EZdrummer Vs Superior Drummer: Which Drum Software Is Best?

Hey guys! So, you're diving into the world of virtual drums and trying to figure out whether EZdrummer or Superior Drummer is the right choice for you? It's a common dilemma because both are fantastic pieces of software from Toontrack, but they cater to slightly different needs and levels of experience. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand, so you can make an informed decision.

Understanding the Basics

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s establish what these programs are. Both EZdrummer and Superior Drummer are virtual drum instruments. This means they are software that allows you to create realistic drum tracks using MIDI. Instead of recording a live drummer, you can program beats, fills, and grooves using a MIDI keyboard, electronic drum kit, or even just your mouse. The software then plays these MIDI notes using high-quality samples of real drums, recorded in professional studios. The result? Drum tracks that sound incredibly authentic and professional.

The key difference lies in the level of control, detail, and expansion options each offers. Think of EZdrummer as the streamlined, user-friendly option, perfect for songwriters and producers who want great-sounding drums quickly and easily. Superior Drummer, on the other hand, is the deep-dive, fully customizable powerhouse, designed for serious drum enthusiasts, professional producers, and sound engineers who demand the utmost control over every aspect of their drum sound.

EZdrummer: Simplicity and Speed

EZdrummer is all about ease of use and getting great results fast. It’s designed for songwriters and producers who want to focus on the music, not get bogged down in endless tweaking. If you need high-quality drum tracks without a steep learning curve, EZdrummer is your friend. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Intuitive Interface: The interface is clean, uncluttered, and incredibly easy to navigate. You can quickly find the sounds and grooves you need without getting lost in menus.
• Extensive Groove Library: EZdrummer comes with a vast library of pre-recorded MIDI grooves played by professional drummers. You can easily browse these grooves, drag and drop them into your DAW, and customize them to fit your song.
• Song Creator: This is one of EZdrummer's killer features. You can drag and drop a groove into the Song Creator, and EZdrummer will automatically generate variations, fills, and song structures based on that groove. It’s an amazing time-saver for songwriting.
• EZmix Integration: EZdrummer integrates seamlessly with Toontrack’s EZmix plugin, allowing you to quickly apply professionally designed mixing presets to your drum tracks.
• Affordable: Compared to Superior Drummer, EZdrummer is significantly more affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.

Who is EZdrummer for?

• Songwriters who want to quickly create realistic drum tracks.
• Producers who need a fast and easy way to add drums to their projects.
• Beginners who are new to virtual drums and want a simple, user-friendly interface.
• Anyone who wants great-sounding drums without a lot of tweaking and customization.

With EZdrummer, you're essentially getting a toolkit designed for speed and efficiency. The focus is on providing a streamlined workflow that allows you to create professional-sounding drum tracks without getting bogged down in technical details. It's perfect for those who value simplicity and want to stay focused on the bigger picture of their music.

Superior Drummer: Depth and Customization

Now, let’s talk about Superior Drummer. This is the big brother of EZdrummer, offering a vastly expanded set of features and options for those who demand the ultimate control over their drum sound. If you’re a professional producer, sound engineer, or serious drum enthusiast, Superior Drummer is likely the tool for you. Here’s what sets it apart:

• In-Depth Sound Customization: Superior Drummer offers an unparalleled level of control over every aspect of the drum sound. You can adjust the tuning, damping, and microphone levels for each individual drum. You can even swap out individual drum components, like snare wires or kick drum beaters.
• Advanced Routing and Mixing: Superior Drummer features a built-in mixer with a wide range of effects, including EQ, compression, reverb, and more. You can route individual drum channels to different outputs in your DAW for even more mixing flexibility.
• Extensive Sample Library: Superior Drummer comes with a large and detailed sample library, recorded in world-class studios. The samples are multi-layered, meaning they capture the nuances of how a drum sounds at different velocities. This results in a more realistic and dynamic drum sound.
• Custom MIDI Mapping: You can customize the MIDI mapping to match your electronic drum kit or MIDI controller. This allows you to play the drums in a way that feels natural and intuitive.
• Expandability: Superior Drummer is highly expandable, with a wide range of expansion packs available. These expansion packs offer new drum kits, grooves, and sounds, allowing you to tailor Superior Drummer to your specific musical needs.

