Area 33 Origin SDX | Complete Overview | for Superior Drummer by Toontrack

Sean from Shoy School presents a comprehensive overview of the new Area 33 Origin SDX from Toontrack, highlighting its unique features and capabilities. Unlike its predecessor, the Origin SDX offers a vast selection of individual instrument stereo microphones, providing users with a multitude of mixing options. The pack includes five kits, 12 snares, 11 kicks, 76 toms, three high hats, 24 symbols, and 52 drum and mixer presets, with 11 ambient mics, seven of which are stereo. Notably, the Origin SDX introduces original articulations, such as left and right rim shots for snares, offering a new level of detail for drum programming. Sean also discusses the mixer's routing and treatment, as well as the included MIDI performed by Leo from Pain of Salvation. The video concludes with a brief listen to each of the presets, showcasing the sonic diversity of the SDX. Sean advises that Toontrack products rarely go on sale, so interested buyers should consider purchasing sooner rather than later.

Takeaways

• 🎚️ The Area 33 Origin SDX by Toontrack is a new product that is not primarily focused on metal sounds, offering a diverse range of sounds and MIDI options.
• 🔍 The Area 33 SDX and Area 33 Origin SDX are distinct products with minimal overlap in terms of sounds and MIDI, but both are extensive libraries with a high channel count.
• 🎵 Listeners can hear the included Origin SDX MIDI performed by Leo from the band Pain of Salvation, who is also known for his Progressive Patterns MIDI pack.
• 🎛️ Michael from Toontrack provides a tutorial on routing and treatment within the mixer, which can be useful for users looking to optimize their sound.
• 🎧 There's a debate among users about the necessity of individual stereo instrument microphones, with some finding them overkill and others appreciating the new creative options they provide.
• 🎼 Users are encouraged to find their own sound using the mixer tab, with the ability to select, mute, and mix stereo microphones in groups for easier control.
• 🏆 The Area 33 Origin SDX boasts an impressive number of Toms, with presets featuring up to 13 Toms, making it a standout in Toontrack's history.
• 🥁 Unique articulations are included in the SDX, such as left and right hit options for Toms and snares, which are not commonly found in other products.
• 📈 The SDX's snare has separate left and right rim shot articulations, which can be programmed for creative drum patterns, adding a new level of detail for producers.
• 🎶 The Area 33 Origin SDX comes with a comprehensive set of presets, including five kits, 12 snares, 11 kicks, 76 Toms, three hi-hats, 24 symbols, and 52 drum and mixer presets.
• 💸 Buying advice is provided, noting that Toontrack products rarely go on sale, so purchasing the SDX bundle can be a cost-effective way to invest in a comprehensive collection.
• 📺 The video concludes with an invitation to check out more content on the presenter's channel, including other SDX overviews and resources for drummers and producers.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Area 33 Origin SDX and Area 33 SDX?

The main difference is that they are not the same product and barely cross paths when it comes to sounds and MIDI. While they are both large SDX libraries with a high channel count and individual instrument stereo microphones, they offer distinct sound options.

What is the role of the mixer in the Area 33 Origin SDX?

The mixer allows users to select, mute, and mix individual stereo microphones. It also enables the grouping of microphones for easier control and routing to different buses for a more personalized sound.

Who performed the included Origin SDX MIDI?

Leo from the band Pain of Salvation performed the included Origin SDX MIDI.

What is unique about the articulations in Area 33 Origin SDX?

The unique aspect is that it has original articulations not seen before in other SDX libraries, such as left and right hits for Toms and snare rim shots.

How many Toms does the Area 33 Origin SDX have in a single preset?

The Area 33 Origin SDX has 13 Toms in a single preset, which is the most in Toontrack history.

What is the total number of kits, snares, kicks, Toms, hi-hats, symbols, drum and mixer presets, and ambient mics included in the Area 33 Origin presets?

The Area 33 Origin presets include five kits, 12 snares, 11 kicks, 76 Toms, three hi-hats, 24 symbols, 52 drum and mixer presets, and 11 ambient mics, seven of which are stereo.

What is the benefit of having both damped and non-damped Tom options?

Having both damped and non-damped Tom options allows for a greater range of tonal variation and sound design possibilities, catering to different musical styles and production needs.

