Get the Best from EZdrummer Using MultiChannel Functions

ToonTrack EZdrummer is a great resource to obtain incredible drum sounds from a virtual instrument. But if we want to get more from this plug, we have to use the multichannel function, obtaining the possibility to mix and process each piece of our drum kit, like real played drums. So lets see how to do it.

Step 1

CreateMultioutputsEZdrummer Instance

First of all create a new EZdrummer instance, selecting Multioutputs.

Now well be able to divide our drum kit pieces in different channels.

Step 2

ChooseOutputsforEachPiece of Drumkit

By opening the internal mixer of the EZdrummer plugin, click on the Track Tab, and choose Multichannel mode.

Step 3

CheckDrumsChannel

How we can see, in multichannel mode each piece (except toms) has its channel, grouped in Channel 5. Remember that each EZdrummer kit has a particular channel, depending on the drum kit configuration.

Step 4

ExpandEZdrummerInstance ChannelonLogic9 Mixer

This is the most important operation to do if we want to mix EZdrummer like a real drum kit. By clicking on the + symbol at the bottom of the Instrument Channel, we have the possibility to expand the EZdrummer instance on different channels.

Step 5

Creationof AuxiliaryChannels thatContainEZdrummerOutputs

After you click the + button, we see that Logic creates auxiliary channels, depending by the number of outputs of EZdrummer. Now we start to see our Multichannel Drum.

Step 6

RenameAuxandCheck Outputs

At this moment were able to rename each aux, dividing each piece of our drum kit like real drums. Check each sound and order your kit. This is the default order of EZdrummer Studio Kit: Kick / Snare Top / Snare Bottom / HH / Toms / OverHeads / Room. Obviously each kit has different outputs.

Step 7

CheckourToms

As we can see, each piece (except toms) has its own channel, grouped together on Channel 5 of the EZdrummer mixer. In this case on Aux 4 of Logic 9. Check the auxiliary by playing each tom, and rename it. Logic also creates by default Aux 7 (as we can see) but in this case we can delete it. It is used on other drum kit of EZdrummer for the CompRoom channel, that is not present on Studio Default Drumkit. So, pass over it.

Step 8

CreateourChannelsonthe ArrangeWindowsof Logic9

Our drum is ready, but now we want to see it also on our arrange window, to make operations like using a real drum. So close the Mixer Window and create a new audio ( remember AUDIO ) track. Dont worry about which type of track because we use it only to reassign our Auxiliary Channel.

Step 9

ReassignAudioTrackto EZdrummerInstanceChannels

Now we have to reassign our new audio track, Right click on it and choose Reassign Track Mixer Aux and choose our Kit Channels.

Step 10

RepeatforEachChannelof ourEZdrummerKit

Very simple, repeat this operation for each channel of our drumkit and were ready to mix our virtual real drum kit, just like an audio file.

Step 11

Startto SetOurDrumwithEQ andCompression FirstChannel Kick

And here we are! Now start to add to our drum as we want. Remember the instrument track now contains only Kick Channel, so add EQ and compression as you like. Listen and check it, and pass over.

Step 12

SnareandAll theRest

Go now on Snare Top channel, and process it as you like. Add EQ and compression. Finally you can mix you drum like a real pro, so enjoy yourself by processing each channel.

Step 13

LevelsonMixer

Remember that now youre using a real drum kit, so after you complete your operations on the Channel Strip, check and mix by using faders on the Mixer Window. This will help give you the feeling of a played drum.

Step 14

Groupyourdrumona Stereo Busto ControlIt OnEachMomentBy OneFader

Busses are very important on mixing a track, this because you can control your complete kit with one fader, without altering your channels balance. A useful trick is to put a limiter on your drum kit bus to pump it, but also to control it on the entire mix. So click on each channels output and assign it on a stereo bus.

Step 15

CheckandRenameBus

Now each channel of your drum kit is assigned to one stereo bus. Play the drum part and check it. Rename your bus as Drum.

Step 16

DisplayDrumBusonArrange

Window
As for the drums channels, we want to display our bus on the Arrange Window, to control and change it in real time. So create another audio track

Step 17

AssignTrackto Bus

As in Step 9, assign it to Bus Drum Aux.

Step 18

CleanYourArrangement

Its very important to clean and order your Arrange Window. So help yourself with colours and other hidden function of Logic Pro.

Step 19

CheckyourSpace

Click on H button of each track but Drum Bus. Now Logic Pro Arrange is clean, on your Bus Drum Aux you can control each channel of your drum kit. Just reclick the H button (displayed in orange ) to view each track again.

Step 20

MakeYourChoiceandEnjoy yourDrumKit

Now you have all elements to mix, process, destroy (if you want) your drum kit. Make you choice of EQ, compression, and everything you can imagine. Give attention to velocity, length and quantisation of your MIDI track.