Sound Design: Resonators
We looked at the Decades expansion pack for Toontrack’s Superior Drummer a few months back, and here we have another way of extending its sound palette beyond the already hefty 230GB+ factory library. Once again Toontrack have combined a Grammy winner with a legendary location – this time it’s Michael Ilbert and Hansa Studios in Berlin. Although best known for his pop work with Swedish superproducer Max Martin, Michael Ilbert started out working with punk and rock acts. He continues to build a varied and eclectic repertoire, and has overseen the recording and mix of this SDX from the comfort of his own Hansa-based room.
Hansa Tonstudio needs little introduction, and although somewhat pared-down in technical scale – and now possessing less of the strange allure that existed before the Berlin Wall fell – it’s still very much alive. The Rooms of Hansa contains six full kit configurations, and makes use of four different acoustic spaces. The available kits do vary for each space, but they are well chosen and tailored to the room in question. There are four different kits recorded in the bright, but moderately-sized, Marble Room. The range of timbres is wide, and there are multiple mix variations for each kit, with some also making use of the Hansa staircase for extra ambience. However, for sheer heft, the Meistersaal is the room to head for. Now largely given over to events, and only occasionally used for recording, this is a truly iconic space, and is captured with a single kit. Again, though, there are a wide range of mix options to keep you happy.
Things shrink again with the two kits recorded in the vocal booth. Although very dry, the results are superb – punchy and clear, but also warm. Some dry drum recordings can sound charmless, but these are vibey and extremely useable. The live room recording sits between all of these, and make use of a 1970s LA kit (the only true vintage one brought in for the sessions).
This is another fine addition to Superior Drummer and features some absolutely superb recordings. Beyond the default mix presets, you also get some fantastic, characterful versions from Michael IIbert and the Toontrack team (which take the processing further to deliver some excellent tonal variations). For those who need immediate drum tracks, there is also a designated library of MIDI patterns to go with each space.
Ultimately, this is a wide ranging and very powerful expansion, and one which could find use across a wide range of styles. Highly recommended. Bruce Aisher toontrack.com
VERDICT 9.6