michael works out of his own room at the Hansa Studios in Berlin, Germany, delivering mixes for the absolute top tier of the industry. That is, if he’s not traveling the world – recording or producing in a studio somewhere else in the world.
Why is Sunset Sound so special to you? And how come drums just sound like magic when recorded there?
Well, It goes back to 2007. I had the good fortune of recording in Studio 2 with a band and I was immediately impressed by the room. Acoustically, the drums sounded like they were already miked up. The room is very warm sounding, cymbals not a problem. So, from that day I had a dream to come back…and here we are. Also, the studio has great and very well maintained gear for tracking plus helpful staff. You just feel welcomed and relaxed here.
Q: To source these kits, you worked with an LA icon in his own right: Ross Garfield from the Drum Doctors. How did your paths first cross and why is he so amazing at curating and tuning drums?
It goes back to the same session. I knew of his name, of course. I had seen “Drum tech Ross Garfield” on every record I had. I asked the label to set us up. I called him and he understood what sound I was after, came over with a great kit, two snares…and in 30 minutes or less we had a great sound! Why he is so good, well, you must ask him! To me he is like Gandalf when it comes to drums. He just has “it.“
For this project, you chose to record in Studio 2 and Studio 3. In the latter you also captured the famed iso booth. To you, why was it important to have all these ambiences, what sets these rooms apart and how do they complement each other?
Well, this was something I proposed already for my Rooms of Hansa SDX. Instead of recording in only one room, why not give the users more options? You know, tailor kits for the spaces you record in and not vice versa. For these EZXs, Studio 2 that we captured for Part 1 offers a larger space compared to the two ambiences we captured in Studio 3 for the second part. Combined, you’ll have everything from big and loud down to mid-sized and tight. On that note, I love drum and vocal booths. You always need some dry and direct drums, I think
This is your third big project with Toontrack. How do these EZXs differ from the EZdrummer 3 core sound library and the Rooms of Hansa SDX?
I pretty much recorded, miked and processed in the same fashion, so you can really hear how much the acoustics and the drums themselves speak. They are just unique.
Undoubtedly, drums play a major role in the overall sound of a song. To you, what makes a great drum sound?
Sounds and parts that fit the context. To me, it’s all about the song and performance.
Having been in business for over 60 years and with more than 300 gold albums under its belt, there is arguably no studio in the world more apt for “icon” status than Sunset Sound. Located on the bustling Sunset Boulevard, an icon in and of itself, this sizzling LA hotspot has been the definitive creative haven for bands, artists and musicians across any and all thinkable genres. Still to this day, Sunset Sound keeps churning out hit records back to back and remains a go-to studio for top acts from around the world.
The Beach Boys “Pet Sounds” (1966)
The Doors “The Doors” (1967)
The Rolling Stones “Beggars Banquet” (1968)
Led Zeppelin “II” (1969)
The Rolling Stones “Exile on Main St.” (1972)
Van Halen “Van Halen” (1978)
Toto “IV” (1982)
Prince “Purple Rain” (1984)
Beck “Odelay” (1996)
Rage Against the Machine “The Battle of Los Angeles” (1999)
Maroon 5 “It Won’t Be Soon before Long” (2007)
Located in a wing slightly off to the side of the centre courtyard that ties the complex together is Studio 3. Making your way through the studio with its narrow hallways, linoleum flooring and mix of faux wood and broadloom carpet-lined walls is much like being catapulted back in time. Needless to say, Studio 3 isn’t fancy in any respect, but, quite frankly, doesn’t opt to be – its track record speaks for itself. Maybe much thanks to the odd but tried-and-true acoustic treatments, the main room itself has a unique and almost uncanny quality to it. In here, drums sound tight, dampened and direct but at the same time outrageously vivid and organic. This makes it the perfect ambience for what Ilbert and team sought for this portion of the project: warm, subtle and expressive tones. To add, the famed Studio 3 booth was captured for one of the kits. With its thick carpets lining both the floors and walls, this space will give yet another dimension of tight drums.
