Sounds & Samples
In Session Audio have been releasing a strong and consistent line of Kontakt-based instruments for the last few years, with Drumatic Creator the latest to make use of their graphics and sound design expertise.
Drumatic Creator is certainly not the first instrument or library aimed at epic or cinematic ensemble drum styles – and there a number of different approaches to achieving a convincing result – but In Session Audio have aimed to provide flexibility in terms of playback and sound selection. Their approach is based around recording each drum separately – rather than as a full ensemble – therefore allowing the user to select the number and type (plus tuning, relative level and other parameters) of drums in a group, as well as the precision with which they are played. Each group (containing up to nine simultaneously-triggered drums) is triggered by a pair of keys, and there are up to 15 groups in total. The raw recordings for these groups fall into drum and percussion categories, but there is also additional ‘auxiliary’ sounds that can be mapped singly to a further 18 keys. On loading the instrument, it is immediately clear how to use and employ the various elements – with the NKS-compatible colour-coded keys guiding you to the various groups and sounds. The results are impressive, with a some excellent snapshot presets and MIDI patterns to get you going.
Despite the range of parameters that are on offer, editing or creating your own drum/percussion groups is quite straightforward, with full control over the amp envelope, tuning, level, pan and filtering of each underlying sound. An import component here is the Unity parameter, which determines the timing (looseness vs tightness) of the ‘players’ in each of the groups. This really makes a difference to the realism of the final result. For quick group editing or creation, there are some additional randomisation buttons which include further options for limiting the process to more useful outcomes.
Samples have been captured in Close, Mid, Far and Room mic configurations (at seven velocity layers with six round-robin variations per layer), with controls for assigning outputs and adjusting the ‘range’ (distance) of the chosen mic channel. Everything is also processed through an IR-based EQ and compressor/saturation ‘drive’ section, IR reverb, parametric EQ and high/low-pass filter sections.
The included MIDI patterns are a nice addition, and are a good way of auditioning sounds. However, although patterns can be dragged into your DAW for editing, it would have been nice to have had access to some built-in sequencing capabilities, similar to those in Shimmer Shake Strike (which is better equipped in this area). For those looking for even more sonic variation, the creators have a track record of offering expansion packs for their products, so expect the same for Dramatic Creator.
Another well-designed and easy-to-use plugin from In Session Audio. However, don’t mistake this for a lack of power, as the results can be excellent – and not just for movie-based music. Bruce Aisher insessionaudio.com VERDICT 9.0