The Best 24 EZ Drummers: Simplify Your Drumming with These Portable Kits

Ez Drummer presents an innovative approach to drum triggering, merging hardware and software to capture and process acoustic drum sounds. Our roundup examines the key aspects of this system, comparing its performance in triggering, sustain, and overall sound quality to help you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Toontrack EZdrummer 3

When you're short on time or cash for a real drum kit, EZdrummer 3 gives you studio-quality snare hits and pristine cymbal crashes at the click of a button. Unlike some virtual drum programs that make you wrestle with complicated interfaces, this software breezes through setup – I plugged in my Alesis Nitro set and was nailing fills in no time. The sound difference is huge: I've gone from decent-but-generic drum tracks to ones that sound like they were recorded in a proper studio.

Toontrack EZdrummer 3

With EZdrummer 3, you get your own virtual drummer that makes adding percussion and drums to your songs incredibly easy. The download bundle includes the full EZdrummer 3 software along with two extra EZX libraries, giving you plenty of drum sounds to choose from. Perfect for songwriters and producers looking to enhance their tracks without the need for a real drummer.

Made of Metal EZX

The Made of Metal expansion pack captures the raw power and precision of metal drumming through four premium kits from DW, Mapex, Tama, and Truth. With Jason Bowld's expert drumming and Colin Richardson's studio production, every hit and resonance brings out the character of these world-class instruments. The included MIDI grooves and versatile kit presets make it a flexible addition to any metal or hard rock production, while the extra snare, kick, and tom options give you the freedom to create expansive drum textures.

Toontrack EZdrummer 3 MIDI Edition Download

Combining Toontrack's complete EZdrummer 3 suite with six customized drum MIDI packs, this download gives you the freedom to tailor your drumming experience to your exact preferences. It's a smart choice for taking your practice sessions or productions to the next level, offering flexibility and quality that's hard to beat.

Toontrack EZX Metal!

Toontrack's Metal! EZX pack transforms your drum software with nine meticulously engineered kits from industry veterans. At its core is raw drum audio captured in Norway's Tanken Studio, which Mark Lewis, Jason Suecof, and Daniel Bergstrand then shaped into the metal-heavy grooves you'll love. Whether you're tracking new parts or arranging a full song, this pack delivers the heavy sounds metalheads crave.

Toontrack in The Pocket EZX: Organic Drum Samples

When you're tracking drums in the box and need that organic feel, you can't beat the real deal. That's exactly what Ash Soan delivers with these organic drum samples. The recordings capture his signature touch, giving your digital tracks that special something that only comes from real drums. Perfect for when you want your beats to sound lived-in and authentic.

Toontrack Jazz EZX

When legendary drummer Roy "Futureman" Wooten took his unique approach to sampled drums into the studio, he created something special. Together with Toontrack, he crafted this expansion pack as an upgrade for their EZdrummer software, adding authentic jazz and funk rhythms that go beyond basic timekeeping. The result is a detailed collection of sampled drums and percussion that lets you explore the complex grooves and brush techniques that define modern jazz playing.

Toontrack Twisted Kit EZX

This drum kit brings a new edge to your music with its unconventional sounds. From regular drums to creative uses of trashcans and furniture, it gives you a wide range of textures to work with. The included MIDI files make it easy to integrate these unique percussion elements into your tracks.

Toontrack Progressive EZX Boxed

The Toontrack Progressive EZX brings a wealth of metallic character to your EZ Drummer 2 setup with its detailed progressive metal and heavy rock kits. Custom-recorded by engineer Forrester Savell, these three complete setups deliver impressive realism with sample choices that span from subtle brush work to aggressive snares. While some users might notice a slight delay when switching kits, the overall performance and sound quality have earned this expansion pack high praise from those who've integrated it into their workflows.

Toontrack EZX Dream Pop

This imaginative drum collection blends classic acoustic sounds with electronic textures, featuring over 250 instruments including chromatic pads and evolving filter loops. The 29 preset kits and MIDI grooves unlock endless creative possibilities for modern pop and electronic music production.

Toontrack Drumkit from Hell

A collection of vintage and modern drum kits that adds serious metal credibility to your EZ Drummer setup. The included MIDI files make it super easy to get those killer grooves going. The updated graphics and great sound quality make this expansion pack a solid addition to your virtual drum collection.

