DFH EZdrummer V1 X 16: A Comparison with Other Drum Software and Expansions
DFH EZdrummer V1 X 16: A Review of the Legendary Drum Software
If you are a metal producer or musician, chances are you have heard of or used DFH EZdrummer, a drum software that has become an institution in the metal community. But what exactly is DFH EZdrummer and why is it so popular? What are its main features and benefits? And how can you use it to create realistic, powerful, and creative drum tracks for your music projects?
dfh ezdrummer v1 x keygen 16
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will review the history, sounds, samples, MIDI library, grooves, compatibility, integration, pros, cons, tips, tricks, examples, and verdict of DFH EZdrummer V1 X 16, one of the most legendary drum software ever created. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in metal production or performance, this article will help you understand why DFH EZdrummer is a must-have tool for your arsenal.
The History of DFH EZdrummer
DFH stands for Drumkit From Hell, which was originally a drum sample library that was released in 1999 by Toontrack Music. It was derived from the original drum sessions that were recorded at Dugout Studio by Meshuggah drummer Tomas Haake, engineer Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Meshugg h, Soilwork, etc.), and guitarist Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah). The sessions were intended to create a realistic and dynamic drum sound for Meshuggah's album Chaosphere, but they also resulted in a massive collection of drum samples that captured the essence of metal drumming.
The Drumkit From Hell sample library was a huge success among metal producers and musicians, who praised its quality, variety, and authenticity. It was used by many famous metal bands and artists, such as Devin Townsend, Lamb of God, Strapping Young Lad, Dark Tranquillity, Nevermore, and many more. It was also one of the first drum sample libraries to feature multiple microphone positions, velocities, articulations, and round robins, which gave it a realistic and natural feel.
In 2004, Toontrack Music released EZdrummer, a drum software that aimed to make drum programming easy, fun, and creative. EZdrummer featured a simple and intuitive interface, a built-in mixer, a large MIDI library, and a host of effects and features. It also allowed users to expand their sound palette with different EZX expansions, which were based on different genres, styles, and themes.
One of the first EZX expansions was DFH EZdrummer, which was essentially a reworked and optimized version of the original Drumkit From Hell sample library. DFH EZdrummer offered users the same legendary sounds and samples of Drumkit From Hell, but with the added benefits of EZdrummer's functionality and flexibility. Users could easily load, mix, match, edit, and arrange different kits, sounds, and MIDI files with just a few clicks. DFH EZdrummer became an instant hit among metal producers and musicians who wanted to create realistic and powerful drum tracks with ease and speed.
Over the years, DFH EZdrummer has been updated and improved several times by Toontrack Music. The latest version is DFH EZdrummer V1 X 16, which features 16-bit sounds instead of the original 24-bit sounds. This makes DFH EZdrummer more compatible with older systems and devices, as well as more efficient in terms of CPU usage and disk space. DFH EZdrummer V1 X 16 also features some minor tweaks and fixes to improve the overall performance and sound quality of the software.
The Sounds and Samples of DFH EZdrummer
DFH EZdrummer features a total of five complete kits, two extra kicks, three extra snares, three extra sets of toms, two extra hi-hats, three extra rides, three extra crashes, one china cymbal, one splash cymbal, one cowbell, one tambourine, one cabasa, and one triangle. These sounds cover a wide range of metal subgenres and styles, from classic to modern, from thrash to death, from progressive to industrial.
The sounds were recorded using high-end equipment and microphones at Dugout Studio by Daniel Bergstrand and Tomas Haake. They were then processed and remixed by some of the most renowned metal artists and engineers in the industry, such as Mattias Eklund (Toontrack Music), Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad), Jocke Skog (Clawfinger), Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames), Mattias IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Marco Minnemann (Necrophagist), Gene Hoglan (Death), Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork), Peter Wildoer (Darkane), Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project), Jason Suecof (Trivium), Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder), Daniel Antonsson (Dark Tranquillity), Ola Englund (The Haunted), Andy Sneap (Megadeth), Steven Slate (Slate Digital), Colin Richardson (Machine Head), Tue Madsen (The Haunted), Jens Bogren (Opeth), Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria), Will Putney (Thy Art Is Murder), Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage), Daniel Laskiewicz (The Acacia Strain), John Browne (Monuments), Forrester Savell (Karnivool), Taylor Larson (Periphery), Eyal Levi (Unearth), Mark Lewis (Cannibal Corpse), Jason Suecof (All That Remains), David Castillo (Katatonia), Jens Bogren (Soilwork), Andy Sneap (Testament), Mark Lewis (Whitechapel), and many more. These remixes give the sounds a different flavor and character, as well as a professional polish and punch.
