How to Spice Up Your Music with EZdrummer and Latin Percussion EZX
How to Use EZdrummer in Music Production
EZdrummer is a software that lets you create realistic drum tracks with a variety of sounds and styles. Whether you need a simple beat or a complex arrangement, EZdrummer can help you achieve your musical goals. In this article, I will show you how to use EZdrummer in music production, using some of the features and benefits of this software.
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What is EZdrummer and why use it?
EZdrummer is a virtual drum instrument that works as a plugin in your digital audio workstation (DAW). It comes with five drum kits, each with different sounds and characteristics, as well as a large library of MIDI grooves and fills that cover many genres and styles. You can also expand your sound palette with additional expansion packs (EZX) that offer more drum kits, percussion instruments, and MIDI files.
Some of the reasons why you might want to use EZdrummer in music production are:
It is easy to use. You can quickly find and load the drum sounds and grooves that suit your song, without having to program or record anything.
It is realistic. The drum samples are recorded by professional engineers in high-quality studios, using different microphones and techniques. The MIDI files are performed by real drummers, capturing the feel and dynamics of human playing.
It is versatile. You can mix and match different drum kits, percussion instruments, and MIDI files to create your own unique drum tracks. You can also edit and customize your grooves, change the tempo, add effects, and more.
How to install and load EZdrummer in your DAW
To use EZdrummer in music production, you need to install it on your computer and load it into your DAW. Here are the steps to do that:
Download the installer from Toontrack's website. You will need to create an account and register your product.
Run the installer and follow the instructions. You will need to choose a location for the sound library (about 15 GB) and the plugin files.
Open your DAW and create a new MIDI track.
Assign EZdrummer as a virtual instrument to your MIDI track. The method may vary depending on your DAW, but usually you can find EZdrummer in the instrument section or plugin list.
Wait for EZdrummer to load the samples. You should see the interface with a default drum kit loaded.
How to choose a drum kit and a preset
Once you have loaded EZdrummer into your DAW, you can start choosing the drum sounds that fit your song. You can do that by selecting a drum kit and a preset from the interface.
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals, and percussion instruments that have a specific sound and character. EZdrummer comes with five drum kits: Pop/Rock, Vintage Rock, Modern Vintage, Cocktail, and Basic Jazz. Each kit has different variations of snares, kicks, cymbals, etc., that you can swap by clicking on them.
A preset is a ready-made mix of the drum kit that applies different levels, panning, effects, etc., to each instrument. You can choose from various presets that suit different genres and styles by clicking on the arrow next to the kit name. You can also create your own presets by using the mixer and the effects in EZdrummer.
To choose a drum kit and a preset, follow these steps:
Click on the drum kit icon at the top left of the interface. You will see a list of the available drum kits.
Click on the drum kit that you want to use. You will see the drum kit displayed on the interface, with the name and the preset below it.
Click on the arrow next to the preset name. You will see a list of the available presets for that drum kit.
Click on the preset that you want to use. You will hear the sound of the drum kit change according to the preset.
You can also preview the sound of each drum kit and preset by clicking on the play button next to them. You can adjust the volume of the preview by using the slider at the bottom right of the interface.
Creating drum grooves
After choosing your drum sounds, you can start creating your drum grooves. A drum groove is a rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of your drum track. EZdrummer provides you with a large library of MIDI grooves and fills that you can use to create your drum grooves. You can also edit and customize your grooves to suit your song.
How to use the browser and the search function
The browser is where you can find and access all the MIDI files that come with EZdrummer and its expansion packs. The browser is divided into three sections: Library, Genre, and Subgenre. You can navigate through these sections by clicking on them or using the arrows at the top of the browser.
The Library section shows you all the MIDI libraries that you have installed, such as EZdrummer, Latin Percussion EZX, etc. The Genre section shows you all the genres that are available in each library, such as Rock, Pop, Jazz, etc. The Subgenre section shows you all the subgenres that are available in each genre, such as Hard Rock, Funk, Swing, etc.
To use the browser, follow these steps:
Click on the browser icon at the top right of the interface. You will see the browser open on the right side of the interface.
Click on the library that you want to use. You will see a list of genres for that library.
Click on the genre that you want to use. You will see a list of subgenres for that genre.
Click on the subgenre that you want to use. You will see a list of MIDI files for that subgenre.
You can also use the search function to find MIDI files by keywords or phrases. To use the search function, follow these steps:
Click on the magnifying glass icon at the top right of the browser. You will see a search box appear below it.
