Tim ZurowskiFirst I will start by saying that EZ Drummer 2 is my first experience with VSTi and any drum software. I do however have many years experience in studio and computer recording. So I hope you guys don’t mind my initial questions and comments.
1) The whole purchase and download process was extremely confusing and very difficult to work through. I purchased from Kelly’s Computers in Canada and they told me to create an account at Toontrack and it would guide me to the download for EZ Drummer 2 (ED2). Well it did not. After much frustration, I eventually looked in My Account (which took me a long time to figure out) and it listed only one product available with the product key Kelly’s gave me. Well that product download was for EZ Drummer (not 2). I had no idea it was not ED2 and installed it. I could not find it in my host software (Samplitude ProX) and no way of knowing that it was not ED2. So I then looked back in my Toontrack account and saw that it now listed three products for me available to download, of which one was ED2 Upgrade. I had no idea that the purchase of ED2 was an upgrade purchase and that ED was required first. I was led to believe that I was purchasing a new stand alone product ED2 and that ED would never be involved. So I uninstalled ED and reinstalled ED2, which seemed to work. This whole process was a nightmare for me and had me wishing I never purchased. It definitely needs to be simplified with much clearer and complete instructions!
2) Next was the install process. They say you can set where you want the drum samples stored, and it did come up with that option during the install process. However, it was not clear about how to select which of the three choices at install first. So I chose the first option for installation of the program expecting that I would have the option to go back and install the samples where I wanted. Well that does not work. The install process is very unclear as to what you do with those first three install choices. There needs to be a very clear and defined process for those three choices. As it is I have no idea where the samples were stored and no idea how to move them to my larger drives where I keep all my samples.
3) In my Account it lists three products for me. One being ED, which I did not purchase and says “update available” and “authorized”. Next it lists ED2 which just says “unauthorized”. I have no idea why it says “unauthorized” as it is installed and working on my system? What do I have to do to authorize ED2 and why do I have to authorize it? I paid for ED2, not ED, yet I was given product keys for both of them. Very confusing this is?? Next there is a product called Pop/Rock EZX. No explanation what it is or what to do with it, but I downloaded it anyway and tried to install it. it only gave me the option to install it is in the Win 7 32 bit folder and I am using and want everything as 64 bit. What is this product and why can’t it install as a 64 bit app?
4) Now some comments about ED2. I know you guys probably love this product, but for me as a new user, I have to say I was expecting A LOT MORE! I will say the drum and percussion samples are excellent, but it stops there for me. All the drum patterns, loops and grooves are way too basic and simple. Basically they all sound like any drum machine patterns. I was expecting and hoping for way more intricate, detailed and technically talented drummer grooves. I thought the idea was to have the worlds greatest drummers at your fingertips. You know stuff like Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Terry Bozzio, etc. etc. etc. would do when playing their best. Why do they advertise that they use these great drummers for the program and then just give you simple grooves and patterns. I am used to recording real drummers and am not really expecting to have to do many hours of mid drum manipulation to make the grooves and patterns more intricate for what I want to do. So how do I get better grooves and patterns? Do I have to now pay big bucks to get midi patterns of that quality? If so, where are they and how to I sample them to know what I am getting?
5) Now the expansion kits and midi kits. Do the Sample expansion kits include midi patterns and if so is there any way to hear them before you purchase. Or at least get a written description or list of what they are and how intricate they are? Where are the brushes? I thought there was a brushes kit? I would like a jazz kit that includes as many brush grooves and patterns as possible. My style is mostly jazz fusion with a lot of funk and some rock and blues. What would you guys say are the must have kits for these genres?
Lastly, I could not find a more appropriate forum here for this post. If there is a better place to post this please let me know or move it there.
Much appreciated
Tim
WhittenFunny.
In a long generally positive EZdrummer2 thread on another forum, one complaint that one new user made was the included midi was too complex and flashy.
In the end, the core EZdrummer2 library is aimed at mainstream pop/rock/songwriting styles, not fusion like Colaiuta, Bozzio and Weckl.
Jason HoodCheck out Platinum Samples site for midi. “Real Jazz”, “Real Blues”, and the Steve Ferrone, and Stanton Moore artist packs might be what your looking for.
Toontrack have “Blues” and “Jazz” midi available as well, just read the descriptions carefully as some are the same as included in EZX expansions ( i.e.: “Blues” is unique midi, whilst “The Blues EZX” is the same as the one included with the expansion of the same name). Their are audio examples of the midi, but they can’t really cover all that the pack contains.