The sounds are realistic, dynamic, and versatile, and they can be customized and tweaked to suit any metal production or performance. Users can adjust the volume, pan, pitch, envelope, and tone of each sound, as well as apply different effects, such as compression, EQ, reverb, delay, distortion, and more. Users can also layer and blend different sounds to create their own unique kits and sounds. For example, users can layer a snare from one kit with a snare from another kit to create a thicker and richer snare sound.
The MIDI Library and Grooves of DFH EZdrummer
DFH EZdrummer features a huge MIDI library that contains over 8000 MIDI files that cover a wide range of metal styles, genres, tempos, and patterns. The MIDI files are divided into different categories, such as basic, fills, complex, double bass, blast beats, skank beats, cymbal swells, intros, endings, breaks, and more. The MIDI files are also organized by different subgenres, such as death metal, black metal, thrash metal, power metal, progressive metal, industrial metal, metalcore, nu metal, and more.
The MIDI files were performed, programmed, and edited by some of the most renowned metal drummers and guitarists in the industry, such as Tomas Haake (Meshuggah), Gene Hoglan (Death), Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork), Peter Wildoer (Darkane), Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project), Jason Suecof (Trivium), Mark Lewis (The Black Dahlia Murder), Daniel Antonsson (Dark Tranquillity), Ola Englund (The Haunted), Andy Sneap (Megadeth), Steven Slate (Slate Digital), Colin Richardson (Machine Head), Tue Madsen (The Haunted), Jens Bogren (Opeth), Joey Sturgis (Asking Alexandria), Will Putney (Thy Art Is Murder), Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage), Daniel Laskiewicz (The Acacia Strain), John Browne (Monuments), Forrester Savell (Karnivool), Taylor Larson (Periphery), Eyal Levi (Unearth), Mark Lewis (Cannibal Corpse), Jason Suecof (All That Remains), David Castillo (Katatonia), Jens Bogren (Soilwork), Andy Sneap (Testament), Mark Lewis (Whitechapel), and many more. These MIDI files capture the essence, feel, and groove of metal drumming, as well as the nuances, variations, and details of each drummer's style and technique.
The MIDI files are easy, flexible, and creative to use, and they can be arranged, edited, and mixed to suit any metal production or performance. Users can drag and drop the MIDI files into the EZdrummer interface or their DAW of choice, and then adjust the tempo, length, velocity, quantization, swing, and humanization of each MIDI file. Users can also cut, copy, paste, move, delete, transpose, reverse, and randomize the MIDI files to create their own patterns and variations. Users can also use the EZdrummer's built-in features, such as the song creator, the tap2find function, the power hand feature, the amount control, and the edit play style feature to create custom grooves and fills.
The Compatibility and Integration of DFH EZdrummer
DFH EZdrummer is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and it can run as a standalone application or as a plugin in any VST, AU, or RTAS compatible host. The system requirements for running DFH EZdrummer are as follows:
Operating System
Minimum Requirements
Recommended Requirements
Windows
Windows XP SP3 or newerPentium 4 or Athlon processor with 512 MB RAM1.5 GB free hard disc spaceDVD drive
Windows 7 or newerPentium 4 or Athlon processor with 1 GB RAMMulti-core CPU with 2 GB RAM or more2 GB free hard disc spaceDVD drive
Mac
Mac OS X 10.5 or higherG5 with 512 MB RAM1.5 GB free hard disc spaceDVD drive
Mac OS X 10.6 or higherIntel-based Mac with 1 GB RAMMulti-core CPU with 2 GB RAM or more2 GB free hard disc spaceDVD drive
DFH EZdrummer is also compatible with other EZX expansions, which can be purchased separately or in bundles from Toontrack Music's website. Users can mix and match different sounds and samples from different EZX expansions to create their own custom kits and sounds. For example, users can combine sounds from DFH EZdrummer with sounds from Metal Machine EZX or Metalheads EZX to create a hybrid metal kit.
