Five kits, straight from one of the top pop metropolises of the world – to your desktop!
| ADD TO CART
Five kits, straight from one of the top pop metropolises of the world – to your desktop!
| ADD TO CARTSweden is one of the largest music exporters in the world. How a country of some ten million people has managed to become a cogwheel in the international hit-making community is a slight mystery. However, fact remains that since the heydays of ABBA and through to today, Sweden – and particularly Stockholm – has produced songwriters, artists and hits across all genres imaginable in an almost assembly line-like fashion. Regardless the reason, with this collection of sounds we’ve set out to bring some of that mojo straight to your desktop.
This SDX for Superior Drummer 3 was recorded at Riksmixningsverket (RMV Studio). Housed in a 150-year-old naval warehouse and beautifully situated right on the water at the inlet of the river, this is one of the proper gems of the central Stockholm studio scene. With rustic ceiling beams breaking up the diffusion, reflective surfaces of several types of material and with a soft wooden floor that acts like a cushioning membrane in the studio’s relatively large but still compact-sounding room, it’s a space ideal for bringing out the inherent qualities of any acoustic instrument. All in all, five kits were recorded – each handpicked to complement the others and to serve its own role in what the team set out to capture: a unique palette of beautifully singing drums covering the entire spectrum of tones – from warm, earthy and genuinely sparse to bright, loud and vibrantly forceful.
In addition to the drums, a basic set of grooves performed by sampling drummer Josephine Forsman (known from the Swedish band Sahara Hotnights) as well as a broad selection of presets designed by session engineer Linn Fijal as well as by the Tooontrack sound design team are provided. This all combined will enable you to get started instantly with great-sounding drum beats and mixes that you can use as springboards to venture off into your own unchartered sonic spaces.
From one of the top pop metropolises of the world straight to your desktop, here’s an SDX that decisively underlines that there is absolutely nothing stock about Stockholm. Welcome in to the studio. Have a seat at the console…and start mixing!
Located on the island of Skeppsholmen, Riksmixningsverket (or RMV, as it’s frequently called) is housed in a 150-year-old naval warehouse. With a main recording room featuring rustic ceiling beams as well as both wood and stone surfaces, it has an amazing and unique diffusion. In here, drums come out tight and punchy yet still exuberantly rich with a perfectly balanced amount of warm, natural decay. Although the studio isn’t particularly old, it’s become a go-to creative space for domestic as much as international acts. Over the years, RMV has accommodated anything from loud rock bands (The Hives, Ghost) to pop acts (Coldplay, Loreen, Suede), icons like ABBA as well as subtle singer-songwriter-like artists like Cat Stevens and many more. This kind of breadth is what the team sought to display with the drum choices and tones.
Name: Linn Fijal | Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Q: As we’re sure you’d agree, there’s something truly magical about how the room at RMV lends itself to acoustic instruments. Leaving magic aside, why does it sound so amazing, you think?
A: The acoustics of the room are very well calculated by legendary acoustician Ingemar Olsson, so that’s probably the main reason. Even though the building is very old, it only consisted of the outer brick walls, roof and a dirt floor before it was rebuilt. So all the interior is built from scratch to work as a studio. With budget enough to pick the best materials available at that point, no compromises were made and we ended up with a truly amazing room.
Q: Undoubtedly, drums play a major role in the overall sound of a song. To you, what makes a great drum sound?
A: To me, a great drum sound is one that really fits the arrangement and genre of the song. I personally love when the drums can play a major role in the production, and I do believe less can be more in that case too, provided that the drums are recorded well enough to get that perfect fit in the mix.
Q: How much does the actual drummer contribute to the sound, you think?
A: I think the drummer IS the sound and way more important than any gear.
Q: Being loud and noisy at the same time as they’re truly delicate, drums have a huge dynamic range. This makes them an art to capture, for which every engineer has their own toolbox of go-to tricks. What are some of yours? Are there any go-to pieces of equipment you couldn’t possibly do without?
A: It’s hard to talk about go-to gear, to me it’s very bound by genre. As an in-house engineer at RMV, I’m also really spoiled with a large mic collection and a really good console, so I have the luxury to vary the way I work. Workflow-wise, I always start by getting as close to the ”right” sound as possible in the physical room, and then let the mics and placements emphasize that solid acoustic sound while keeping in mind how much compression this will have to endure in the mix it will end up in. I also really like close-up stereo pairs and mics intended to capture the drums as a kit. They are the best glue and really add the expensive analog touch, even if you only use a tiny bit of them.