Toontrack EZX Gospel Download

The Toontrack EZX Gospel pack gives your drum machines some serious soul, with samples courtesy of legendary studio drummer Calvin Rodgers at Paragon Studios in Nashville. Whether you're channeling 1940s nostalgia or contemporary worship music, this pack nails the authentic gospel sound with its detailed kits and genre-typical grooves. The included MIDI files make it super easy to integrate these rich drum parts into your tracks.

Toontrack EZX Funkmasters

The Toontrack EZX Funkmasters delivers authentic drum sounds from Clyde Stubblefield and John "Jab'o" Starks, perfect for hip hop and urban music production. The included MIDI patterns offer a solid starting point for songwriting, while the clean samples work well across various genres from rock to singer-songwriter styles. Users praise the kit's versatility and the high-quality multisamples that add realism to recordings.

Toontrack EZX Number 1 Hits

This comprehensive collection gives you instant access to iconic drum machine sounds from the '80s, including authentic Linn, TR-909, and TR-808 tones. Production pro Niklas Flyckt's expertise shines through in every sample, with precise mixing and MIDI files included for seamless integration into your projects. Whether you're new to EZX or a veteran user, these pre-mixed kits make creating great-sounding tracks faster and more intuitive than ever.

Toontrack EZX Rock!

Neil Dorfsman's rock drum library comes with eight unique kits crafted from decades of studio experience. Each kit blends different drum sets and features samples from renowned studios like Allaire and Blackbird. The collection, designed for both ambient and modern rock, offers natural-sounding drums with minimal processing needed.

Toontrack Drums of Destruction

Recorded in Orange County's Hybrid Studios by acclaimed producer Josh Wilbur, the Toontrack Drums of Destruction EZX packs an impressive punch with its two kit variations. The collection features three kick drums and five snares, all expertly sampled by Lamb of God's own Chris Adler. Whether you're blasting through metal classics or building your own tracks from scratch, these mix-ready presets will give your drumming setup a serious upgrade.

Toontrack Superior Drummer 3.0 Crossgrade Kit

The Toontrack Superior Drummer 3.0 takes virtual drum production to new heights with its expansive 230GB library of premium samples recorded at Galaxy Studios. The intuitive yet powerful interface lets you craft custom drum tones with unprecedented detail, while features like the advanced Tracker AI make it incredibly versatile for both live recording and production. Whether you're a pro producer or a studio musician, this modern drum studio gives you the tools to create realistic, studio-quality drum tracks with complete control over every element.

Toontrack Big Rock Drums

The five classic rock drum kits capture the authentic sounds of 1970s rock bands, with engineering by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb ensuring every detail shines through. Whether you're jamming with a guitar or tracking your drum parts, these versatile kits deliver big, punchy sounds that cut through any mix. With its detailed accuracy and stellar reviews, Big Rock Drums earns its top rating among drum libraries.

Toontrack EZX Nashville

Engineered by Grammy Award-winner Chuck Ainlay, the warm and authentic sounds of the Toontrack EZX Nashville expand beyond traditional country, serving every genre from hip-hop to bluegrass. The collection offers extensive variations including stick, brush, and finger techniques on every drum, backed by high-quality MIDI performances covering everything from ballads to breakbeats.

Toontrack EZX Pop

If you're into pop, rock, or dance music, this Toontrack pack delivers 10 different drum kits with loads of extra percussion. The drum sounds are modern with that extra low tone, while the MIDI files give you plenty of creative options for your beats. Between the 10 custom kits and all those extra percussion pieces, it's got versatility to spare.

Toontrack Superior Drummer 2 Software

Superior Drummer 2 combines a massive 20GB sample library with Toontrack's industry-leading sample engine, giving you unprecedented control over your virtual drum kit. The software reads and combines all Superior and EZdrummer sound libraries, while built-in features like 5-band EQ and room mic bleed simulation help you shape each hit just right. Whether you're capturing authentic acoustic tones or crafting complex digital grooves, this powerful package delivers studio-quality results with the flexibility to match any production style.

Toontrack EZdrummer 3

If you're an EZdrummer 1 or 2 owner looking to upgrade, here's what you need to know. The software gives you creative control over a comprehensive set of features for creating full drum tracks. While the minimum system requirements are fairly basic—Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.10 with 4GB RAM—it's a significant upgrade that brings improved performance and sound quality. Many users praise its ease of use and the superb drum sounds, though compatibility issues have been reported with some DAWs.

