Does EZdrummer 3 Work Well With Electronic Drums?

EZdrummer 3, a drum plugin designed for songwriters, has been released and is being evaluated for its compatibility with electronic drums. Justin from 65 Drums explores whether it's a worthy upgrade from EZdrummer 2, particularly for electronic drum users who were previously limited by the hi-hat settings. The new version boasts 15GB of sounds, improved MIDI mapping with 82 individual module presets, and a new hi-hat tool for better response. Compared to its more advanced counterpart, Superior Drummer 3, EZdrummer 3 offers a more straightforward and affordable option for electronic drummers, with sufficient settings and sample variety. A step-by-step guide is provided for setting up EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums, emphasizing the importance of buffer size adjustment for real-time play and customization options for individual drum responses.

Takeaways

• 🎵 EZdrummer 3 is a drum plugin designed for songwriters and electronic drummers, offering a user-friendly interface and high-quality sounds.
• 🔥 The software comes with 15 gigabytes of sounds, including a variety of drums and percussion, recorded in three different studio rooms for diverse sound textures.
• 🎛️ The e-drum integration is top-notch in its price range, but the mixer section is limited in functionality, requiring users to output individual tracks for advanced adjustments.
• 💾 EZdrummer 3 allows for two installations simultaneously and is capable of transferring presets between different operating systems.
• 📈 An upgrade from EZdrummer 2, the new version offers a larger interface, more sounds, and new features such as the grid editor tab and bandmate section.
• 🆕 The most significant improvement in EZdrummer 3 is the new e-drum section, with substantial enhancements in MIDI mapping and hi-hat tool settings.
• 🎓 Superior Drummer 3, while more expensive and complex, offers more control over raw samples and includes advanced features for professional sound shaping.
• 💻 EZdrummer 3 can be used standalone with electronic drums without the need for a DAW, making it convenient for electronic drummers.
• 🔌 The setup process for using EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums involves creating an account, downloading the software and sound packs, installing drivers, and configuring MIDI and audio settings.
• ⚙️ Users can adjust buffer sizes to reduce latency for real-time playing, with recommendations provided for different computer capabilities.
• 🧩 Customization options include mapping individual drum zones and optimizing hi-hat response for accurate triggering.
• 📉 The velocity sensitivity can be adjusted per pad to cater to the player's drumming style, allowing for a personalized playing experience.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of EZdrummer 3?

EZdrummer 3 is a drum plugin designed for songwriters to lay down drum parts without having to know how to play drums themselves. It is also beneficial for electronic drummers looking to bypass the built-in sounds of their drum modules.

How does EZdrummer 3 compare to its predecessor, EZdrummer 2, in terms of sound quality?

EZdrummer 3 has improved significantly over EZdrummer 2, offering 15 gigabytes of sounds compared to the previous 4 gigabytes. It also includes new features and a more user-friendly interface.

What are the limitations of the mixer section in EZdrummer 3?

The mixer section in EZdrummer 3 is limited in its functionality. Users cannot choose which effects show up inside each preset, and for tasks like EQing individual tracks, the program must be output as individual tracks into a DAW for adjustments.

How many computers can have EZdrummer 3 installed simultaneously?

EZdrummer 3 can be installed on two computers at the same time.

What is the main difference between EZdrummer 3 and its more advanced counterpart, Superior Drummer 3?

EZdrummer 3 is designed to provide an album-ready sound out of the box with limited control over the effects, while Superior Drummer 3 offers complete control over raw samples and a wide range of quality of life features, but at a higher cost and complexity.

How does EZdrummer 3 handle MIDI mapping for electronic drums?

EZdrummer 3 allows for extensive MIDI mapping with 82 individual module presets, making it easy for users to select their module and get started quickly.

What is the file size difference between EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3?

EZdrummer 3 occupies 15 gigabytes of space, whereas Superior Drummer 3 requires a much larger 230 gigabytes.

How does the new hi-hat tool in EZdrummer 3 improve the user experience?

The new hi-hat tool in EZdrummer 3 allows for accurate open and closed responses, with built-in sliders for sensitivity and velocity mapping, making it much easier and faster to set up compared to previous versions.

What is the process for using EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums?

To use EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums, one must create an account on Toontrack's website, purchase the program, download it and the sound pack through the Toontrack Product Manager, install the drum set's driver, connect the drums to the computer, and configure settings in EZdrummer 3 for audio, MIDI, and e-drum optimization.

How can users adjust the buffer size in EZdrummer 3 to reduce latency?

Users can adjust the buffer size by going to the settings, selecting a lower value such as 64, 32, or even 16 if the computer's audio card can handle it, to reduce latency and improve real-time audio response.

What is the 'Optimize for e-drums' button in EZdrummer 3 used for?

The 'Optimize for e-drums' button is used to fine-tune the hi-hat response and adjust the sensitivity of the splash to better suit the user's playing style and their electronic drum setup.

How much does EZdrummer 3 cost for new users who do not have a previous version?

For new users who do not have a previous version, EZdrummer 3 costs $179.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 Introduction to EZdrummer 3 and its Electronic Drum Capabilities

The video begins with an introduction to EZdrummer 3, a drum plugin designed for songwriters and electronic drummers. The host, Justin, shares his thoughts on whether EZdrummer 3 is a good choice for electronic drums and if it's worth upgrading from EZdrummer 2. He discusses the software's features, including its 15 gigabytes of sounds, seven complete drum sets, and the ability to import custom samples. The interface is praised for its ease of use and e-drum integration, although the mixer section is noted to be somewhat limited. The video promises a review, comparison with EZdrummer 2, a comparison with Superior Drummer 3, and a tutorial on using EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums.