How does the Area 33 Origin SDX compare to other SDX libraries in terms of the number of Toms?

The Area 33 Origin SDX comes first with the most Toms in a single preset, followed by another kit with 13 Toms, then the Area 33 SDX with eight Toms, Fields of Rock with seven Toms, and an honorable mention to the Hitmaker SDX with six Toms.

What is the significance of having stereo microphones in the Area 33 Origin SDX?

Stereo microphones provide a more immersive and realistic sound experience by capturing the spatial characteristics of the instruments, which can be beneficial for achieving a natural and detailed mix.

What is the advice given for purchasing the Area 33 Origin SDX or other Toontrack products?

The advice is that new Toontrack products rarely go on sale, so if interested, it's better to purchase sooner rather than later. Additionally, buying an SDX bundle can result in significant savings.

How can users find more information and support about the Area 33 Origin SDX and other Toontrack products?

Users can visit shootyschool.com for more content and free videos, join the Facebook and Discord groups for like-minded individuals, and subscribe to the channel for further updates and insights.

Outlines

00:00

🎙️ Introduction to Area 33 Origin SDX

Sean introduces the Area 33 Origin SDX, a drum sample library from Toontrack. He clarifies that it is not a sequel to the original Area 33 SDX, but rather a separate product with distinct sounds and MIDI, though both share a high channel count and use individual instrument stereo microphones. The script discusses the mixer, kits, instruments, and presets, and highlights a MIDI performance by Leo from Pain of Salvation. There is also a mention of a tutorial by Michael from Toontrack on routing and treatment. Sean addresses differing opinions on the use of individual stereo instrument microphones and encourages finding one's own sound. He demonstrates how to use the mixer to control and route stereo microphones and discusses the product specifications, including the number of kits, snares, kicks, toms, hi-hats, symbols, and ambient mics, with a focus on the unique tom options.

05:20

🎼 Unique Articulations in Area 33 Origin SDX

The paragraph focuses on the unique articulations available in the Area 33 Origin SDX, such as the left and right hit options for toms and the rim shots for snares. Sean expresses his curiosity about these features and shares a video clip demonstrating the left and right rim shots. He discusses the potential value of these articulations for electronic drummers and programmers, showing how to program them in the grid editor. The demonstration includes a snare roll using only the left rim shot articulation and alternating between left and right rim shots.

10:24

🎛️ Drum and Mixer Presets Overview

Sean provides a brief overview of the drum and mixer presets included in the Area 33 Origin SDX. He mentions that, like other modern SDX products, there are many presets to choose from. The script includes a brief listening example of each preset, showcasing the variety of sounds available. Sean also shares his speculation about the recording process, suggesting that the additional left or right hand rim shots were likely recorded for fun rather than for extra payment.

16:02

🛒 Buying Advice for Area 33 Origin SDX

In this paragraph, Sean offers buying advice for the Area 33 Origin SDX. He notes that Toontrack products rarely go on sale, so if interested, it's better not to wait for a discount. He also suggests that purchasing an SDX bundle can result in significant savings. Sean invites viewers to check out his other SDX overviews on his YouTube channel and to join his online communities on Facebook and Discord for like-minded individuals and basic support.

21:02

📚 Additional Resources and Subscription

The final paragraph provides information about additional resources and how to get more content. Sean promotes his website, shootyschool.com, which offers more content and free videos. He also encourages viewers to subscribe to his channel to stay updated with his future videos and content.

Keywords

Area 33 Origin SDX

Area 33 Origin SDX is a drum module add-on for the Superior Drummer software by Toontrack. It is designed to provide users with a diverse and high-quality selection of drum sounds and articulations. In the video, the presenter discusses the differences between Area 33 Origin SDX and its predecessor, Area 33 SDX, highlighting the new features and improvements in the latest version.

Superior Drummer

Superior Drummer is a professional drum sampling software developed by Toontrack, which allows users to create realistic drum tracks for their music productions. The software offers a wide range of drum kits, instruments, and presets, and is known for its high-quality audio and customizable mixing capabilities.