Since the 1960s, Studio 3 has been frequented by a who’s-who of legends. Perhaps most notably, this is the very room that Prince hired to write and record “Purple Rain” and much more of his work in the 1980s. Before and beyond his tenures, acts like Beck, Fleetwood Mac, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie and countless more have laid down seminal albums in these fantastic rooms.
Handpicked kits covering tones for mellow singer-songwriter to cutting-edge!
Brand: George Way*
Model: Aristocrat
Material: Jasper/maple/poplar
Finish: Natural Wood
Era: 1950s
Sampled with drumsticks (snare wires on).
*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.
“This is a kit made by one of the godfathers of drum making. Through my talks with Ross, I mentioned this drum maker…and his reply was: ‘Sure I got a kit.’ We got to record this in many sizes. The toms on this kit are mind-blowing.”
Michael Ilbert
Size: 14x22″
Brand: George Way*
Model: Aristocrat
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 5x14″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: 400 COB
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10x14″
Brand: George Way*
Model: Aristocrat
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: George Way*
Model: Aristocrat
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Zildjian*
Model: A Vintage 1960s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 21″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Hommage
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Size: 19″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Model: Group Claps
Tools: Hands
Size: 4.75″
Brand: JCR Percussion
Model: JCR Cha Cha Bell
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Group Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave High
Tools: Hands
*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.
Brand: Camco*
Model: Oaklawn
Material: Maple/poplar
Finish: Natural Maple
Era: 1960s
Sampled with drumsticks (snare wires on/off).
*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.
“Great-sounding drums from almost the same era as the Natural Wood kit, but in smaller sizes. Very direct and punchy.”
Michael Ilbert
Size: 14x18″
Brand: Camco*
Model: Camco
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 3.5x14″
Brand: Noble & Cooley*
Model: Noble and Cooley Single Ply Maple
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Camco*
Model: Oaklawn
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x14″
Brand: Camco*
Model: Oaklawn
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Zildjian*
Model: A Vintage 1960s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 21″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Hommage
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Size: 19″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Model: Group Claps
Tools: Hands
Size: 4.75″
Brand: JCR Percussion
Model: JCR Cha Cha Bell
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Group Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave High
Tools: Hands
Size: 14x18″
Brand: Camco*
Model: - snare wires off
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 3.5x14″
Brand: Noble & Cooley*
Model: Noble and Cooley Single Ply Maple - snare wires off
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Camco*
Model: Oaklawn - snare wires off
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x14″
Brand: Camco*
Model: Oaklawn - snare wires off
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Zildjian*
Model: A Vintage 1960s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 21″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Hommage
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Size: 19″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Model: Group Claps
Tools: Hands
Size: 4.75″
Brand: JCR Percussion
Model: JCR Cha Cha Bell
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Group Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave High
Tools: Hands
*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.
“Oooh… This is a magical kit from Ross. I wanted kind of a Jim Keltner vibe. Again, calfskins, darker cymbals. We also did this with rods.”
Michael Ilbert
Size: 14x26″
Brand: Slingerland*
Model: Radio King
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 4x15″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: NOB 1920s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: & Ludwig
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x16″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: & Ludwig
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Zildjian*
Model: A Vintage 1950s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 22″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop 30th Anniversary
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop 30th Anniversary
Tools: Sticks
Model: Single Clap
Tools: Hands
Size: 5.5″
Brand: LP*
Model: Black Beauty Senior
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Double Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave Low
Tools: Hands
Size: 14x24″
Brand: Leedy*
Model: Leedy
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 6x14″
Brand: Leedy*
Model: - calfskin heads
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: & Ludwig
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x16″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: & Ludwig
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Zildjian*
Model: A Vintage 1950s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 22″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop 30th Anniversary
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop 30th Anniversary
Tools: Sticks
Model: Single Clap
Tools: Hands
Size: 5.5″
Brand: LP*
Model: Black Beauty Senior
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Group Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave Low
Tools: Hands
Size: 14x24″
Brand: Leedy*
Model: Leedy
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 6x14″
Brand: Leedy*
Model: - calfskin heads - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: & - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x16″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: & - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 15″
Brand: Zildjian*
Model: A Vintage 1950s - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 22″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop Signature - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop 30th Anniversary - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop 30th Anniversary - rods
Tools: Sticks
Model: Single Clap
Tools: Hands
Size: 5.5″
Brand: LP*
Model: Black Beauty Senior
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Double Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave Low
Tools: Hands
*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.
