STEVE MONTI HEADS TO AREA 33.

E-drummer Steve Monti gave the two SDXs in our Area 33 series a go in these two original tracks. If you’re into industrial and ambient rock-meets-metal-type songs with hypnotic beats, this is for you!

You’ve used Superior Drummer 3 for years. When and how did you first discover the software?
My interest started with Toontrack’s Drumkit From Hell. From there I moved onto Superior Drummer 3. It was so long ago that I can’t remember how long ago it was. I think it was about 20 years ago! I’ve been here ever since. I’ve never really needed to venture anywhere else – everything I need is there.

As an e-drummer, what are the feature of the software that mean the most to you?
I learned playing real drums where dynamics and articulations are so important. I need software which will make things as close to the real deal as possible. I feel Toontrack put a lot into this and it feels authentic. I also find the mapping is pretty simple to set up too.The number of kits and sounds are so varied it’s just amazing. Also the noise factor plays a big part too. I live in London and an area surrounded by neighbors who are unlikely to appreciate live drumming. With e-drums, they hear nothing. When my son was small, his nursery was directly below my home studio and he slept through it all.

Which SDXs are your go-tos and why?
I have most SDXs and I would be sad to lose any! In my top list would be (no particular order) Decades SDX, Fields of Rock SDX, The Rooms of Hansa SDX, Death &Darkness SDX and Hitmaker SDX. I’m recently enjoying both the Area 33 SDX and Area 33 – Origin SDX. As to why, they are so versatile and can be used for any genre of music!


DUALITY EZXS – THE AMBIENCE CHANNELS.

Head into the studio with Jakob and learn all about the room mics!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: KIKO LOUREIRO.

Kiko talks the Angra years, joining Megadeth, creative process and much more!

LIVESTREAM WITH JAY POSTONES.

Join Jay live as he goes through his e-drum setup, checks out the new Duality EZXs and more!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: GUS G.

Firewind and ex-Ozzy guitar player Gus G talks gear, practice routines, career highlights and more!

NEW MIDI PACK BY JAY POSTONES.

As Metal Month continues, we head into the MIDI matrix – again!

MEGA CHUG MADNESS.

While we wait for the heaviest riff in the universe to turn into the heaviest song in the universe, check out all the entries!

FIVE UNUSUAL RECORDING TIPS…

…by Jakob Herrmann!

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: PER NILSSON.

Scar Symmetry mastermind talks songwriting, guitar heroes and about his tenure in Meshuggah – and more!

PRODUCER PROFILE: ADAIR DAUFEMBACH.

Meet up-and-coming producer Adair Daufembach, the man behind the sound of Kiko Loureiro, Tony MacAlpine and many more!

MASTER YOUR PLAYING TECHNIQUE WITH BERNTH.

…and how creating your own backing tracks can be a huge help!

SETTING UP YOUR E-DRUMS WITH JAY POSTONES.

Join Jay live as he goes through e-drum setup – and more!

METAL MONTH CUSTOMER JUKEBOX – WEEK 2.

The second batch of songs for Metal Month 2021 – by YOU!

No products in the cart.

×