EZDrummer and EZDrummer 2 live up to their names. If you want to add a drum track to any recording, you can get the job done in five minutes or less with this software.
Let’s face it: most artists aren’t capable of creating acapella beats. Having some drums and percussion in the background to drive the melody ensures that you get everything you need for a composition.
The best drum tracks make a song come alive. Even average ones create positive feelings for the listener.
If you aren’t a drummer, don’t know one, or can’t afford to buy a kit, EZDrummer is your next best option.
EZDrummer: Is It Really This Simple to Use?
EZDrummer is percussion-based synth software from Toontrack. It uses a MIDI-based approach to host an extensive range of recording drum sound samples. Users can also access an extensive patterns library that uses drag-and-drop programming to finish a composition.
EZDrummer is available for PC workstations and macOS. The price is somewhat variable, although the MSRP hovers around $179.
It is essential to remember that EZDrummer is not a stand-alone program.
You must install it within your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW) to have the tracks, sounds, patterns, or loops play on a composition.
After the installation process is complete, it will take advantage of your virtual instrument supports.
That means EZDrummer doesn’t work straight out of the box. You’ll need additional music software for it to work correctly.
If you’re on macOS, you can use EZDrummer with Garageband to experiment with different drum sounds.
Although you can find competitive drumming additions in the marketplace, the only system that comes close to this option from Toontrack is the “live drummer series” that macOS includes with Garageband.
When you use it correctly, the percussion sounds from EZDrummer are lifelike and supportive.
What Can EZDrummer and EZDrummer 2 Provide Me?
EZDrummer is a software synthesizer program that you can use on PC workstations or macOS.
It contributes percussion sounds within a MIDI-based landscape, enabling you to modify your compositions with a DAW environment.
When installing a percussion pattern on a designated track, the software produces the specific instrument sound established by the virtual keying.
If your pattern instructs the virtual instrument to play the snare drum, each hit within the track will produce that sound.
It’s about the closest thing to a copy-and-paste drummer that you’ll find with today’s software choices.
Although it doesn’t automatically adapt to your music changes like AI-based “live drummers,” it’s an affordable way to customize your songs without a significant investment.
Once you become familiar with EZDrummer or its sequel, you’ll get to write and sequence the MIDI files to accomplish your specific goals.
That means you can set up microphones to play the patterns on one system to create a live recording on another one, reducing the risk that an audiophile might find the sounds manufactured on high-end stereo equipment.
How to Load EZDrummer into Your DAW
If you’ve already purchased EZDrummer to use with your PC workstation or macOS, you’ll want to follow these steps to gain access to its patterns, loops, and drum sounds.
- Install EZDrummer on your PC or macOS device (iMac, MacBook, or Mac Mini). You can choose a downloadable purchase that installs directly or from physical media.
- Open a compatible DAW.
- Create a new MIDI track within a new file or an existing composition.
- Assign a virtual instrument to your new MIDI track. It can be anything that works within your DAW environment. If you don’t have percussion sounds, you might find something suitable in the synth settings.
- Choose EZDrummer when it becomes a virtual instrument option. When you’re in a compatible DAW, this step will load the software interface.
- Play with the drums without recording anything at first. The experimentation helps users become familiar with the capabilities of this software.
Some users might not see EZDrummer available as a VST option in their DAW. If this issue occurs, you can manually insert the files into your virtual instrument folder.
You can accomplish that extra step by copying the ezdrummer.dll system file into the DAW plug-in folder that contains the virtual instruments.
Every DAW tends to be slightly different, but the newer programs tend to accept EZDrummer without much difficulty.
How to Make a Drum Track with EZDrummer
You can make a fantastic drum track in EZDrummer using complicated or straightforward rhythms. Almost any style is possible, especially if you’re used to MIDI sequencing.
That’s because this software can function as a dedicated synthesizer.
That means most of the hard work is already done for you if you want to make a drum track using EZDrummer.
After you’ve assigned it as a VST to an already-made track, this software processes the file using its drum samples. That turns it into a remarkably realistic piece.
You can tweak the final sound by using the mixing options that Toontrack includes with your investment for even more customization.
When using EZDrummer, you can pre-assemble the drum files within your sequencing program or the DAW.
If you want the use the live approach, a MIDI controller is the only thing you’ll need to get the sounds you want.
Since a keyboard qualifies as a controller when your PC or macOS system is correctly configured, you can usually type out what you want to have as a pattern or beat.
Once you’ve got everything recorded, you can use the mixing component to get everything the way you want it to be.
■ Use the Groove Library to Create a DIY Beat
If you want to save time and energy when creating a drum pattern, the EZDrummer Groove Library is an excellent asset to consider using.
You can drag-and-drop whatever grooves you like from the library into your MIDI track.
Here are the steps to follow if you want to include this process with your overall composition.
- Open the Groove Library on EZDrummer. You’ll need to be in the user interface to accomplish this step. Click on the “Open Grooves” button.
- Choose the library you want to access for your composition. When you purchase this software, it automatically comes with a cocktail drum and a rock-pop set of sounds to use.
- Select the groove type you want to use in your MIDI track. The Groove Library uses several styles, allowing you to match your piece’s vibe with the new rhythm additions.
- Pick the groove you prefer. They are numbered sequentially in the library, allowing you to note the differences for future addition. You’ll want to review each one at first to discover the rhythms you like to use. Each one has unique characteristics.
- Choose a playing variation that you prefer. EZDrummer names them from 1-20, and they’re consistent across the groove spectrum.
- Drag the information to your track. Once you get the pattern over to your composition, drop it into the place you want it.
- Edit the patterns based on the music style you’re using. You can do it manually in most DAWs by choosing the track and adjusting the pattern on the note roll.
Every pre-made groove is a MIDI pattern, which means you can edit them in whatever way you prefer.
How to Tell What You’re Adding in EZDrummer
When you open the Groove Library, EZDrummer uses a cascading menu option to let you select the grooves and variations.
After choosing the library you prefer, you’ll get options with different timing and meters for your preferred music style.
Once you have your composition style selected, you can pick from several grooves. Each one has a playing variation with a specific description next to it.
Although everyone has an opinion on which options are the best, these are the ones I prefer.
- No. 5: Hats 8th Tight Ghost/Closed
- No. 9: Hats 8th Tight Closed Open/Ghost
- No. 2: Hats 4th Half Open
- No 17: Ride 8th Middle
There’s enough variation in this choice set to accommodate virtually any composition.
Could Your Music Benefit from EZDrummer’s Simplicity?
For me, I appreciate the straightforward approach that EZDrummer takes to music composition.
Although you can find several similar products to use online today, it remains one of the fastest ways to add what sounds like a live drum track to your music.
I like the patterns the most when using EZDrummer. I’ve found that it adds another element of authenticity without needing to know how to build rhythms or keep in time.
If you use the VST, you’ll need some knowledge of drumming to create live sounds. You can open grooves that work with your songs, but it isn’t as fast as the live drummer on Garageband for an instant beat.
When you don’t mind spending a little extra time making some music, you’ll find that EZDrummer and its sequel are excellent investments to consider.
If you don’t need that much help, the default options from your DAW are still enough to create some funky beats when you’re in the mood to make music.