“I told Ross I wanted to do a dry-sounding kit in the booth and he put together a special kit with concert toms. I could not be happier with the sound of this. We also did it with brushes.”
Michael Ilbert
Size: 14x22″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Classic - no front head
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 5x14″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Jazz Festival
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Bosphorus*
Model: Turk
Tools: Sticks
Size: 22″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop Traditional Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Size: 19″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Hommage
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x20″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Classic
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: 5x14 Acrolite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Bosphorus*
Model: Turk
Tools: Sticks
Size: 22″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop Traditional Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic
Tools: Sticks
Size: 19″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Hommage
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x20″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Classic
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: 5x14 Acrolite - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Wood Fiberglass - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 14″
Brand: Bosphorus*
Model: Turk - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 22″
Brand: Istanbul*
Model: Agop Traditional Dark - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 18″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Mosaic - brushes
Tools: Brushes
Size: 19″
Brand: Murat Diril*
Model: Hommage - brushes
Tools: Brushes
*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.
Model: Group Claps
Tools: Hands
Size: 5.5″
Brand: LP*
Model: Black Beauty Senior
Tools: Sticks
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: Vaughncraft*
Model: Vaughncraft
Tools: Hands
Model: Group Snaps
Tools: Hands
Brand: Danmar*
Model: Castanet Table Model
Tools: Hands
Model: Clave Low
Tools: Hands
Size: 6x13″
Brand: Drum Doctors*
Model: Custom Rosewood
Tools: Sticks
Size: 4x15″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: NOB 1920s - rods
Tools: Sticks
Size: 6″
Brand: CB Percussion*
Model: CB700 Mini
Tools: Hands
Size: 10″
Brand: LP*
Model: Pandeiro Sticks
Tools: Sticks
Model: Single Snaps
Tools: Hands
*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.
You’ll find these mics represented in the EZdrummer 3 or Superior Drummer 3 mixer depending on preset selected. For some presets, Michael Ilbert grouped and summed several mics to combined channels.
KICK
Neumann U47 FET
AKG D45
Yamaha NS10 Subkick
SNARE
Snare Top: Shure SM57/AKG C452 eb
Snare Bottom: Shure SM57
TOMS
Toms Top: AKG C12A
Toms Bottom: AKG C12A
HI-HATS
Neumann KM 84
RIDE
Neumann KM 84
KICK
Neumann U47 FET
Electro-Voice RE15
Yamaha NS10 Subkick
SNARE
Snare Top: Shure SM57/Neumann KM 84
Snare Bottom: Shure SM57
TOMS
AKG C12A
HI-HATS
Neumann KM 84
RIDE
Neumann KM 84
The included collection of presets was engineered by Michael Ilbert and designed to offer several mixes of each of the included kits.
The MIDI content included with this EZX was inspired by Michael Ilbert’s and the team’s musical references for each kit, meaning it covers anything from mellow singer-songwriter material to grooves for more edgy and beat-oriented styles. In addition, a collection of rhythmic foundations tailored for use with the percussion portion of this EZX was included. All in all, this means that you’ll have the perfect canvas of custom MIDI material to start building your songs from.
If you fancied this, you might want to check out these as well:
9 GB free disk space, 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended).
A working EZdrummer 3.0.6 (or above) or a Superior Drummer 3.3.6 (or above) installation.