Mixer

In the context of the video, the mixer refers to the virtual mixing console within Superior Drummer that allows users to control and adjust the levels, effects, and routing of individual drum sounds and instrument microphones. The mixer is a crucial tool for achieving the desired balance and tone in a drum mix.

Stereo Microphones

Stereo microphones are used to capture a three-dimensional image of a sound source, such as a drum kit, by recording two separate audio channels that represent the left and right sides of the sound. In the context of the video, the Area 33 Origin SDX features a large number of individual instrument stereo microphones, providing users with a more immersive and detailed drum sound.

MIDI

MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a protocol for communicating musical information between devices. In the context of the video, MIDI refers to the performance data that controls the virtual drum instruments in Superior Drummer, allowing users to create and edit drum patterns and sequences.

Drum and Mixer Presets

Drum and Mixer Presets are pre-configured settings within Superior Drummer that provide users with a starting point for their drum mix. These presets often include adjustments to the levels, EQ, compression, and other effects for individual drum sounds and the overall mix, helping users achieve a desired sound quickly and easily.

Tom Drums

Tom drums are a type of percussion instrument commonly found in drum kits, typically cylindrical in shape with a membrane stretched over the top. Toms provide a wide range of pitches and are used to add depth and variation to a drum pattern. In the video, the presenter discusses the number of Toms available in different SDX products, highlighting the variety and options provided by Area 33 Origin SDX.

Rim Shot

A rim shot is a drumming technique where the stick bounces off the rim of the snare drum after hitting the drumhead, producing a sharp, crisp sound. In the context of the video, the presenter explores the unique feature of having separate articulations for left and right rim shots, which adds a new level of detail and customization to the drum sounds.

E-Drum Programming

E-Drum programming refers to the process of creating and editing drum sounds and patterns on an electronic drum kit. This involves assigning different sounds to the pads of the e-drum and using a module or software to control and manipulate these sounds.

Grid Editor

The grid editor is a feature within Superior Drummer that allows users to visually create and edit drum patterns and MIDI data. It provides a grid-like interface where each cell represents a specific drum hit, and users can easily input, move, or delete notes to shape their drum tracks.

Preset Tracks

Preset tracks in Superior Drummer are pre-recorded audio tracks that showcase the sound and style of a particular drum and mixer preset. They serve as examples for users to hear how the presets might sound in a musical context and can be used as a starting point for their own productions.

Highlights

Area 33 Origin SDX is a new product from Toontrack, co-created by Frederick and Daniel, offering a different sound compared to its predecessor.

The Origin SDX is not a sequel to the original Area 33 SDX and shares minimal overlap in terms of sounds and MIDI.

Both the Area 33 SDX and Origin SDX are expansive libraries with a high channel count and numerous individual instrument stereo microphones.

The mixer in Origin SDX allows for extensive control and routing options, as demonstrated by Michael from Toontrack.

Leo from the band Pain of Salvation performs the included Origin SDX MIDI, showcasing his style in a new MIDI pack called Progressive Patterns.

Individual stereo instrument microphones are considered by some as overkill, while others see them as offering new creative options.

The ability to group and mute all stereo microphones at once provides a unique mixing flexibility.

The Origin SDX offers a vast array of mixing options, including the ability to send all instruments to a specific bus for balanced control.

The product includes five kits, 12 snares, 11 kicks, 76 toms, three high hats, 24 symbols, and 52 drum and mixer presets.

Eleven ambient mics are included, with seven being stereo, providing a rich and immersive sound experience.

The toms in the Origin SDX are unique as each kit offers both damped and non-damped options.

The Origin SDX holds the record for the most toms in a single Toontrack SDX preset, with 13 toms.

The kit presets feature a variety of sounds, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Origin SDX.

The Origin SDX introduces original articulations not found in other SDX libraries, such as left and right hit options for toms and snares.

The unique articulations allow for creative programming and production tasks, enhancing the potential for personalized drum sounds.

The video demonstrates how to utilize the left and right rim shot articulations for creating distinct snare roll patterns.

The Area 33 Origin SDX is a valuable addition to any SDX collection, offering features and sounds not available in other SDX products.

Toontrack products rarely go on sale, so purchasing the Origin SDX when it's new may be a wise investment.

Investing in an SDX bundle can result in significant savings for those looking to expand their drum library.