Q: Normally, a recording session means capturing an entire band or orchestra. What was it like focusing only on drums for an entire project?
A: I’m a sound geek…and focusing solely on one instrument – drums – was just like entering a playground. Having Micke, Martin and Josephine with their knowledge and gear for an entire week was also amazing. My focus was completely honed in on capturing the best drum sounds ever, according to me.
The Stockholm SDX features kits that were handpicked to offer the broadest possible palette of naturally rich tones. Covering anything from the subtle to the all-out lavish, this SDX is the quintessential pick for any broad-scope writer or engineer.
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Size: 14x20″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Brooklyn
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 5.5x14″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Keith Carlock Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x14″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Brooklyn
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Brooklyn
Tools: Sticks
Size: 7x10″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Brooklyn
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Brooklyn
Tools: Sticks
Size: 15″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Masters Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Signature Traditional Thin Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Signature Traditional Thin Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Signature Traditional Medium Heavy Ride
Tools: Sticks
| CHANNEL | MICROPHONE | PRE-AMP(S)/EQ |
| Kick In | AKG D25 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Kick Out | Neumann U47 FET | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Top | AKG C414 B ULS | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Bottom | Shure 545 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Hi-Hat | Electro-Voice RE20 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Ride | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Left | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Right | DPA 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Coles 4038 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Coles 4038 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Close | AKG C24 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Mono Kit | Neumann M49 | Neve 8068 EQ |
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Size: 16x24″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Starclassic Maple
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 6.5x14″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Signature Kenny Aronoff Trackmaster
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x14″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Starclassic Maple
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Starclassic Maple
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x10″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Starclassic Maple
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Starclassic Maple
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Masters Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Signature Traditional Thin Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Signature Traditional Thin Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Signature Traditional Medium Heavy Ride
Tools: Sticks
| CHANNEL | MICROPHONE | PRE-AMP(S)/EQ |
| Kick In | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Kick Out | Neumann U47 FET | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Top | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Bottom | Shure 545 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Hi-Hat | Electro-Voice RE20 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Ride | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Left | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Right | DPA 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Manibus De Geer | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Manibus De Geer | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Close | AKG C24 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Mono Kit | Neumann M49 | Neve 8068 EQ |
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
“This kit has been with me for almost 15 years on recordings, but even more so on the road. We’ve seen most of the world together. This kit is diverse – it can handle big gestures and clear dynamics. It’s warm, fuzzy, big-sounding and distinctly sharp at the same time. The kit is both a beauty and a beast! The Colortone heads came just in time for the recording and their first playthrough was an extensive one for sure. This whole setup, sound-wise and visually, just does it for me!” Josephine Forsman
“This kit really refuses to adapt to common standards and stands out in every way. It led me me to drop all of my standard procedures and really sparked creativity in the process.” Linn Fijal
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Size: 14x24″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Vistalite
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 6.5x14″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Metalworks
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Vistalite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x18″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Vistalite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Vistalite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 15″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Masters Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 19″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Masters Dark Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Masters Dark Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 21″
Brand: Paiste*
Model: Masters Medium Ride
Tools: Sticks
| CHANNEL | MICROPHONE | PRE-AMP(S)/EQ |
| Kick In | Shure Beta 52 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Kick Out | Neumann U47 FET | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Top | AKG C414 EB | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Bottom | Shure 545 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Hi-Hat | Milab DC 196 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 1 | Neumann U87 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 1 | Neumann U87 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 2 | Neumann U87 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Ride | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Left | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Right | DPA 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Thuresson CM 402 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Thuresson CM 402 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Close | AKG C24 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Mono Kit | Neumann M49 | Neve 8068 EQ |
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
“I loved playing this kit. It’s sounds as beautiful as it is looks. The mix between a classy, warm and soulful tone with a clear-cut punch is really appealing. Solid, high quality – this kit oozes self-confidence and coolness.” Josephine Forsman
“This is just a really easy going kit, she does not need that much space and can be very versatile.” Linn Fijal