Toontrack EZX EZdrummer 2 Core Library

This Toontrack EZX library captures drums in both modern and vintage styles, recorded by a studio pros at British Grove Studios in London. It's like having two drummers in your computer – one with pristine modern tones and another with warm classic sounds. Whether you're writing a hip-hop beat or a jazz groove, you'll find plenty of inspiration in these 900 pre-recorded parts and five complete drum sets.

Toontrack EZX Reggae Download

This reggae drum library captures the genre's distinctive feel with two customized Yamaha kits, complete with alternative tuning options. The included percussion adds authentic reggae flavor, from steel drums to hand-played timbales. Whether you're tracking a full band or laying down tracks on your own, these sounds nail the character of classic reggae while offering versatility for other styles.

Buyer's Guide

Ez Drummer is a software solution that helps drummers practice and improve their skills through interactive exercises. These digital tutors provide structured lessons and immediate feedback, making them valuable tools for drummers of all levels. Understanding the key features and considerations for Ez Drummer will help you find the right system for your practice needs.

Software Features

Most Ez Drummer systems include a comprehensive library of exercises covering various technical aspects of drumming. The software typically allows customization of practice settings, such as speed and difficulty levels. Some versions also offer video lessons, additional audio tracks, and progress tracking features to help monitor your improvement.

Hardware Requirements

The basic version of Ez Drummer works with standard drum pads connected to your computer. For more advanced features, you may need specific hardware like MIDI-enabled pads or specialized input devices. Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running the software smoothly.

Portability and Connectivity

Many modern Ez Drummer systems are designed for convenience, with versions that can run on tablets or smartphones. This wireless functionality allows you to practice anywhere you have a compatible device and internet connection. Check if your preferred version offers reliable connectivity during practice sessions to avoid disruptions.

Value and Cost Considerations

Ez Drummer products vary in price depending on the features included. Consider whether the additional costs are justified by the specific benefits you need, such as video lessons or extensive exercise libraries. Look for options that offer flexible subscription plans if you're unsure about committing to a full version.

FAQ

What is Ez Drummer?

Ez Drummer is a collection of virtual drum kits and percussion sounds for digital audio workstations. It offers both realistic samples and electronic drum tones, suitable for various production styles.

The system requires a computer with compatible software and can run on both Mac and Windows operating systems. It includes multiple drummers with different playing styles and dynamics for versatility.

How does Ez Drummer work?

To use Ez Drummer, you need to download and install it as an audio plugin in your digital audio workstation (DAW). You can then select individual drum kits, configure the settings, and trigger the sounds in real-time during your session.

The virtual drummers respond to MIDI input, allowing for automated drum parts or live triggering through MIDI controllers. You can adjust parameters like performance style, velocity, and timing for creative control over the drumming.

Is Ez Drummer suitable for all music genres?

Ez Drummer provides both acoustic drum samples and electronic elements, making it versatile for various genres. While it excels in pop, rock, and electronic music, it may not replicate the specific characteristics of jazz, classical, or traditional world music completely.

For genres requiring very specific drumming styles or complex orchestral elements, users often combine Ez Drummer with additional sample libraries or live drumming. The system works best for contemporary pop, rock, and electronic music production.

What hardware do I need to use Ez Drummer?

The minimum system requirements for running Ez Drummer include a computer with a modern multi-core processor, 64-bit operating system, and at least 8GB of RAM. A graphics card with DirectX 11 support is recommended for smooth operation.

You'll need a computer keyboard with MIDI capabilities or a compatible MIDI controller to trigger the drum parts. Additionally, having a DAW software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Ableton Link installed will allow you to integrate the drummers into your workflow.

Can I use Ez Drummer with virtual instruments?

Ez Drummer integrates seamlessly with most popular virtual instrument host software, including Native Instruments Kontakt, Steinberg VST, and Avid Audio Units. Many users combine the drummers with other virtual instruments to create complete session setups.

The system also works with standalone applications that support MIDI input, making it versatile for different production environments. Users often run multiple instances of the drummers alongside other instruments for complex sessions.

What are the licensing options for Ez Drummer?

Ez Drummer offers both retail and licensing options. The retail version allows one user to install the software on a single computer, while the licensing option enables usage on multiple computers under the same owner's account.

The system provides various subscription models, including annual and monthly plans, for ongoing access and updates. Users typically choose based on their specific usage requirements and budget constraints.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, we receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you.