Who is Superior Drummer for?

• Professional producers and sound engineers who demand the ultimate control over their drum sound.
• Serious drum enthusiasts who want to tweak every aspect of their drum sound.
• Users of electronic drum kits who want a realistic and customizable drum sound.
• Anyone who needs a wide range of drum kits and sounds for different musical genres.

With Superior Drummer, the emphasis is on depth and flexibility. It provides you with a comprehensive set of tools to shape and sculpt your drum sound to perfection. Whether you're aiming for a pristine, polished sound or a raw, aggressive tone, Superior Drummer gives you the power to achieve your vision. The level of detail and customization is truly impressive, making it a favorite among professionals who demand the best.

Key Differences at a Glance

To make things even clearer, here’s a table summarizing the key differences between EZdrummer and Superior Drummer:

Making the Right Choice

So, which one should you choose? The answer depends on your needs, experience level, and budget. If you’re just starting out, or if you want a quick and easy way to add great-sounding drums to your songs, EZdrummer is an excellent choice. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and comes with a ton of great sounds and grooves. You can create professional-quality drum tracks in minutes, without getting bogged down in technical details.

On the other hand, if you’re a professional producer or sound engineer, or if you’re simply a drum enthusiast who wants the ultimate control over your drum sound, Superior Drummer is the way to go. It offers an unparalleled level of customization and flexibility, allowing you to create drum sounds that are truly unique. It's a more significant investment, but the level of detail and control it provides is well worth the cost for those who demand the best.

Consider your workflow and how much time you want to spend tweaking sounds. If you prefer a streamlined process and want to focus on the music, EZdrummer is the better option. If you enjoy experimenting with sounds and want to dive deep into the technical aspects of drum production, Superior Drummer will be more rewarding.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to try both programs for yourself. Toontrack offers trial versions of both EZdrummer and Superior Drummer, so you can get a feel for each program and see which one fits your workflow best. Download the trials, experiment with the sounds and features, and see which one inspires you the most.

Exploring Expansion Packs

Both EZdrummer and Superior Drummer offer a variety of expansion packs, which can significantly expand the sonic possibilities of each program. These expansion packs typically include new drum kits, grooves, and MIDI patterns, tailored to specific genres or styles. Exploring these expansion packs can be a great way to customize your drum library and find the perfect sounds for your music.

For EZdrummer, the expansion packs are called EZXs, and they cover a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to metal and jazz. Each EZX pack is designed to be easy to use and integrates seamlessly with the EZdrummer interface. They’re a great way to add new flavors to your drum tracks without having to learn a whole new program.

For Superior Drummer, the expansion packs are called SDXs, and they offer a more in-depth and detailed approach. Each SDX pack is recorded in a world-class studio and includes a wide range of microphone positions and articulations. They’re designed for serious drum enthusiasts who want the ultimate in sound quality and flexibility.

When choosing expansion packs, consider the genres and styles you typically work in. If you’re a rock producer, you might want to check out the Rock Solid EZX for EZdrummer or the Rock Foundry SDX for Superior Drummer. If you’re a metal producer, you might prefer the Metal Machine EZX or the Death & Darkness SDX. There are also expansion packs that focus on specific drummers or drum sounds, such as the Neil Peart Drums SDX or the Vintage Rock EZX.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both EZdrummer and Superior Drummer are powerful tools for creating realistic drum tracks. EZdrummer is the perfect choice for songwriters and producers who want a quick and easy way to add great-sounding drums to their songs, while Superior Drummer is ideal for professional producers and drum enthusiasts who demand the ultimate control over their drum sound. Consider your needs, experience level, and budget when making your decision, and don’t be afraid to try both programs out for yourself. With the right tool, you can create drum tracks that will take your music to the next level. Happy drumming!