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!


SEAMLESS: MY SUPERIOR DRUMMER 2 WORKFLOW.

In-depth video tutorial on Superior Drummer 2 by Seamless.

SUPERIOR DRUMMER 2: TIPS, TRICKS & INSPIRATION.

Here’s a YouTube playlist of some useful videos!

BIG ROCK DRUMS EZX E-DRUM VIDEO.

Luke Oswald is back with another awesome e-drum performance.

DRUMCEPTION: BEAU BURCHELL.

Saosin guitarist Beau Burchell delivers an epic piece of music over Mario’s drum track.

THE METAL MONTH CUSTOMER JUKEBOX COLLECTION.

Listen to all five editions of this year’s Metal Month Customer Jukebox, right here!

BIG ROCK DRUMS EZX JAM.

Longtime Toontrack user Alan Sacha Laskow wrote this custom piece for Metal Month!

ARTWORK TIMELAPSE.

Watch the Metal Bass Beasts EZmix Pack cover develop from idea to finished art!

DRUMCEPTION: CHRIS BRODERICK.

Listen to Chris Broderick’s insane riffing and lead work over Mario’s drums.

DRUMCEPTION: RIVERS OF NIHIL.

Big, ambient and haunting – listen to how the guys from Rivers of Nihil interpreted Mario’s drum track!

FLUFF – MARK LEWIS DEMO.

Fluff from Riffs, Beards & Gear tries out the Mark Lewis Metal Tones EZmix Pack.

GEAR GODS: THREE MIXES.

Trey demos three different mixing using the EZmix Packs released during Metal Month 2016.

GUEST PLAYLIST – EFRAIM JUNTUNEN (NAGLFAR).

We checked in with Naglfar drummer Efraim Juntunen to see what’s spinning in his headphones right now!

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