Which metal kit is best for me?

[bingefeller]

I would like to buy a new metal kick. There are so many metal packs that I don’t know which one to get so I would appreciate some suggestions.

I like classic metal and hard rock drum sounds and these are some of my favourites:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btWqY31bixA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJzJjcKOdVQ

Topic

[sveje77]

The obvious answer would be Andy Sneap‘s „Metal Machine“ EZX. However, I always found the Kicks in that library lacking punch and low end. The original DFH and its successors „Metal!“ and „Metalheads“ are all produced and/or engineered by Daniel Bergstrand and have a certain sound in common that IMHO sounds a little dated. Colin Richardson‘s „Made Of Metal“ has a much more natural, less processed approach which perhaps would need some additional EQ/processing to fit in a dense metal mix and not sound dull. But its “Steel Truth” preset might be a good starting point. I also bought the “Progressive” EZX a couple of days ago, really like the „Metalsesque“ and „Default DW“ presets‘ kicks, snares and cymbals for rock/metal, but the Toms are lacking punch and definition, sound somewhat distorted and mushy.

Have you tried the Yamaha 9000 Kit from EZdrummer 2‘s Modern library? I find that one very suitable for metal. Just load the „Basic“ preset and change the Kit to Yamaha 9000 = metal goodness.

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Thanked by: seanski

[bingefeller]

Thanks for the reply. There are so many options that it’s hard to know what to buy.

I haven’t tried the Yamaha kit as you suggested, I’m not at my computer at the minute, but will definitely try it when I get home.

Overall what would you recommend between Made of Metal and Progressive?

[sveje77]

For straight ot-of-the-box mix-ready presets that cover everything from prog rock to metal go for the „Progressive“ EZX. If you want a less pre-processed, warmer sound – that perhaps might need some additional processing to sound less dull, depending on your track – choose „Made Of Metal“. Both libraries are very, very good and well worth the money.

Personally, I prefer the „Progressive“ EZX, although I‘m a big fan of Colin Richardson‘s productions (the guy did Carcass‘ „Heartwork“ and Bolt Thrower‘s „For Victory“!). But that‘s just my personal preference. Ask 100 other people and you will get 100 different answers.

But before you buy additional libraries, try out the EZD2 Modern „Basic“ preset and switch the whole Kit to „Yamaha 9000“. You might be surpised how great the basic library can sound for metal.

[bingefeller]

Once again thank you. I will have a listen to the Progressive package through some headphones later and see what I think.

Many thanks.

[Author]

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