DFH EZdrummer is also compatible with EZdrummer 2, which is the successor of EZdrummer and features a new interface, a new mixer, a new sound engine, new effects, new features, and new sounds. Users can upgrade from EZdrummer to EZdrummer 2 for a discounted price from Toontrack Music's website. Users can also use DFH EZdrummer with Superior Drummer 3, which is the flagship drum software from Toontrack Music and features a comprehensive interface, a powerful mixer, a realistic sound engine , new effects, new features, and new sounds. Users can import DFH EZdrummer into Superior Drummer 3 and access all the features and functions of Superior Drummer 3 with DFH EZdrummer.
Installing, activating, updating, and troubleshooting DFH EZdrummer is easy and straightforward. Users can download the installer from Toontrack Music's website or use the DVD that comes with the product. Users can then follow the instructions on the screen to install DFH EZdrummer on their system. Users can also use the Toontrack Product Manager, which is a free application that helps users manage their Toontrack products. Users can use the Toontrack Product Manager to activate, update, and troubleshoot DFH EZdrummer, as well as access support and tutorials from Toontrack Music.
The Pros and Cons of DFH EZdrummer
DFH EZdrummer is a drum software that has many pros and cons for metal production and performance. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of using DFH EZdrummer:
Pros
Cons
It features legendary sounds and samples that are derived from the original Drumkit From Hell sessions.
It offers a wide range of metal subgenres and styles, from classic to modern, from thrash to death, from progressive to industrial.
It includes a huge MIDI library that contains over 8000 MIDI files that cover a wide range of metal patterns and grooves.
It is compatible with other EZX expansions, EZdrummer 2, Superior Drummer 3, and other drum software.
It is easy, fun, and creative to use, with a simple and intuitive interface, a built-in mixer, a host of effects and features, and a drag-and-drop functionality.
It is affordable and accessible, with a reasonable price and a user-friendly installation and activation process.
It features 16-bit sounds instead of the original 24-bit sounds, which may affect the sound quality and resolution.
It offers a limited amount of kits, sounds, and samples compared to other drum software or expansions.
It includes a dated MIDI library that may not reflect the latest trends and developments in metal drumming.
It is not compatible with some older systems and devices, which may cause compatibility issues or performance problems.
It is simple, basic, and limited in terms of functionality and flexibility compared to other drum software or expansions.
It is outdated and overshadowed by newer and better drum software or expansions that offer more sounds, features, and options.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of DFH EZdrummer
DFH EZdrummer is a drum software that can be used to create realistic, powerful, and creative drum tracks for metal production or performance. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of DFH EZdrummer:
- Experiment with different kits, sounds, samples, MIDI files, effects, features, and settings to find the best combination for your music project. - Layer and blend different sounds and samples to create your own custom kits and sounds that suit your style and preference. - Arrange, edit, and mix different MIDI files to create your own patterns and variations that fit your song structure and groove. - Use the song creator feature to generate a complete song structure based on your selected MIDI file. - Use the tap2find function to find matching MIDI files based on your tapped rhythm. - Use the power hand feature to change the leading instrument in any MIDI file. - Use the amount control to adjust the complexity or intensity of any MIDI file. - Use the edit play style feature to change the articulation or performance of any MIDI file. - Use the humanize feature to add subtle variations in timing and velocity to any MIDI file. - Use the swing feature to add groove or shuffle to any MIDI file. - Use the quantize feature to align any MIDI file to the grid or to another MIDI file. - Use the transpose feature to change the pitch or key of any MIDI file. - Use the reverse feature to flip any MIDI file backwards. - Use the randomize feature to create unexpected variations in any MIDI file. - Use compression, EQ, reverb, delay, distortion, and other effects to enhance or alter the sound of your drum tracks. - Use automation to create dynamic changes in volume, pan, pitch, envelope , tone, and effects of your drum tracks. - Use panning, balance, volume, and mute to create a balanced and clear mix of your drum tracks. - Use buses, sends, and