Mesa Mark V and drum program comparison - SSD vs EZ Drummer

okstrat · Dec 3rd 2013

Kemper stuff - used some Mesa Mark V profiles I pulled of a friend's amp and a profile of a Hartke bass amp my bassist left here after a rehearsal.

Guitar stuff - Fender EJ strat with a Hot Rails in the bridge for harmonics, Rhythm guitars are a Jackson Archtop Soloist (San Dimas). Bass is a Jackson Concert.

The above is the same for both clips. Difference is - one track uses SSD drums, one uses EZ drummer. Same everything including midi tracks.

https://soundcloud.com/okstrat/shot-in-the-dark-ez-drummer

https://soundcloud.com/okstrat/shot-in-the-dark-ssd

meambobbo · Dec 3rd 2013

SSD sounds clearly a bit bigger and more balanced IMO. Snare sounds way beefier. I'm wondering if some compression and changing settings on EZDrummer's mixer would help make up some ground.

Ingolf · Dec 3rd 2013

SSD is known for having already a lot of processing (compression and EQ) going on.
Clearly audible here as well.

okstrat · Dec 3rd 2013

I bet you could dial it a lot closer, but those were 'out of the box' sounds, so to speak. I figured that would make a more valid comparison because otherwise you're listening to the skills of the guy in tweaking the drum tracks, not the programs. I will say for a novice the EZ Drummer is a lot quicker/easier to roll with - it automatically loads a drum set, for instance, you have to do that with the slate stuff and the install was much easier.

meambobbo · Dec 3rd 2013

EZDrummer is kind of a platform, too, with LOTS of different add-on sample/loop packs. I've never messed with SSD, but I have used Superior Drummer, and I didn't see much point to it unless you want to really spend time developing a more unique drum sound. but if you're going to do that, you could also just record your own drum samples. All the EZD add-ons offer a lot of variety, and there are lots of demo clips out there.

I don't like the SSD approach to compression - it's not going to always fit. I'd prefer more raw sounds (but not quite completely raw) where I can add the appropriate amount of compression, EQ, reverb, etc.

In my experience, I've always been able to get a good drum sound in a matter of minutes. Load EZD, load different pack, apply a vst compressor, eq (to boost a little notch for the kick), and reverb to the track. No need to go crazy on any of them - just a little bit to beef everything up. If the snare peaks are still too hot, that will get taken care of with a brick-wall limiter on the final mix down.

londonjeepster · Dec 3rd 2013

i tried most drum software but in the end i just stick with EZ and the basic rock/pop kit (although i have most of the expansions) its just a great sounding kit and the cymbals are the best i have heard. works for me anyway

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