Swedish drum‑sample experts Toontrack have just released a new collection of MIDI drum performances, called Songwriter’s Drumpack 2. The eighth in the Drumpack range so far, the newcomer comprises over 450 individual files, which have been split into categories according to genre: Ballad, Mid‑tempo, Up‑tempo and Shuffle. These have been further split into sections (such as Intro, Verse, Chorus, and so on), and so allow you to build up rhythm parts for songs in minimal time.
Optimised for Toontrack’s own EZ Drummer and Superior Drummer instruments (though still compatible with any MIDI‑triggered soft‑synth or virtual drum instrument), they comprise performances on a typical setup of one kick drum, one snare, two hanging toms, a floor tom, two crashes and a ride. All the parts were played by studio drummer Peter Fredlander, and so should have a natural and realistic feel. Available to download now, Songwriter’s Drumpack 2 costs just £14.