05:01

📈 EZdrummer 3 vs. EZdrummer 2 and Superior Drummer 3

The host compares EZdrummer 3 with its predecessor, noting improvements in interface size, graphics, sound quality, and MIDI mapping. The new version offers more module presets and an optimized e-drum section. The hi-hat tool is highlighted for its ease of setting up open and closed responses. When compared to Superior Drummer 3, EZdrummer 3 is positioned as a more straightforward and cost-effective solution for the average electronic drummer, offering essential settings and a good selection of samples without the need for extensive control over raw samples. The host also mentions the price difference, with EZdrummer 3 being more affordable.

10:01

💻 Setting Up EZdrummer 3 with Electronic Drums

The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to use EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums. It covers creating an account on Toontrack's website, purchasing the software, downloading the product manager, and installing the necessary components. The host explains how to connect electronic drums to a computer, set up audio and MIDI preferences, and choose the correct buffer size for real-time audio responsiveness. The process includes selecting the drum set manufacturer and module, mapping individual drum zones, optimizing hi-hat settings, and adjusting velocity sensitivity. The video concludes with a request for viewer engagement regarding their experiences with electronic drum plugins and a thank you to supporters on Patreon.

Keywords

EZdrummer 3

EZdrummer 3 is a drum plugin designed for songwriters and electronic drummers, allowing them to lay down drum parts without the need for actual drumming skills. It is noted for its user-friendly interface and high-quality sound samples. In the video, it is discussed as a potential upgrade from EZdrummer 2, especially for those looking to enhance their electronic drum experience.

Electronic Drums

Electronic drums, also referred to as e-drums, are a type of drumming instrument that use electronic technology to produce sound. They are highlighted in the video as being compatible with EZdrummer 3, which can help bypass the sometimes 'cheesy' sounds from built-in drum modules. The script discusses how EZdrummer 3 can be used effectively with electronic drums to improve the overall sound quality.

Hi-Hat Settings

Hi-Hat settings refer to the configuration options for the hi-hat cymbal within drum software. In the context of the video, it is mentioned that EZdrummer 2 had poor hi-hat settings, making it less suitable for electronic drums. EZdrummer 3, however, is said to have significantly improved hi-hat functionality, which is a substantial upgrade.

Sound Samples

Sound samples are digital recordings of actual drum hits that are used within drum software to create realistic drum sounds. The video mentions that EZdrummer 3 comes with 15 gigabytes of sounds, which is a significant upgrade from the 4 gigabytes found in EZdrummer 2. These samples are recorded in different environments to provide a variety of sounds for users.

MIDI Mapping

MIDI mapping is the process of assigning specific MIDI messages to different sounds or parameters within a digital audio workstation or software. In the video, it is explained that EZdrummer 3 offers extensive MIDI mapping capabilities, with 82 individual module presets, allowing for more precise control over the electronic drum setup.

Buffer Size

Buffer size in audio software refers to the number of audio samples that are processed at one time. A lower buffer size typically results in lower latency, which is crucial for real-time electronic drumming. The video provides a detailed explanation on how to adjust buffer size for optimal performance with EZdrummer 3.

Velocity Mapping

Velocity mapping is a feature that allows users to control how the software responds to the velocity or force with which drum pads are struck. The video demonstrates how EZdrummer 3 includes a velocity mapping feature that can be adjusted to suit the drummer's playing style, whether they hit hard or soft.

Superior Drummer 3

Superior Drummer 3 is a more advanced and comprehensive drum plugin compared to EZdrummer 3. It is aimed at users who want complete control over raw samples and every quality of life feature. The video contrasts EZdrummer 3 with Superior Drummer 3, highlighting the trade-offs between the two in terms of features, control, and cost.

Audio Interface

An audio interface is a device that facilitates the conversion of audio signals from analog to digital formats and vice versa. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as an optional device for electronic drummers who may want to connect their drum module to a computer for a better audio output experience.

Expansion Packs

Expansion packs are additional content or add-ons for software that expand its capabilities or add new features. The video mentions that EZdrummer 3 has a vast number of expansion packs available, which can significantly increase the variety of sounds available to the user.

Project Manager

A project manager, in the context of software like EZdrummer 3, is a tool that helps manage and organize the software's components, including the main program and sound packs. The video script describes the process of using Toontrack's product manager for downloading and installing EZdrummer 3.

Highlights

EZdrummer 3 is a drum plugin designed for songwriters and electronic drummers alike.

The software comes with 15 gigabytes of sounds, including a variety of drums and percussion.

EZdrummer 3 offers e-drum integration that is best in class at its price range.

The mixer section is limited in functionality, lacking the ability to customize effects per preset.

Users can have the program on two computers simultaneously and transfer presets between different operating systems.

Easy Drummer 3 has a larger, scalable interface with improved graphics compared to its predecessor.

The new version provides 82 individual module presets for MIDI mapping, a significant upgrade from EZdrummer 2.

The hi-hat tool in EZdrummer 3 allows for accurate open and closed response setup in seconds.

Superior Drummer 3 is more expensive and offers complete control over raw samples with advanced features.

EZdrummer 3 is more accessible, with a price under half that of Superior Drummer 3, making it a better choice for the average electronic drummer.

The program can be used without a DAW for electronic drums, providing a more straightforward setup.

Easy Drummer 3 requires creating an account on Toontrack's website and downloading their product manager.

Users need to install their drum set's driver for proper communication between the drums and the computer.

The audio output can be set to the laptop's headphone jack or an audio interface for higher quality sound.

The buffer size can be adjusted for lower latency, improving the real-time response for electronic drummers.

EZdrummer 3 includes an 'e-drums optimized' feature for fine-tuning the response of electronic drum pads.

The velocity response can be customized to suit the drummer's playing style for more consistent sound triggering.

The video provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to use EZdrummer 3 with electronic drums.