EST. 2012

Tag: Virtual Instrument

ToonTrack EZdrummer 2 [In Depth] Review
What is EZdrummer 2?

EZdrummer 2 is virtual drum instrument and software suite designed for music producers, songwriters, and recording engineers. This impressive program is a streamlined, user-friendly alternative to their more complex flagship product, Superior Drummer. In this exhaustive Toontrack EZdrummer 2 review, we’ll uncover its amazing features and benefits such as:
- Core Functionality: It allows users to create realistic drum performances using high-quality sampled audio. Unlike a simple loop library, it generates MIDI patterns that can be edited, allowing for custom grooves, fills, and variations.
- Sound Library: It comes with a base sound library (typically “Standard Rock”) but is designed to be expandable. Users can purchase additional “Expansion Packs” (like “Pop,” “Metal,” “Jazz,” or genre-specific packs) to access hundreds of new kits, cymbals, and percussion instruments.
- MIDI Grid & Drag-and-Drop: One of its most praised features is the intuitive interface. It includes a vast library of pre-programmed MIDI grooves and fills organized by genre and style. Users can simply drag and drop these patterns onto a timeline or click them to trigger playback.
- Mixing Tools: It includes built-in mixing controls, allowing users to adjust the volume, panning, and EQ of individual drum components (kick, snare, toms, overheads, room mics, etc.) directly within the plugin.
- Integration: It works as a VST, AU, or AAX plugin within Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Cubase, and Studio One.
- It also supports MIDI mapping for external drum controllers.
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July 8, 2014
ToonTrack EZkeys Review
What is EZkeys?

EZkeys is both a super cool virtual instrument AND a composition tool. Musicians, producers, and songwriters can now create hyper-realistic piano, keyboard, and electric piano parts without mastering advanced playing skills. This tool empowers creators at all levels to bring their visions to life. In this exhaustive Toontrack EZkeys review, we’ll investigate nifty features such as:
- MIDI Library: It comes with an extensive library of professionally recorded MIDI patterns covering various genres (pop, rock, jazz, classical, etc.). Users can drag and drop these patterns into their Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to instantly generate chord progressions and melodies.
- Virtual Instruments: EZkeys includes high-quality sampled instruments (like grand pianos, upright pianos, electric pianos, and organs) that play the MIDI data.
- Chord Progression Tool: One of its standout features is the ability to generate chord progressions based on music theory rules. Users can select a key and style, and the software suggests harmonically correct chords, which can then be customized.
- Integration: It works as a plugin within major DAWs (like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Pro Tools, etc.). It also functions as a standalone application.
- Customization: You can edit the generated MIDI notes, change voicings, adjust velocity, and modify the sound parameters to fit your specific production needs.
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July 7, 2013
EmberTone Shire Whistle Review
What is Shire Whistle?

Shire Whistle is a virtual instrument that recreates a traditional Irish feadóg (whistle). Its enchanting tone is reminiscent of the flute and whistle sounds you hear in the Lord of the Rings movies. It lures the listener in with its authentic charm and sonic character. In this detailed Embertone Shire Whistle review we’ll take a look at its key benefits such as:
- A sample-based virtual instrument designed for composers and producers seeking authentic Irish folk sounds
- Virtualized traditional Irish whistle with comprehensive articulations
- Designed to deliver an “Irish-spirit” sound for cinematic, folk, or world music projects
- Sample-based tones rather than synthesized, providing more authentic acoustic character
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June 25, 2013
Xils-Lab PolyKB II Review
What is PolyKB II?

PolyKB II is a VA (virtual-analog) synthesizer plugin that accurately emulates the rare early-1980s French RSF PolyKobol. The PolyKobol is legendary for its distinctive, unusual sound. Throughout this in-depth Xils-Lab PolyKB II review, I’ll tell you about PolyKB’s rich, authentic analog tone. Moreover, it captures the character of the original French synthesizer while adding modern conveniences for contemporary workflows.

Here are some key characteristics:
- Morphable analog oscillators – This is the iconic feature inherited from the original RSF PolyKobol, allowing unique oscillator morphing capabilities
- Polyphonic operation – Unlike many vintage emulations, it supports multiple notes simultaneously
- Enhanced modulation section – Significantly upgraded compared to the original hardware
- Improved graphical user interface – Modernized visual design for easier workflow
- Four built-in effects – High-quality effects processing included
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June 19, 2013
4Front Technologies True Pianos Review
What is 4Front True Pianos?

True Pianos is a classy virtual instrument that uses three different programmatic techniques: physical modeling, synthesis, and sampling. As a result, True Pianos is a hybrid piano plugin that feels responsive and expressive while using relatively little CPU and disk space. True Pianos sounds great, even though its digital footprint is diminutive. In this thorough 4Front Technologies True Pianos review, we’ll look into impressive features, such as:
- Multiple piano “modules”/models (American, German, Italian, Bechstein-style, Bösendorfer-style, etc.)
- Fast loading and low memory usage
- Good playability with varied MIDI keyboards
- Built-in resonance and pedal behavior
- Optimized for live performance and low latency
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April 14, 2013