How to Use EZdrummer with Your Electronic Kit

In this informative video, Nick D Virgilio guides viewers on how to integrate EZdrummer 3 with an electronic drum kit for a seamless and enjoyable drumming experience. The video begins with the installation and setup process, emphasizing the importance of having the correct drivers installed for the electronic drum kit to be recognized by the software. Nick then demonstrates how to adjust audio and MIDI settings to minimize latency and optimize sound quality. The tutorial covers the use of presets for various electronic drum kits, customizing hi-hat pedal settings, and mapping individual drum sounds to specific pads. The versatility of EZdrummer 3 is highlighted through its extensive library of high-quality drum sounds, recorded by Michael Ilbert, offering a wide range of options for different musical styles. The video also showcases the ease of changing drum kits, tuning individual drums, and exploring various preset grooves. Additionally, Nick explains how to create and save custom grooves using the grooves editor, allowing for precise control over timing and swing. The summary concludes by encouraging users to explore the software's features and enjoy the wealth of sounds available in EZdrummer 3.

Takeaways

• 🎼 **Easy Drummer 3 Compatibility**: EZdrummer 3 is a software initially designed for songwriters but also works great with electronic drum kits for a wide range of sounds.
• 🔍 **Software Installation**: Before using EZdrummer 3, ensure you have the software installed and the drivers for your electronic drum kit are up-to-date on your computer.
• 🎹 **Audio MIDI Setup**: Navigate to the settings to configure the audio and MIDI setup correctly to ensure your electronic drum kit is recognized and the output is set for optimal sound.
• 📊 **Buffer Size Adjustment**: To reduce latency, adjust the buffer size in the settings; a lower setting like 64 samples is recommended unless you have an older computer that requires a higher setting.
• 🥁 **e-Drum Tuning**: Use the e-Drum Tuning Track feature to select presets for your specific electronic drum kit model, like the Roland TD50, for a natural feel.
• 🎛️ **Hi-Hat Pedal Settings**: Customize the hi-hat pedal response by adjusting the range and feel of the hi-hat opening and closing.
• 🔧 **Mapping Custom Sounds**: If your drum kit isn't listed or you've customized your pads, you can map the sounds manually through the software interface.
• 📚 **Core Library**: EZdrummer 3 comes with a 15-gigabyte core library of high-quality sounds recorded by renowned engineer Michael Ilbert.
• 🎉 **Sound Manipulation**: You can easily change and tune individual drums right from the main screen of the software.
• 🧑‍🎤 **Groove Creation**: EZdrummer includes a grooves tab with pre-made grooves, and you can also create and edit your own grooves using the grooves editor.
• 🔄 **Quantization & Swing**: The groove editor allows for quantization and swing adjustments to perfect your grooves.
• 💾 **Saving Grooves**: Save your custom grooves to the user MIDI section for future use and easy access.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of EZdrummer 3 software?

EZdrummer 3 is a software primarily designed for songwriters to create great sounding drum tracks for their songs and demos. It also allows drummers with electronic drum kits to utilize a vast array of sounds for playing and creating music.

How can you use EZdrummer 3 with an electronic drum kit?

To use EZdrummer 3 with an electronic drum kit, you need to install the software, connect the drum kit to your computer, and set up the audio and MIDI configurations. You also need to adjust the buffer size for low latency and select the appropriate output for sound.

What is the buffer size setting in EZdrummer 3 and why is it important?

The buffer size in EZdrummer 3 is initially set to 512 samples, which can cause latency when playing drums. It's important to reduce the buffer size, depending on your computer's capabilities, to as low as 64 samples or slightly higher for older computers to minimize latency.

How does EZdrummer 3 help in mapping electronic drum kits that are not in the preset list?

EZdrummer 3 provides a mapping feature that allows you to manually assign sounds to different pads of your electronic drum kit, even if it's not in the preset list. You can select the desired drum sound and use the 'Learn' button to map it to a specific pad on your kit.

What is the core library of EZdrummer 3 and who recorded the sounds?