Type in your keyword or phrase in the search box. For example, if you want to find MIDI files with a shuffle feel, you can type in "shuffle".
Press enter or click on the magnifying glass icon again. You will see a list of MIDI files that match your search criteria.
How to drag and drop MIDI files into your DAW
Once you have found the MIDI files that you want to use, you can drag and drop them into your DAW to create your drum track. To do that, follow these steps:
Select a MIDI file from the browser by clicking on it. You will see it highlighted in blue and hear it play in EZdrummer.
Drag and drop it into your DAW's timeline or arrange window. You will see it appear as a MIDI clip or region on your MIDI track.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for any other MIDI files that you want to use. You can arrange them in any order or combination that you like.
You can also preview how your drum track sounds in your DAW by playing it back from your DAW's transport controls or keyboard shortcuts.
How to edit and customize your drum grooves
If you want to edit and customize your drum grooves, you can do that in two ways: using EZdrummer's editing tools or using your DAW's editing tools. Here are some examples of what you can do:
Using EZdrummer's editing tools
EZdrummer has some editing tools that allow you to modify your MIDI files before dragging and dropping them into your DAW. These tools include:
The power hand. This is a slider that allows you to change the leading hand of the drummer, which affects the feel and swing of the groove. You can drag the slider left or right to change the power hand, or click on the hand icon to switch between left and right.
The amount. This is a slider that allows you to change the amount of variation and humanization of the groove. You can drag the slider up or down to change the amount, or click on the dice icon to randomize it.
The velocity. This is a slider that allows you to change the overall velocity or volume of the groove. You can drag the slider up or down to change the velocity, or click on the loudspeaker icon to mute or unmute it.
The edit play style. This is a button that opens a window where you can edit the individual instruments of the groove. You can change the velocity, timing, articulation, and dynamics of each instrument by using sliders, knobs, and buttons. You can also mute or solo each instrument by clicking on the icons below them.
To use EZdrummer's editing tools, follow these steps:
Select a MIDI file from the browser by clicking on it. You will see it highlighted in blue and hear it play in EZdrummer.
Click on the edit play style button at the bottom right of the interface. You will see a window open with the editing tools.
Use the sliders, knobs, buttons, and icons to edit your MIDI file as you wish. You will hear the changes in real time in EZdrummer.
When you are done editing, click on the OK button at the bottom right of the window. You will see your edited MIDI file appear in the browser with an asterisk (*) next to it.
Drag and drop your edited MIDI file into your DAW as usual.
Using your DAW's editing tools
You can also use your DAW's editing tools to modify your MIDI files after dragging and dropping them into your DAW. These tools may vary depending on your DAW, but usually they include:
Cutting, copying, pasting, duplicating, and deleting MIDI clips or regions.
Quantizing, nudging, stretching, and transposing MIDI notes.
Changing the velocity, pitch bend, modulation, and other MIDI parameters.
Adding automation curves for volume, pan, effects, etc.
To use your DAW's editing tools, follow these steps:
Select a MIDI clip or region from your DAW's timeline or arrange window by clicking on it. You will see it highlighted in your DAW.
Use your DAW's editing tools to edit your MIDI clip or region as you wish. You will hear the changes in real time in your DAW.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for any other MIDI clips or regions that you want to edit.
Adding percussion and effects
If you want to add some extra flavor and spice to your drum track, you can add some percussion and effects using EZdrummer. EZdrummer has an expansion pack called Latin Percussion EZX that offers a variety of percussion instruments from Latin America, such as congas, bongos, timbales, shakers, cowbells, etc. You can also use the mixer and the effects in EZdrummer to adjust the sound and balance of your drum track.
How to use the Latin Percussion EZX expansion pack
The Latin Percussion EZX expansion pack is a separate product that you need to purchase and install from Toontrack's website. It adds more drum kits, percussion instruments, and MIDI files to EZdrummer that are suitable for Latin music styles such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, etc. To use the Latin Percussion EZX expansion pack, follow these steps:
Purchase and download the Latin Percussion EZX expansion pack from Toontrack's website. You will need to create an account and register your product.
Run the installer and follow the instructions. You will need to choose a location for the sound library (about 1 GB) and the plugin files.
Open EZdrummer and click on the drum kit icon at the top left of the interface. You will see a list of the available drum kits.
Click on the Latin Percussion EZX drum kit. You will see the drum kit displayed on the interface, with the name and the preset below it.
