Orchestral Percussion SDX Explained

In this in depth video tutorial series, Toontrack master Luke Oswald explains everything you need to know about the epic Orchestral Percussion SDX expansion library from Toontrack. Starting with how to install the expansion, coverage of all its features and functions, customization ideas, tips and tricks, and sound design examples, we have you covered when learning about this massive sound library for Superior Drummer 3.

Introduction & Installation

• Series Introduction (03:07) - Luke introduces you to the Orchestral Percussion expansion for Superior Drummer 3 and explains what you can expect from this series.

• Installing the Orchestral Percussion SDX (01:59) - Luke explains the installation process and Superior Drummer 3 requirements for using the Orchestral Percussion expansion library.

Orchestral Percussion Library I

• Orchestral Percussion I Instrument Overview (06:46) - Gat an overview of the instrument selection options within the Orchestral Percussion I portion of the library.

• Bass Drum Tools & Articulations (04:36) - Luke dives into the detail of instrument options, tool selections and articulation variations for the orchestral bass drum.

• Snare, Tom, Tools & Articulations (07:32) - Discover the instrument, tool and articulation options for the orchestral snares and toms.

• Timpani, Taikos, Tools & Articulations (04:25) - Luke now walks you through the different mallet types and articulation options for the Timpani and Taikos.

• Cymbals, Piattis & Articulations (06:35) - Learn about the different orchestral cymbal varieties and the many tool and articulation options available within the Orchestral Percussion I library.

• FX Cymbals, Plates, Tubular Bells, Tools & Articulations (05:07) - Luke demonstrates the eccentric variety of FX cymbals, thunderous plates and tubular bells available for your creative sound design.

• Gongs, Tam Tam, Tools & Articulations (07:12) - Luke discusses the gong instrument options along with the tam tam and explores all tool selections and a creative array of articulation possibilities.

Orchestral Percussion Library II

• Congos, Bongos & Boom-Bam (03:35) - Now jump to the Orchestral Percussion II portion of the expansion where a variety of percussion related drums are discussed in detail.

• Percussion Assortment 1 (07:13) - Luke explains and explores the wide ranging variety of percussion instruments along with their associated tool and articulation options from the Orchestral Percussion II library.

• Percussion Assortment 2 (08:53) - Even more percussion instruments, tools and articulations are discussed to finish out the instrumental discussion for the Orchestral Percussion expansion library.

Orchestral Grooves

• Orchestral Percussion I MIDI Grooves (09:53) - Learn about the wide variety of orchestral MIDI that is included with the Orchestral Percussion expansion library.

• Orchestral Percussion I Rudimental MIDI (05:30) - Luke demonstrates some of the rudimental MIDI for the Orchestral Percussion I library, including examples of various drum rolls.

• Orchestral Percussion II MIDI Grooves (06:07) - Experience several examples of the included MIDI grooves for the Orchestral Percussion II library and how to use them effectively.

Room Mics & Mixer Settings

• Utilizing Mains, Outrig & Close Mic Channels (04:24) - Luke shows you the mixer layout for the Orchestral Percussion library in detail, including close instrument mics, main output mics and room mics.

• Individual Room Mics (04:47) - See how each individual room mic found within the Orchestral Percussion library can be utilized for creating a more realistic sound.

• All Room Mics (05:37) - Luke shows you how to use several or all room mics simultaneously for ultimate mixing flexibility within the Superior Drummer 3 mixer.

• Perspectives Overview & Hard Perspective Mixes (08:03) - Luke explains the included mix presets and how each provides a different and unique perspective for the listener.

• Soft Instrument Perspectives & Surround Options (05:16) - Luke continues his discussion of the Orchestral Percussion mix presets and discusses soft tool selection mix options along with surround sound mix presets.

• Mix Perspectives Orchestral Percussion II (04:54) - Luke concludes his discussion of the mixer and mix presets with examples from the Orchestral Percussion II portion of the library.

Working with the Orchestral Percussion SDX

• Customizing Mix Channels & Room Mics (06:31) - Luke shows you some additional examples of how to configure the close, mains and room channels within the Orchestral Percussion library.

• Mixer FX & Routing (11:23) - Learn how to leverage the power of the built in Superior Drummer 3 mixer FX to enhance your orchestral productions.

• Orchestral RAM Management (13:18) - Luke discusses how to manage the RAM footprint when using this library, while still getting the most out of every instrument, tool option, articulation variation and room mic channel.