The core library of EZdrummer 3 contains 15 gigabytes of sounds, all recorded by renowned recording engineer Michael Ilbert. He has worked with many famous artists and bands, ensuring high-end sound quality within the program.

How can you customize the sound of your drums in EZdrummer 3?

In EZdrummer 3, you can customize the sound of your drums by adjusting the tuning right on the screen. You can make a snare drum sound fatter or change the tuning of toms to your preference.

How do you change between different drum kits in EZdrummer 3?

To change between different drum kits in EZdrummer 3, you click on the 'Kits' button in the top right corner, which displays all available kits. You can select any kit, including those from expansion packs, and the background and sound environment will change accordingly.

What are the grooves in EZdrummer 3 and how can you use them?

The grooves in EZdrummer 3 are pre-programmed drum patterns that are perfect for songwriters and drummers to use. You can access them via the 'Grooves' tab and even create your own custom grooves using the 'Grooves Editor' tab.

How can you quantize a groove you created in EZdrummer 3?

To quantize a groove in EZdrummer 3, you highlight the notes you want to quantize, use the 'Timing' button to access quantization options, and then adjust the quantization slider to the desired level. This can be done while the groove is playing back or during the creation process.

What is the process of saving a custom groove in EZdrummer 3?

To save a custom groove, you go back to the 'Grooves' tab, scroll to the bottom, and select the 'User MIDI' tab. You then drag your groove from the timeline into this screen, which adds it to the database. Optionally, you can rename the groove for easier identification later.

How does the software react to the dynamics of your playing on the electronic drum kit?

EZdrummer 3 is designed to follow the dynamics of your playing on the electronic drum kit. If you play softly, the software will respond softly, and if you play hard, the software will react accordingly, providing a realistic and responsive playing experience.

Outlines

00:00

🎼 Introduction to Easy Drummer 3 with Electronic Drum Kits

Nick D Virgilio introduces the video, which is focused on using Easy Drummer 3 with electronic drum kits. He explains that Easy Drummer is software initially designed for songwriters to create drum tracks but is also a great tool for drummers to utilize with their electronic kits. The video will demonstrate how to connect Easy Drummer 3 to an electronic drum kit and explore the software's features, such as its audio and MIDI setup, buffer size adjustment, and the ability to use a wide variety of drum sounds. The presenter also discusses the software's interface and how to select and customize drum kits.

05:02

🎛 Customizing and Mapping Electronic Drum Kits in Easy Drummer

The presenter continues by showing how to customize the settings for an electronic drum kit within Easy Drummer, including adjusting the hi-hat pedal response and optimizing the electronic drum kit through the software. He also covers how to map specific drum sounds to different pads on the electronic kit, allowing for a personalized setup. The video showcases the vast sound library included with Easy Drummer 3, which is recorded by Michael Ilbert and features a range of high-quality drum sounds. The presenter also demonstrates how to change and tune individual drums within a kit and how to switch between different drum kits provided by the software.

10:05

🎶 Exploring Different Drum Kits and Sounds in Easy Drummer 3

The video moves on to exploring the different drum kits available in Easy Drummer 3, highlighting the visual and audio changes that occur when switching between them. The presenter discusses the ability to easily change drum sounds and map them to different pads on the electronic drum kit. He also plays through various preset grooves and demonstrates how the software reacts to the dynamics of playing on the electronic drum kit. The presenter encourages viewers to spend time exploring the extensive sound options and customizing their drum kit experience within the software.

15:06

🎵 Creating and Editing Grooves in Easy Drummer 3

The final part of the video focuses on creating and editing grooves within Easy Drummer 3. The presenter explains how to use the grooves editor tab to record custom grooves, quantize them, and adjust the timing and swing. He also shows how to manipulate individual notes and save the created grooves for future use. The video concludes with a reminder to explore all the features of Easy Drummer 3 and to contact Sweetwater for more information on the product. The presenter thanks viewers for watching and encourages them to like, comment, and subscribe for more content.

Keywords

EZdrummer 3

EZdrummer 3 is a software application designed for creating realistic drum tracks. It is used by songwriters and drummers to produce high-quality drum sounds for their music. In the video, it is connected to an electronic drum kit to allow the user to play and create music using a vast array of drum sounds. It is central to the video's theme of integrating electronic drum kits with software for enhanced musical creativity.

