The original Superior Drummer 2.0 featured a modest collection of drum pieces (although they sounded excellent and were beautifully sampled), but Toontrack have obviously been very busy since, with both the Metal Foundry expansion pack (reviewed in SOS September 2009) and the current title, New York Studio Legacy Series Vol 2. In fact, the latter continues a theme from the samples provided in the original SD2.0 package, because the drums presented here are from two legendary New York drum-recording rooms in studios that are no longer operational: The Hit Factory NY and Allaire Studios.
The expansion pack adds nearly 50 further kit pieces, including seven kicks (Gretsch, Ludwig, Slingerland and GMS) and 13 snares (including models by Ludwig, Rogers and GMS), plus a range of top‑brand and classic cymbals and toms. All playing was by Nir Z (whose credits, which include Genesis, Joss Stone and John Mayer, read like a classy 'Who's Who' of contemporary music), and once you've registered the expansion pack with Toontrack, you can download an associated bundle of MIDI files from the recording sessions, which deserve a mention. They can be used to trigger SD2.0 via Toontrack's EZplayer Pro, and not only are there lots of them, but the performances really demonstrate the sophisticated sampling of the drums, with both straight and swing performances included.
Although a certain amount of mixing and matching of kit elements is possible, and the degree of 'room' sound can be adjusted using the various overhead and ambient mic channels provided by the SD2.0 mixer, the default kits for the two recording rooms have very distinct characters. The Hit Factory starts up with a much healthier dose of ambience than the Allaire default kit, but both sound great and would suit different musical situations. There's a wonderful 'ping' to some of the snare sounds (for example, the Ludwig Supraphonic), which would be ideal for modern rock styles, from Alter Bridge to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The included presets are also excellent, and combine both various kit pieces and specific combinations of SD2.0's effects in the mixer. One or two of the presets (for example, 'Electronica' for the Hit Factory) transform the acoustic kit into a very different animal — and, in fact, made me wonder whether Toontrack would ever offer a full‑blown electronic drum expansion pack for SD2.0.
Although the asking price will not place New York Studio Legacy Series Vol 2 in most people's casual-purchase category, it will be a very desirable addition for serious SD2.0 users. The sounds are superb, and the bundled MIDI performances top‑notch. It's not cheap, but is a great example of getting what you pay for. John Walden