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Size: 17.5x20″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 5.75x13″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: Benny Greb Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 14x14″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x18″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x10″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 9x13″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 15″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Big Apple Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Jazz Thin Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Jazz Medium Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 21″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Polyphonic Ride
Tools: Sticks
| CHANNEL | MICROPHONE | PRE-AMP(S)/EQ |
| Kick In | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Kick Out | Neumann U47 FET | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Top | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Bottom | Shure 545 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Hi-Hat | Milab DC 196 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Ride | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Left | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Right | DPA 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Manibus De Geer | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Manibus De Geer | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Close | AKG C24 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Mono Kit | Neumann M49 | Neve 8068 EQ |
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Size: 16x22″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Recording Custom 2010s
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 5.5x14″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Paul Leim Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 13x14″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Recording Custom 2010s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 15x16″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Recording Custom 2010s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 7.5x10″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Recording Custom 2010s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Recording Custom 2010s
Tools: Sticks
Size: 15″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Big Apple Dark
Tools: Sticks
Size: 18″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Jazz Thin Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 20″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Jazz Medium Crash
Tools: Sticks
Size: 21″
Brand: Meinl*
Model: Byzance Polyphonic Ride
Tools: Sticks
| CHANNEL | MICROPHONE | PRE-AMP(S)/EQ |
| Kick In | AKG D25 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Kick Out | Neumann U47 FET | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Top | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Snare Bottom | Shure 545 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Hi-Hat | Electro-Voice RE20 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Racktom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 1 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Floortom 2 | Sennheiser MD421 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Ride | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Left | Brüel & Kjaer 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Crash Right | DPA 4011 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Coles 4038 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| OH | Coles 4038 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Close | AKG C24 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Low | Ehrlund EHR-T | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Amb Far | Neumann KM 184 | Neve 8068 EQ |
| Mono Kit | Neumann M49 | Neve 8068 EQ |
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
Size: 16x20″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: Recording Custom 2010s
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 14x22″
Brand: Gretsch*
Model: Brooklyn
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 16x22″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Starclassic Maple
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 17.5x22″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Pedal (Felt)
Size: 5.5x14″
Brand: Pearl*
Model: Sensitone
Tools: Sticks
Size: 5.5x14″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: Steve Smith Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 5.5x14″
Brand: Tama*
Model: Star Reserve
Tools: Sticks
Size: 6.5x14″
Brand: Ludwig*
Model: Supraphonic
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x14″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: Horst Link Signature
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x14″
Brand: Yamaha*
Model: 9000 Birch
Tools: Sticks
Size: 16x16″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Sticks
Size: 8x12″
Brand: Sonor*
Model: ProLite
Tools: Sticks
1. Amb Near
AKG C24
2. Mono Kit
Neumann M49
3. Amb Low
Ehrlund EHR-T
4. Amb Far
Neumann KM 184
*All other manufacturers’ product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Toontrack. See full notice here.
To enable you to get up and running right away, this SDX includes a broad range of presets by session engineer Linn Fijal as well as by the Toontrack sound design team. Use the presets as ready-made mixes or as great starting points for your own.
The included MIDI was performed by session drummer Josephine Forsman and includes a basic collection of rock-oriented grooves and fills inspired by her own catalogue of work.
Name: Josephine Forsman | Location:
Los Angeles, California
Q: This was your first project sampling drums. Was the process anything like you had imagined?
A: Luckily I love spending time on details, because the process took a lot more patience than I had expected, haha! I’m a huge fan of what Toontrack is developing and felt the importance of staying true to that. I found a way of making this repetitive process meditative and enjoyable. Besides, what kind of drummer would not love being in a beautiful studio surrounded by incredible-sounding drums – plus have the time to enjoy each and everyone of them?!?
Q: What is your connection to Linn and the RMV Studio?
A: I’ve worked with Linn in the RMV studio before and hung out there many times. It’s my favorite hang. Linn knows the place inside and out, and the atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and thrillingly creative at the same time.
Q: To you, what makes a great drum sound?
A: As a songwriter, I appreciate a variety of completely different drum sounds matching the vibe of each song. As a practicing drummer, my taste is more consistent and I tend to lean towards big and warm-sounding drums with a punch you just can’t escape from.
Q: And what makes a great drummer?
A: I get a kick out of visual drummers. Live, I want a drummer to be stand out and be noticed. An interesting drummer to me is someone who is diverse and who doesn’t overwhelm the listener or the song with technical drum soloing. That is unless it really serves a purpose, of course. Daft Punk’s “Georgio by Moroder” is one of countless examples of when intense drumming enhances a song. Like many, I’m a believer that the drums can make or break a song, just like the vocals can.
Q: Listening back to the final product, did it come out like you had envisioned?
A: I don’t think you can prepare yourself to hear your drum sounds and hits being played back to you in this context. It’s unbelievably cool, much cooler than I thought! My hope is naturally that these sounds and grooves will contribute to a ton of amazing songs.
For the full Installation of this product you will need approximately 42 GB of free hard drive space, plus an additional 42 GB is required for the installation process.
8 GB RAM (16 GB RAM or more recommended).
A working Superior Drummer 3.3.6 (or above) installation.