Electronic Drum Kit

An electronic drum kit is a collection of electronic percussion instruments designed to mimic the sound and feel of acoustic drums. They are connected to a sound module that processes the drum sounds. In the video, the electronic drum kit is used in conjunction with EZdrummer 3 to provide a wide range of customizable drum sounds for the user to play along with.

Audio MIDI Setup

Audio MIDI Setup is a utility on macOS that allows users to configure their MIDI devices and audio interfaces. In the context of the video, it is used to ensure that the electronic drum kit is properly connected and recognized by the computer, enabling the use of EZdrummer 3 with the kit.

Buffer Size

Buffer size in audio software refers to the amount of audio data that a computer holds before playing it. A higher buffer size can reduce the risk of audio dropouts but may increase latency. In the video, the presenter adjusts the buffer size to minimize latency when playing the electronic drum kit with EZdrummer 3.

Hi-Hat Pedal

The hi-hat pedal is a foot-operated mechanism that controls the amount of sound produced by the hi-hat cymbals. In the video, the presenter discusses how to adjust the hi-hat pedal settings in EZdrummer 3 to make the hi-hat feel more natural when played with an electronic drum kit.

Mapping

Mapping in the context of electronic drum kits and music software refers to the process of assigning specific sounds or functions to the different pads or triggers of the drum kit. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to map different drum sounds from EZdrummer 3 to the user's electronic drum kit for personalized setup.

Expansion Packs

Expansion packs are additional content or add-ons for software that expand its capabilities or add new features. In the case of EZdrummer 3, expansion packs provide new drum sounds and styles that can be used within the software. The video mentions that users of previous EZdrummer versions can access these packs for more sound options.

Core Library

The core library refers to the original set of content, sounds, or samples that come with a software upon purchase. For EZdrummer 3, the core library consists of 15 gigabytes of drum sounds recorded by engineer Michael Ilbert, which are available for use right after installing the software.

Presets

Presets in music software are pre-configured settings that users can select to quickly apply a certain sound or setup. In the video, presets are used to quickly change the drum sound and style within EZdrummer 3, providing a range of options from different engineers and tune track.

Grooves

Grooves in music refer to the rhythmic patterns or beats that form the basis of a song's rhythm section. EZdrummer 3 comes with a variety of built-in grooves that can be used by songwriters and drummers. The video demonstrates how to use these grooves and even create custom grooves using the software's groove editor.

Quantization

Quantization in music production is the process of aligning recorded notes to a specified rhythmic grid, making the performance sound more precise and in-time. The video shows how to use the quantization feature in EZdrummer 3 to make the custom grooves perfectly aligned to the beat.

Highlights

EZdrummer 3 is a software designed for songwriters to create great sounding drum tracks.

Drummers can use EZdrummer with an electronic drum kit for an extensive range of sounds.

The software can be used standalone or within any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

Ensure your electronic drum kit's driver is installed on your computer for compatibility with EZdrummer.

Adjust the buffer size to minimize latency when playing the drums through EZdrummer.

EZdrummer offers presets for almost every electronic drum kit on the market.

Customize the hi-hat pedal response to feel more natural.

Optimize your electronic drum kit settings with the 'E-drum optimized' feature.

Map your electronic drum kit pads to specific sounds within EZdrummer for personalized setup.

EZdrummer 3 comes with 15 GB of sounds in the core library, recorded by Michael Ilbert.

Change and manipulate the sound of individual drums directly from the EZdrummer interface.

Switch between different drum kits and environments within the software for various sound options.

The software responds to the dynamics of your playing, adjusting the sound from soft to hard.

Create and save your own grooves within the EZdrummer using the grooves editor.

Quantize your grooves for perfect timing or adjust the swing for a more natural feel.

EZdrummer includes a variety of grooves suitable for songwriters and drummers alike.

Explore the extensive sound library and presets to find your favorite drum sounds.

Contact Sweetwater for more information on EZdrummer or other Toontrack products.