Click on the arrow next to the preset name. You will see a list of the available presets for that drum kit.
Click on the preset that you want to use. You will hear the sound of the drum kit change according to the preset.
You can also access the MIDI files from the Latin Percussion EZX expansion pack by using the browser or the search function, as explained before. You will see them under the Latin Percussion EZX library, with different genres and subgenres such as Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean, etc.
How to add percussion instruments to your drum track
If you want to add some percussion instruments to your drum track, you can do that by using EZdrummer's drag and drop feature. You can drag and drop any percussion instrument from the Latin Percussion EZX drum kit onto your DAW's timeline or arrange window, just like you would do with a MIDI file. To do that, follow these steps:
Select a percussion instrument from the Latin Percussion EZX drum kit by clicking on it. You will see it highlighted in blue and hear it play in EZdrummer.
Drag and drop it into your DAW's timeline or arrange window. You will see it appear as a MIDI clip or region on your MIDI track.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for any other percussion instruments that you want to use. You can arrange them in any order or combination that you like.
You can also edit and customize your percussion instruments by using EZdrummer's editing tools or your DAW's editing tools, as explained before.
How to use the mixer and the effects in EZdrummer
If you want to adjust the sound and balance of your drum track, you can use the mixer and the effects in EZdrummer. The mixer allows you to control the level, pan, mute, solo, and output of each instrument in your drum track. The effects allow you to apply compression, reverb, delay, EQ, and distortion to each instrument or to the master output.
To use the mixer and the effects in EZdrummer, follow these steps:
Click on the mixer icon at the top right of the interface. You will see the mixer open on the right side of the interface.
Use the faders, knobs, buttons, and menus to adjust the sound and balance of each instrument in your drum track. You can also click on the name of each instrument to open a window with the effects for that instrument.
Use the sliders, knobs, buttons, and menus to apply and adjust the effects for each instrument or for the master output. You can also click on the presets menu to choose from various presets for each effect.
When you are done mixing and adding effects, click on the OK button at the bottom right of the mixer. You will see your drum track sound according to your settings.
Conclusion
In this article, I have shown you how to use EZdrummer in music production, using some of the features and benefits of this software. You have learned how to:
Install and load EZdrummer in your DAW.
Choose a drum kit and a preset.
Create drum grooves using the browser and the search function.
Drag and drop MIDI files and percussion instruments into your DAW.
Edit and customize your drum grooves using EZdrummer's editing tools or your DAW's editing tools.
Add percussion and effects using the Latin Percussion EZX expansion pack and the mixer and the effects in EZdrummer.
By following these steps, you can create realistic and versatile drum tracks for your songs, without having to program or record anything. EZdrummer is a powerful and easy-to-use software that can help you achieve your musical goals.
If you want to learn more about EZdrummer and its features, you can visit Toontrack's website, where you can find tutorials, videos, demos, and more. You can also check out some of the other expansion packs that EZdrummer offers, such as Metal Machine EZX, Funkmasters EZX, Americana EZX, etc., to expand your sound palette and genre options.
I hope you have enjoyed this article and found it useful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
What are the system requirements for EZdrummer?
EZdrummer works on both Windows and Mac operating systems. The minimum system requirements are:
Windows 7 or newer, Pentium 4 or Athlon processor with 2 GB RAM.
Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, Intel-based Mac with 2 GB RAM.
15 GB of free hard disk space.
A working VST, AU, or RTAS compatible host application.
A MIDI controller such as a keyboard or a drum pad (optional).
How much does EZdrummer cost?
EZdrummer costs $149 USD. You can purchase it from Toontrack's website or from authorized dealers. You can also download a free trial version from here, which allows you to use EZdrummer for 10 days with limited features.
How do I update EZdrummer?
To update EZdrummer, you need to download and run the latest update installer from here. You will need to log in with your account and enter your product serial number. The update installer will automatically detect your installed version of EZdrummer and update it accordingly.
How do I uninstall EZdrummer?
To uninstall EZdrummer, you need to run the uninstaller that comes with the installer. You can find it in the same location where you installed EZdrummer. The uninstaller will remove all the files and folders related to EZdrummer from your computer.
How do I contact Toontrack support?
If you have any technical issues or questions about EZdrummer or any other Toontrack products, you can contact Toontrack support by filling out a support ticket here. You will need to provide your name, email address, product name, serial number, operating system, DAW, and a detailed description of your problem. Toontrack support will get back to you as soon as possible. dcd2dc6462