returns to group and process your drum tracks together or separately. - Use binaural, stereo, or mono modes to create different spatial effects for your drum tracks. - Use different output formats, such as WAV, AIFF, MP3, or OGG to export your drum tracks to your desired quality and size. - Use different sample rates, bit depths, and dithering options to optimize your drum tracks for different platforms and devices. - Use different presets, templates, and projects to save and load your drum tracks quickly and easily. - Use different keyboard shortcuts, mouse actions, and touch gestures to navigate and control your drum tracks efficiently and conveniently. - Use the help menu, the manual, the tutorials, the forums, the support, and the feedback options to access more information, guidance, tips, tricks, examples, and assistance from Toontrack Music. Conclusion
DFH EZdrummer is a drum software that features legendary sounds and samples that are derived from the original Drumkit From Hell sessions. It offers a wide range of metal subgenres and styles, from classic to modern, from thrash to death, from progressive to industrial. It includes a huge MIDI library that contains over 8000 MIDI files that cover a wide range of metal patterns and grooves. It is compatible with other EZX expansions, EZdrummer 2, Superior Drummer 3, and other drum software. It is easy, fun, and creative to use, with a simple and intuitive interface, a built-in mixer, a host of effects and features, and a drag-and-drop functionality. It is affordable and accessible, with a reasonable price and a user-friendly installation and activation process.
However, DFH EZdrummer also has some drawbacks. It features 16-bit sounds instead of the original 24-bit sounds, which may affect the sound quality and resolution. It offers a limited amount of kits, sounds, and samples compared to other drum software or expansions. It includes a dated MIDI library that may not reflect the latest trends and developments in metal drumming. It is not compatible with some older systems and devices, which may cause compatibility issues or performance problems. It is simple , basic, and limited in terms of functionality and flexibility compared to other drum software or expansions. It is outdated and overshadowed by newer and better drum software or expansions that offer more sounds, features, and options.
Therefore, our verdict and recommendation for DFH EZdrummer is that it is a drum software that is worth trying and using for metal production or performance, especially if you are a fan of the original Drumkit From Hell sounds and samples. However, it is not a drum software that is essential or indispensable for metal production or performance, especially if you are looking for more sounds, features, and options. You may want to consider other drum software or expansions that offer more quality, quantity, variety, usability, and price.
We hope that this article has helped you understand what DFH EZdrummer is and how you can use it to create realistic, powerful, and creative drum tracks for your music projects. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and help you with your drum software needs.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about DFH EZdrummer:
Q: Where can I buy or download DFH EZdrummer?
A: You can buy or download DFH EZdrummer from Toontrack Music's website or from authorized dealers and distributors. You can also find DFH EZdrummer on online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Reverb.
Q: How can I get more sounds and MIDI files for DFH EZdrummer?
A: You can get more sounds and MIDI files for DFH EZdrummer by purchasing other EZX expansions from Toontrack Music's website or from authorized dealers and distributors. You can also find other EZX expansions on online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Reverb.
Q: How can I use DFH EZdrummer with my electronic drum kit or MIDI controller?
A: You can use DFH EZdrummer with your electronic drum kit or MIDI controller by connecting them to your computer via USB or MIDI cables. You can then assign the sounds and samples of DFH EZdrummer to the pads or keys of your electronic drum kit or MIDI controller. You can also adjust the sensitivity, velocity, and mapping of your electronic drum kit or MIDI controller to match the sounds and samples of DFH EZdrummer.
Q: How can I mix and master my drum tracks with DFH EZdrummer?
A: You can mix and master your drum tracks with DFH EZdrummer by using the built-in mixer, effects, and features of DFH EZdrummer. You can also export your drum tracks as audio files and import them into your DAW of choice. You can then use the mixing and mastering tools and plugins of your DAW to further enhance or alter the sound of your drum tracks.
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