ProDrummer 2

EastWest's ProDrummer Volume 2 represents a comprehensive drum production environment that combines sampled instruments with professional mixing and processing tools. The core offering centers on approximately 40GB of drum kit recordings - Craviotto, Ludwig, Tama, Slingerland, Gretsch, Istanbul, and Zildjian instruments captured across three distinct room perspectives and performed by Matt Chamberlain. These sessions were produced by Joe Chiccarelli and Doug Rogers, lending credibility to the sonics and mix decisions embedded in the pre-configured kits.

Beyond the samples themselves, the plugin functions as a fully featured drum workstation. The software includes a built-in sequencer, over 14,000 MIDI grooves searchable by style and context, and a velocity processor for dynamic control. Individual drum channels receive processing chains featuring SSL EQ and dynamics modules, a transient shaper, and the SSL Stereo Bus Compressor - gear choices reflecting actual studio practice. Additional processors include Ohmicide multiband tools and a convolution reverb engine with 726 presets, alongside an amp simulator with 80 presets.

The architecture prioritizes direct usability. Rather than overwhelming users with raw samples, EastWest provides factory drum kits mixed by experienced producers, immediately available for composition work. The groove library enables rapid assembly of complete drum arrangements within the plugin before export to a DAW, or direct integration via MIDI.

ProDrummer Volume 2 suits producers seeking pre-vetted, professionally recorded drum sounds with legitimate mixing tools, particularly those working in pop, rock, and commercial contexts where established drum tones serve the material effectively.