Toontrack Metal Mania EZX Expansion Pack

In this EZX, drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth) and engineer Chris Rakestraw (Megadeth, Deftones, Parkway Drive) have teamed up to bring you the epitome of a metal expansion for EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3. It features three unique kits, a wealth of snare drums and kicks as well as over 30 cymbals – all flawlessly captured in one of the world’s most famed studios for hard rock and metal: Studio A at One On One in Los Angeles. Massive-sounding, warm and vibrant but at the same time just as tight and aggressive, this room has all the qualities to move air in a way that makes it seem custom-built particularly for hard-hitting metal drums. This goes to show on the plethora of defining records that were recorded here, some of which include the likes of Megadeth’s “Rust in Peace,” Metallica’s “…And Justice for All” and “Black Album,” Dream Theater’s “Awake” and Testament’s “The Ritual.”

Each of the three drum kits included represents its own niched sound. One covers Dirk’s current touring setup, one is from his tenure in the band Soilwork and one was handpicked to offer a completely contrasting tone and vibe. All in all, you’ll have a balanced but eclectic palette of kits encompassing anything from the loud, aggressive and punchy to the big, low and warm.

In addition to the sounds, a wealth of mix-ready presets as well as a collection of drum grooves and fills are provided, allowing you to instantly get going producing drum parts that perfectly pair Dirk’s patented brand of drumming madness with Rakestraw’s crystal-clear engineering.

Setting out to deliver the archetype of an EZX to muster any imaginable facet of heaviness – from the coarse onslaught of old-school thrash and massively pummeling modern metal to the expressive, fusion-like and progressive – the team outstripped every expectation. This is an expansion that checks all the boxes for drummer, engineer, room, gear and sound. Simply put, this EZX is nothing short of sheer and absolute metal perfection.

Features:

• Sampled by Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth) and engineered by Chris Rakestraw (Megadeth, Deftones, Parkway Drive)
• Recorded at the famed One On One Recording Studios in Los Angeles
• Three unique kits, each representing its own niched sound, tone and vibe
• A total of 11 snare drums, nine pairs of bass drums and 34 cymbals
• Includes a broad selection of mix-ready presets engineered by Chris Rakestraw
• Comes with a selection of MIDI grooves and fills performed by Dirk Verbeuren

THE DRUMS.

Featuring three unique drum kits all made out of different types of wood, this EZX presents maximum versatility of tone. Expect a range that covers the crisp, focused and direct to the low, round and warm.

THE SIGNATURE KIT.

Dirk’s complete Megadeth setup featuring double bass drums, five toms and a wealth of cymbals.

Brand: Tama
Model: Starclassic
Material: Maple
Finish: Signature Dirk Verbeuren Black

THE MODERN METAL KIT.

The kit Dirk primarily used during his tenure in Soilwork, featuring double bass drums, five toms and an array of smaller cymbals like splashes and effects.

Brand: Tama
Model: Performer
Material: Birch/bubinga
Finish: Antique Natural Burst

THE WALNUT KIT.

Made out of walnut and offering a completely contrasting tone, this double bass drum and five-tom kit adds a different flavour to the product.

Brand: Tama
Model: Star
Material: Walnut
Finish: Atomic Orange

THE STUDIO.

Located in the North Hollywood district right off the bustling Lankershim Boulevard, the iconic One On One Recording Studios has been a Los Angeles go-to for hard rock and metal bands since day one. Aside from the amazing vibe and gear, the bands all arguably came largely for the perfectly crafted room – one that seems as if it was custom-built for capturing loud and thunderous drums specifically for heavy music. Needless to say, this was the perfect place to realise Dirk and Chris’ vision of a massive-sounding EZX adaptable in any metal context from the classic to the modern. Enjoy!

THE MIXER & THE PRESETS.

In addition to the presets created by the Toontrack sound design team, Chris Rakestraw has contributed with a broad collection of presets representing each kit and a wealth of styles. With each preset featuring its unique set of channels and macro controls, you’ll be able to fine-tune individual instrument levels, adjust the effects used behind the scenes, the overall saturation amount and more to make sure the final sound perfectly locks in with the song you’re working on.

MICROPHONE OVERVIEW.

Here’s an overview of the mics used and roughly how they were placed around the kits and in the studio room.

1. AmbFar: Coles 4038
2. AmbMono: Hilbe Boho/Daking Compressor
3. AmbNear: Neumann U87
4. Bullet: Shure520DX/UA 1176
5. Kicks 1+2 In: Sennheiser e902
   Kicks 1+2 Out: Sennheiser e602 II
   Kicks 1+2 Sub: Yamaha NS10
6. Snare Top 1: SM57
   Snare Top 2: Neumann KM84
   Snare Bottom: Austrian Audio OD5
7. All Rack Toms: Austrian Audio OD7
8. All Floor Toms: Austrian Audio OC818
9. Ride: Austrian AudioCC8
10. OH L/R: Manley Reference
11. HiHat: Neumann KM84
12. X-hats: AudioCC8
13. Chimes: SE Ribbon VR2

THE MIDI.

The included MIDI library was performed by Dirk Verbeuren and inspired by songs, playing styles and grooves closely knit to his discography. Expect a fundamental collection of drum MIDI material featuring a wealth of variations on thrash and blast beats as well as double bass drum and all-around pummeling grooves. To top it off, all the wild fills you can imagine! In addition to each song being organised in parts that you can drag and drop to build your own renditions from, a full take of each as played by Dirk is included. The best of both worlds!