- Publisher: Toontrack
- Product: Modern Retro EZX
- Release: ViP Team
- Version: 1.0.1
- Format: EZX Sound Expansion
- Requirements: EZdrummer 3.0.6 or Superior Drummer 3.3.6 and higher
In music production, finding that perfect drum sound is often the cornerstone of a great track. You want character, depth, and authenticity, but you also need punch, clarity, and versatility to fit contemporary mixes. It’s a balance that can be challenging to strike.
Many producers chase the sound of classic records – that warm, resonant timbre of drums from the mid-20th century. But bringing those vintage kits into a modern studio setup often involves significant hurdles, from sourcing rare instruments to finding the right recording environment and engineering expertise.
What if you could access that unmistakable vintage drum sound, captured with audiophile precision and delivered in a format ready for today’s productions?
Welcome the Toontrack Modern Retro EZX – a unique expansion for EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3 that bridges the gap between timeless character and modern sonic demands. This isn’t just a collection of old drums; it’s a meticulously curated library designed to give your tracks a sound that is both deeply rooted in the past and perfectly suited for the present.
A Sound Defined by History and Innovation
The core concept behind the Modern Retro EZX was to capture the soul of vintage drums while leveraging the clarity and control of modern recording techniques. This EZX features a handpicked collection of unique kits from the mid-1900s era. These instruments possess an inherent earthy, organic, resonant, and vivid sound that is difficult to replicate with contemporary drums.
To achieve this specific blend of vintage timbre and modern fidelity, the recording location was crucial. The team chose the renowned Svenska Grammofonstudion (SGS) in Gothenburg, Sweden. This studio is legendary, not just for the endless stream of iconic artists who have recorded there, but for its main live room. With an impressive 10-meter ceiling height, it offers plenty of natural air and resonance, yet maintains a remarkably contained ambience. This acoustic environment was perfect for capturing drums that are tight enough for modern pocket-style beats while still retaining the natural, timeless vintage character of the instruments.
Adding another layer of authentic vintage flair, the kits in this EZX were prominently outfitted with calf- and cowskin heads. These heads are distinct from modern synthetic alternatives, providing a uniquely thick, lush, warm, yet characteristically ringy old-school sound that contributes significantly to the overall vintage timbre of the EZX.
Engineered by a Master, Played by an Expert
Bringing this vision to life required a team with both deep technical skill and musical sensitivity. The Modern Retro EZX was expertly engineered by Christoffer Berg, a producer and mixer celebrated for his work with artists like Depeche Mode, The Knife, and Fever Ray – artists who masterfully blend electronic and organic elements. Berg’s expertise ensured that every nuance of these unique drums was captured with stunning detail and sonic integrity.
The drumming itself was handled by Christopher Cantillo, a versatile and in-demand drummer known for his work with artists spanning genres from pop (Carly Rae Jepsen) to soul (Mayer Hawthorne) and contemporary Swedish jazz/soul (Dina Ögon). Cantillo’s feel and understanding of groove were essential in bringing these vintage kits to life during the sampling process.
The recording process utilized a combination of obligatory close mics for punch and detail, alongside two distinct mid/side configurations – one exclusively using ribbon microphones for a classic, warm, and natural room sound, and another employing tube microphones to capture a different flavor of vintage resonance and air. This dual approach provides exceptional flexibility when shaping the overall drum sound in your mix.
Meet the Kits: Gems from the Past
The heart of the Modern Retro EZX lies in its collection of three extremely rare and unique kits, all sourced from the mid-1900s era and built by the esteemed Levin brand:
- The Bandstand Kit: A true piece of drum kit history, this kit dates back to the 1940s/1950s and has roots in the marching band tradition. Featuring original calfskin kick heads and cowskin tom heads, it delivers a unique woody attack and a thick, resonant bass drum sound captured with a sheep’s fur beater. This kit offers configurations with both regular and wires-off snare sounds, paying homage to the evolution of the drum kit.
- The Motor Town Kit: Named in tribute to Gothenburg’s industrial heritage, this kit also hails from the 1940s/1950s. It features a mix of calfskin (kick and rack tom) and coated (floor tom) heads. With a more modern tuning approach on the kick for a shorter decay and thinner calfskins on the toms, plus an amazing set of vintage cymbals, this kit is perfect for crafting thick, juicy pockets in styles like singer-songwriter, soul, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and pop. It includes regular, wires off, and toweled configurations for maximum versatility.
- The Transatlantic Kit: Representing the jazz and club kits of the early 1950s, influenced by the burgeoning US music scene, this kit features a smaller bass drum and a less deep snare – archetypical of the era. Equipped with calfskin heads on the kick and toms, and featuring a snare choice favored by legendary jazz drummers, this kit was tuned with a slightly higher pitch, reminiscent of the 1960s British pop revolution, offering a bright yet warm vintage snap.
In addition to the main kits, the EZX includes a selection of additional instruments, providing further tonal options. Explore different kicks (Pearl/Levin models in various sizes and tunings), several unique snares (including a custom Anton Jonsson, a Levin Turqoise Sparkle, an Ajax Piccolo, and a Ludwig Jazz Festival), and a distinct 10″ Levin Rivets hi-hat.
Mix-Ready Sounds & Creative Inspiration
To get you started instantly, the Modern Retro EZX comes packed with a wealth of mix-ready presets. These presets showcase the incredible versatility of the kits, ranging from raw, naturally organic mixes that highlight the drums’ inherent timbre to absolute contrasting sounds involving complex chains of saturation, distortion, compression, and more. Whether you’re looking for a clean, authentic vintage tone or something edgy and bordering on electronic, the presets provide a perfect starting point or final polish.
Furthermore, the EZX includes a basic library of MIDI grooves and fills performed by sampling drummer Christopher Cantillo. These MIDI files are tailored specifically for the included kits and draw inspiration from a wide range of styles, from laid-back singer-songwriter feels to more beat-centric contemporary rhythms. They offer excellent starting points for previewing kits, sparking new ideas, or quickly building drum tracks.
Why the Modern Retro EZX?
Because vintage never truly gets old – it becomes timeless. The Modern Retro EZX offers:
- Authentic Vintage Sound: Genuine mid-1900s kits with period-correct calf- and cowskin heads.
- Modern Sonic Quality: Captured with high fidelity in a world-class studio by an acclaimed engineer.
- Unmatched Versatility: Ideal for a broad spectrum of genres, from acoustic pop to gritty R&B.
- Professional Pedigree: Featuring the talent of Christoffer Berg and Christopher Cantillo.
- Creative Workflow: Mix-ready presets and inspiring MIDI get you producing instantly.
- Resourceful Design: Works seamlessly within EZdrummer 3 and Superior Drummer 3.
If you’re searching for drum sounds with character, warmth, and a touch of history, delivered with modern punch and flexibility, the Modern Retro EZX is the ultimate addition to your songwriting toolbox.
Get Your Timeless Sound Today
Ready to infuse your music with the rich character of vintage drums, recorded for the demands of modern production? Free download Modern Retro EZX now!