BRUSHES are in short supply, Roots, Nashville, Jazz midi and Jazz EZX (not available as standalone) are the only ones I’m aware of. But are they of any use? Brush technique relies a lot on interpretation of the music, and pretty hard to package up for universal use.
HenrikYou can check out all MIDI from Toontrack in EZdrummer 2 by clicking “Show Web Shop MIDI” button in the search tab. This will give you previews of the MIDI that’s available to purchase in the web shop. If you find a MIDI groove that you like, click the blue button at the left side of the file and it will tell you from what MIDI pack the MIDI file comes from.
Henrik Ekblom - User Experience Designer
Toontrack
Tim Zurowski@Whitten said:
the core EZdrummer2 library is aimed at mainstream pop/rock/songwriting styles, not fusion like Colaiuta, Bozzio and Weckl.
There ya go. Problem is how is anyone supposed to know that when they do not offer any product demos to find out. All the YouTube demos and promo literature I could find on EZD2 “suggested” that they used top name drummers for their midi grooves and that it would be useful for all styles of music. The program and samples are decent, but unfortunately it stops there for me.
BUT what about all my other concerns? How do I get support for that stuff when there are no support forums here? The whole download and install process was VERY confusing and has left me wondering if my application is going to work correctly and is even authorized? What is “authorized” anyway? Also what about the whole download of EZD and no link at all to EZD2 at first? And what about the three choices at install, but it only allows you to choose one and then you are stuck with that choice? Way too many inconsistencies and confusion with this application. If I had the option, I would return this product and get my money back in a heartbeat, but because they offer no demo and it is a download purchase they got you once you have given them your $$$.
Tim Zurowski@Hoody said:
Check out Platinum Samples site for midi. “Real Jazz”, “Real Blues”, and the Steve Ferrone, and Stanton Moore artist packs might be what your looking for.
Toontrack have “Blues” and “Jazz” midi available as well, just read the descriptions carefully as some are the same as included in EZX expansions ( i.e.: “Blues” is unique midi, whilst “The Blues EZX” is the same as the one included with the expansion of the same name). Their are audio examples of the midi, but they can’t really cover all that the pack contains.
BRUSHES are in short supply, Roots, Nashville, Jazz midi and Jazz EZX (not available as standalone) are the only ones I’m aware of. But are they of any use? Brush technique relies a lot on interpretation of the music, and pretty hard to package up for universal use.
Thanks Man. I checked them out and they do appear a bit more promising. Can I assume if the product does not list EZDrummer it will not work in EZD2? Some list it and other do not.
Tim Zurowski@Henrik said:
You can check out all MIDI from Toontrack in EZdrummer 2 by clicking “Show Web Shop MIDI” button in the search tab. This will give you previews of the MIDI that’s available to purchase in the web shop. If you find a MIDI groove that you like, click the blue button at the left side of the file and it will tell you from what MIDI pack the MIDI file comes from.
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, I know that and you can also just go to the Toontrack site and demo them there. However, my point was that the demos are very limited and you cannot really get an idea of all the midi grooves that might be in there. So far I have not heard a product there that has what I am wishing for. Not saying they are not out there, I just need to find them. I hear guys demoing these products on YouTube that are doing great stuff on electronic kits. Why can’t we have stuff like they’re doing?
AND are there additional midi grooves provided the sample expansion packs, or are they JUST samples? I can find no info about this for any of the expansion packs?
Whitten@Tim Zurowski said:
How do I get support for that stuff when there are no support forums here? The whole download and install process was VERY confusing and has left me wondering if my application is going to work correctly and is even authorized? What is “authorized” anyway? Also what about the whole download of EZD and no link at all to EZD2 at first? And what about the three choices at install, but it only allows you to choose one and then you are stuck with that choice? Way too many inconsistencies and confusion with this application. If I had the option, I would return this product and get my money back in a heartbeat, but because they offer no demo and it is a download purchase they got you once you have given them your $$$.
There is a dedicated support forum for every single Toontrack product.
I don’t know why you aren’t seeing them, likely you haven’t registered your products at the site. But Toontrack very recently changed their whole forum structure and I haven’t got my head around it yet.
But in short, it’s user error on your part somewhere, not a dereliction of duty on Toontrack’s part.
I don’t know Windows. I’m a Mac user.
Every Toontrack product I’ve downloaded and installed has been straightforward. Basically one or two clicks, and I’m using the product.
Whitten@Tim Zurowski said:
AND are there additional midi grooves provided the sample expansion packs, or are they JUST samples? I can find no info about this for any of the expansion packs?
If you look at the ‘Feature Highlight’ part on each product page it says ‘midi library included’.
But if that isn’t obvious…. yes, all drum sample libraries (EZD2 and Superior and all expansions) have included midi grooves.
Tim Zurowski@Whitten said:
If you look at the ‘Feature Highlight’ part on each product page it says ‘midi library included’.
But if that isn’t obvious…. yes, all drum sample libraries (EZD2 and Superior and all expansions) have included midi grooves.
Well the page I was looking at the midi grooves and samples had nothing like that. it only had the option to click on the icon and listen. There was no info about the product. You must be at another page that I have not seen. Scroll down to the bottom of this page: http://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-2/ where I can see nothing that says the sample packs have midi grooves included. I guess my point is that there is a lot of confusing and conflicting things, especially for someone like me who is new with VSTi drum software. But thank you very much for the clarification. 
Is there any way to audition all the midi grooves so you know what you are paying for? Or do you just put down your money and hope for the best?
Jason Hood@Tim Zurowski said:
Thanks Man. I checked them out and they do appear a bit more promising. Can I assume if the product does not list EZDrummer it will not work in EZD2? Some list it and other do not.
Toontrack have a programme called EzPlayer that can transpose midi from all the major formats to Ezdrummer/Superior compatible files. I use it regularly to convert performances for a guitarist I know who uses addictive drums. All though I’m pretty sure hell make the jump to EZD2.
Tim Zurowski@Whitten said:
But in short, it’s user error on your part somewhere, not a dereliction of duty on Toontrack’s part.
I don’t know Windows. I’m a Mac user.
Every Toontrack product I’ve downloaded and installed has been straightforward. Basically one or two clicks, and I’m using the product.
Definitely not! I have been a PC user since the mid 80’s. I build and repair machines and have installed hundreds of apps. In my case, there was definitely a flaw in the install and registration process, which I am trying to get answers or explanations for. It was not user error on my part.
Erik Phersson@Tim Zurowski said:
Is there any way to audition all the midi grooves so you know what you are paying for? Or do you just put down your money and hope for the best?
Again, as Henrik pointed out earlier. If you click the ‘Show Web Shop MIDI’ in the Search tab you can preview every single MIDI file that you can buy from Toontrack. Some of them comes as separate MIDI Packs, some are included in EZX libraries. All information is in there, it’s just a matter of selecting tags and preview!
Erik Phersson - Toontrack
Head Of Development
Whitten@Tim Zurowski said:
Scroll down to the bottom of this page: http://www.toontrack.com/product/ezdrummer-2/ where I can see nothing that says the sample packs have midi grooves included. I guess my point is that there is a lot of confusing and conflicting things, especially for someone like me who is new with VSTi drum software.
I followed your link.
At the bottom of the page is a picture of each EZdrummer expansion (EZX).
If you click on any of those pictures (EZX’s) you go to their product page, and on the product page it says ‘midi included’.
Tim Zurowski@Whitten said:
I followed your link.
At the bottom of the page is a picture of each EZdrummer expansion (EZX).
If you click on any of those pictures (EZX’s) you go to their product page, and on the product page it says ‘midi included’.
Doesn’t do that here. If you click on the image it just plays the MP3. However, I did notice that if you click on the wording below the image then it does take you to the product page. Regardless, I now know that it includes midi, so thanks for that.
Tim Zurowski@Erik said:
Again, as Henrik pointed out earlier. If you click the ‘Show Web Shop MIDI’ in the Search tab you can preview every single MIDI file that you can buy from Toontrack. Some of them comes as separate MIDI Packs, some are included in EZX libraries. All information is in there, it’s just a matter of selecting tags and preview!
Yes, I got that, but my point was that if you don’t know that or if you do not own EZD2, they were hard to find. The only page I was originally able to find was the one I linked to, Now I know there are other ways. You can be sure if I missed it, many others will as well. I am trying to help Toontrack with these confusions. So I now know that they include midi.
Now if I can only get answers from Toontrack for all my other issues. I still have not heard a word from them and can find no way to contact them.
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